Profit rules for printers: sales tips from Nick Devine

Sales expert Nick Devine is back with more advice on how to keep on top of your business in tough times.

Imagine a forest with a group of lumberjacks cutting timber.  They are hard at it all day long swinging axes, felling trees and hauling timber, sweat dripping from their brow as they work, work, work. 

As you look closer you notice a smaller number of what appear to be managers running about the forest.  They are arranging axe-sharpening sessions, food breaks, and haulage schedules while making sure the lumberjacks are performing to their highest potential.   

As another day draws to a close you see a 4-wheel drive appear in a clearing.  Some of the managers rush to the car and a tall, well-groomed man steps out of the vehicle.  He walks over to what appears to be the largest tree in the area and begins to climb.  Slowly but surely he makes his way to the top.

You’re very curious by this time and continue to watch.  As he reaches the top you see him hold a pair of binoculars to his eyes and survey the whole forest.  Eventually he shouts down to the team below: “WRONG FOREST”.

All of us from time to time need to get some altitude in our lives and in our business.  This never happens when we slave away in our business.  It can only happen when you take time to reflect.  You can do this yourself, you can use a coach, you can attend a course or you can read some inspiring books.  I do them all.  (Does that reinforce the idea that the Irish are slow?)

This first section of 'Profit Rules for Printers' is designed as a starting point to see if you are working in the right forest.  Do you have the right strategy, the ideal prospects for your business, the best value propositions? Are you living the lifestyle you want? Are you making enough personal income? 

For more information, click here for all the tips.