In a mere decade cell phones have claimed a similar status as a wallet or purse; you're not fully dressed until the little clamshell is snuggled next to you. Cell phones are no longer novel, they're just another fragment of technology's sweep through our culture. Do you need one? Of course! Do you want to be left behind?
The ring of your cell phone provides a momentary rush. It makes us feel important in an impersonal world. For just a moment our busy world stops as we focus our attention on a little mechanical device and say, “Hello”. Briefly it's 'all about me'.
Organizations thrive because of the people who operate them. When the people are comfortable, alert and free of stress they are able to perform at their peak ability. When people are experiencing discomfort their work suffers. Human performance and organizational performance are linked. Good ergonomics means good business.
{mosgoogle}Ergonomics is the study of the workspace that explores the relationship between people, their equipment, their workstation and the tasks performed. When a business operates in a supportive environment, their workers function at optimal performance. Simple ergonomics can drastically improve a worker's health and comfort while increasing their productivity and satisfaction.
No one likes to pay more taxes than they need to. Here are some strategies to help you maximize your RSP performance.
Make the Most of Your RSP
When it comes to “tax-wise” investing, an RSP is hard to beat. Not only are your RSP contributions tax deductible, providing you with immediate tax savings, they also grow faster due to being within a tax-deferred vehicle. This “dual tax advantage” can enable you to build a much larger retirement nest egg over time, compared to a non-registered investment.
Last year's Print Ontario 2004 was a dynamic and innovative trade show that lined-up over 200 exhibitors (over 400 with their partners). Now that the show is over we've had time to identify the Top Picks:
One benefit of computers is their ability to perform repetitive tasks. For instance, Photoshop provides a scripting feature that saves time and increases efficiency. If you're preparing several images for a website or catalogue, normally each image would have to be opened and several commands assigned to them. Using Actions you can automate this process.
Begin by opening Photoshop's Actions Pallet. From the menu, choose Actions. You'll see a group (or set) of prerecorded actions named “Default Actions.atn”. You can add a new Action under this default set or create a new set to save your own. To use any action, open a file and choose an action and press Play.
You've got a great product or service that beats the competition hands down. Once you get in front of people or get them on the phone, they're sold. The only problem is you're not getting enough of those initial conversations with prospects started so you can convert them into clients. Instead of having your phone ringing off the hook with requests, you feel like your firm is the best kept secret in your industry.
Sound familiar?
The shift to computer-to-plate has forced our industry to adopt new proofing strategies to ensure jobs print as expected. Since digital proofing is here to stay, what do we need to know about digital proofing to ensure the greatest accuracy is achieved?
What is the state of digital proofing today? What new technologies are evolving? Can we accept a continuous-tone inkjet proof for final colour? Is it possible to accurately proof on a monitor? How do viewing conditions impact a digital proof? These are some of the questions facing those involved in bringing their creation to press.
Few sales professionals, independent consultants or small business owners take the time to plan a strategy for their business. Most people spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning the direction of their business. Most have a general idea of what they want to accomplish but very few identify the specific action steps needed to achieve their goals. I'm not suggesting you create a 25-30 page business plan, but that you begin outlining the goals and how you plan to get there.
The only way you will ever truly succeed in this new knowledge-based economy is to become a star at work, that is, an individual who stands far above the crowd and one who is totally unique in a world where most people are trying to be more alike. The moment you make a deep commitment to becoming a star at work and burning all your bridges to the person that you once were, your life will change in an unmistakable way. The day you decide to start acting like the person you were destined to become is the day that you begin to tap into the wellspring of human talents that will lead you to your own form of personal greatness.
A key challenge for printers is managing their human resources to keep pace with technological change. Finding a practical solution has preoccupied Ian Broomhead, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at CP Printing Inc. since the early 1980s, when he switched from being an independent prepress consultant to building the prepress department at CP (then his father's company). Recently he shared some management tips on getting the best from both staff and technology:
Habits we have formed over the years can be time wasting, unhealthy, obnoxious, boring or outright dangerous. They can limit our effectiveness, stunt our personal growth, and dissipate our energy. They can cut years from our lives. Antagonize friends. Alienate loved ones.
Or they can be constructive, positive, healthy, and desirable. They can save time. Relieve tension. Increase our effectiveness.
There is a popular belief in North American that the key to success is to be your own boss – to own your own business.
The thinking goes something like this: “I will have complete control over my own time, no one will be telling me what to do, I will have prestige in my community, lots of money ”, and so on. Sound familiar?
Like any widely held belief, there are elements of truth to it. Many business owners do very well and don't work for anybody other than their own business. However, owning a business is anything but a piece of cake. Along with the positive aspects, there are significant challenges that aren't always foreseen.
I'd like to wish all of our readers a belated Happy New Year.
This issue is the start of our 8th year of publishing The Graphic Arts Magazine. We are very positive about the future of our industry and our
role in it. We welcome your feedback.Last week I attended the funeral of Hugh Foster at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Toronto. Hugh was co-owner of Foster Graphic Equipment and he was well known and respected in the Canadian printing industry. He began working with A.B. Dick in 1959 and continued with the company for 17 years. In 1976 Hugh started National Graphics and 12 years later, he and partner Andy Bovill, launched Foster Graphic Equipment. In his eulogy, Jay Mandarino, owner of C.J. Graphics, referred to Hugh as "a father figure to the people in the industry". His friends and associates in the industry will sadly miss him. We extend our sympathies to his family.
Our congratulations to Point One Graphics on their recent move to their new 78,000 sq. ft. facility that includes the addition of three new presses, a 6 colour Heidelberg, another 6 colour with hybrid UV and a 10 colour with roll-to-sheet feature. This expansion is just another example of a company investing with a renewed confidence in the industry.
The weather outside is howling at -25 degrees but by the time you receive this issue we will be at The Graphics of the Americas Show in Florida, where the weather will be a great relief! If you attend the show please drop by our booth, #176.
I will finish with an Irish blessing:
May you always have
A soft breeze when summer comes,
A warm fire in winter,
And always the warm soft smile of a friend.
As always, stay positive