MI4P, Author at Marketing, content, & technology to help printers sell more printing

There’s something powerful that happens when print shop owners from across the country gather under one roof. Ideas are exchanged. Friendships are formed. Inspiration spreads. That was exactly the case at this year’s NPSOA Conference in North Little Rock, Arkansas—and we’re still riding the wave of energy and insights from the event. Whether you joined us for the first time or you’re a returning NPSOA veteran, this year’s conference reminded us all why events like this are more than just good business—they’re good for the soul. A Few Highlights (And Smiles) from the Event From workshops on AI to breakout sessions on streamlining workflows with Odyssey, the conference was packed with hands-on learning and fresh perspectives. We loved sharing our passion for helping print shops run smarter, faster, and more profitably—and just as much, we loved learning from you. Why Conferences Like This Matter Sure, you can read articles, attend webinars, and watch product demos from your desk—but there’s nothing quite like being in a room full of people who face the same daily challenges as you do. At NPSOA, we saw firsthand how powerful it is when printers: Talk shop with peers who have walked in their shoes Discover

Some careers are just jobs. But printing? Printing is a beautiful mix of chaos and craft. There’s a rhythm to a print shop. The hum of machines. The smell of ink. The constant dance between deadlines and design. And then—there’s that moment. The one where a finished piece is held in someone’s hands, and suddenly, everything clicks. Nobody captures that better than a seasoned printer with nearly 50 years in the business. John Henry, owner of Mitchell’s Speedway Press in Oswego, NY, recently shared this heartfelt reflection on Facebook: The Life of a Printer (or, What Can Befuddle Me…) By John Henry, Mitchell’s Speedway Press For almost 50 years, I’ve been in the printing business. You’d think by now, nothing would surprise me. And yet, despite printing being literally in our name, despite our tagline spelling it out—Signs. Direct Mail. Design.—people still walk in or call and ask: “Do you do printing?”“Do you make signs?”“Can you design this?” At this point, I no longer question it. It’s not that they don’t know. It’s that they don’t know what to ask. So, we smile, say, “Of course we do,” and then magically transform their ideas into a finished project, delivered on

Tangible print marketing still makes the biggest impact. Flyers—versatile, cost-effective, and visually striking—continue to be one of the most effective tools for businesses looking to promote events, showcase offers, and connect with their audience. This month’s Direct Mail for Printers content (for May distribution) focuses on the power of flyers to grab attention, drive action, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re helping a business promote a Memorial Day sale, a community event, or a seasonal offer, these ready-to-use marketing pieces ensure your customers stay ahead with print. 5 DIRECT MAIL PACKAGE OPTIONS FOR PRINTERS May’s theme, Flyers: The Versatile Marketing Powerhouse, highlights the role of flyers as one of the most effective print tools for businesses. From creative folds to eye-catching layouts, this month’s content helps your print buyers leverage flyers for high-impact promotions. This theme runs through all our marketing packages, giving you a unified strategy to promote your services while helping your customers succeed with print. Coffee Break Newsletter Lighthearted 8.5″ x 14″ direct mail newsletter The Coffee Break newsletter adds humor and insight to keep your print shop top-of-mind with customers. This edition includes: A collection of lighthearted jokes, such as:“Why did the donut go to

Every successful print business has a system—an approach that keeps things running smoothly and ensures print buyers keep coming back. But when things begin to feel overwhelming or inconsistent, that system can start to break down. At Marketing Ideas For Printers (MI4P), we believe in keeping things simple and repeatable. That’s why we follow a Proven Process—a clear framework that helps printing companies build effective marketing strategies, streamline technology, and ultimately sell more printing. If you’ve ever felt like owning a print business is too complicated or time-consuming, this process will give you clarity, structure, and a path forward. The MI4P Proven Process: Your Roadmap to Success The MI4P process isn’t just a checklist—it’s a guiding framework designed to meet you where you are and help you grow. Here’s how it works: Step 1: CONNECT – Understanding Your Business Needs Every print business is different. That’s why we start with a simple question: What’s your biggest challenge? For some, it’s an outdated website. For others, it’s not having enough leads. Maybe it’s struggling to keep up with social media. Whatever it is, we take the time to listen, understand your goals, and identify what’s standing in the way. At this

North Little Rock, Arkansas | March 20-22, 2025 Running a print shop means wearing a lot of hats—salesperson, customer service rep, production manager, marketer—you name it. But how often do you get to take a step back, connect with industry peers, and gain fresh ideas to grow your business? The upcoming National Print and Sign Owners Association (NPSOA) Conference in North Little Rock, Arkansas, is your opportunity to do just that. It’s more than just another industry event; it’s designed for print shop owners who want to improve efficiency, strengthen connections, and find practical solutions to real business challenges. And yes, we’ll be there, leading keynotes and workshops geared at helping you use AI to Reclaim Your Day and Your Business, as well as helping you streamline operations, reclaim your time, and improve your bottom line with Odyssey. Why Attending the NPSOA Conference Is Worth It Conferences aren’t just about product demos and free pens (although who doesn’t love a good pen?). Events like the NPSOA Conference offer real value: Face-to-Face Networking: Build relationships with peers, vendors, and industry experts. Actionable Learning: Attend workshops and keynotes designed specifically for print shop owners. Ask the Right Questions: Get tailored advice for your

Presentation matters. As printers, you know that whether you’re handing out materials at a trade show, meeting with clients, or organizing important documents, pocket folders offer a polished way to present your brand with confidence. This month’s Direct Mail For Printers content focuses on the power of print as a tangible, screen-free way to keep your brand visible and your materials organized. Custom pocket folders are more than just a tool—they’re an extension of your professionalism. Explore this month’s marketing lineup and find the right tools to help your print buyers make an impact. 5 DIRECT MAIL PACKAGE OPTIONS FOR PRINTERS April’s theme, Pocket Folders: Present with Professionalism, highlights the importance of branded organization tools for client meetings, trade shows, and corporate presentations. Custom pocket folders help your print buyers’ businesses stay organized while reinforcing their brand identity with every interaction. This theme weaves through all our offerings, providing a unified strategy to market your services and inspire your buyers to return time and time again. Coffee Break Newsletter Lighthearted 8.5″ x 14″ direct mail newsletter Adding a touch of humor and insight keeps your brand memorable. The Coffee Break newsletter brings a fun and engaging approach with: A collection

If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ve likely heard about the Reorder Forms Library (ROFL), but you may still have questions. Is it the same as a standard reorder process? How does it work? And most importantly, what’s in it for you and your clients? Well, your answers await below! What is the Reorder Forms Library? The Reorder Forms Library is a website add-on that creates a personalized, hassle-free experience for your repeat print buyers through Private Order Forms. It stores all the details of their frequently ordered jobs—such as brochures, business cards, or postcards—and organizes them into private, client-specific forms. These forms allow you to offer tailored pricing and eliminate unnecessary steps in the ordering process. Instead of navigating through generic forms or manually re-entering job specs, print buyers can quickly reorder what they need with just a few clicks. Why not just use the standard reorder process on my website? This is a common question, and the answer lies in personalization and efficiency. While your website’s standard reorder option allows clients to place repeat orders, it doesn’t customize the experience for their unique needs. The Reorder Forms Library goes a step further by: Tailoring forms specifically

As you look ahead to spring, know that with it comes fresh opportunities to build stronger relationships with your print buyers. Your buyers rely on you to provide high-quality printing and trust your expertise in marketing. In the March content, available now, we’re equipping you with powerful direct mail options and online tools to help you confidently market your business, stand out from competitors, and show your buyers why print remains a vital marketing channel. Unified Marketing Themes for 2025 March’s marketing content focuses on The Power of Newsletters—a tool proven to foster loyalty and keep your print buyers engaged. By promoting consistent, high-quality communication, newsletters allow you to showcase your print shop’s expertise while building lasting trust. This theme weaves through all our offerings, giving you a cohesive strategy to market your services and inspire your buyers to return time and time again. 5 Direct Mail Options to Choose From Coffee Break: A Newsletter That Engages Deliver smiles with Coffee Break, a lighthearted 8.5×14 newsletter your print buyers will enjoy. This fun, approachable marketing piece includes: Spring-themed jokes, like “Why don’t rabbits ever get hot in the spring? They have hare-conditioning!” A calendar featuring fun dates like Tartan Day,

Imagine being the first name that comes to mind (think: “Hey, Siri!”) when your customers are looking for answers, solutions, or guidance. Would you like to be a trusted coach who helps people set the course in their decision-making journeys? That’s the power of sales and marketing white papers. These in-depth, authoritative guides don’t just showcase your expertise—they create a bridge of trust, positioning your business as the partner who understands your customers’ challenges and has the solutions they need. For printing companies, white papers are a marketing cornerstone that can generate high-quality leads, build lasting customer relationships, and drive incredible sales results. What Are White Papers and Why Do Printing Companies Need Them? White papers are comprehensive guides designed to help readers understand an issue, solve a problem, or gain actionable insights for future decisions. For B2B companies like printing businesses, white papers are especially valuable because they cater to print buyers seeking detailed information to guide their purchasing decisions. Modern buyers (including print buyers) are more independent than ever, preferring to research options on their own. In fact: 87% of buyers use white papers during the early stages of their decision-making process. B2B buyers also rely on thought