It's Only Business

2006-12-29T10:36:00.000-05:00

BUSINESS ETHICS

According to Wikopedia; "Business ethics is a form of the art of applied ethics that examines ethical rules and principles within a commercial context, the various moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business setting, and any special duties or obligations that apply to persons who are engaged in commerce. "
Business ethics is a huge issue these days, and has become part of the required curriculum at business schools. Most religions outline rules to follow in a business setting. While it is relatively simple to know the legal aspects of business, ethics is not always so clear cut.
There are many resources and discussions available. The Markuta Center for Applied Ethics of the University of Santa Clara has a page of links for organizations both nationwide and international.
Business is not just about making a profit. Ethics in business, as in life, are an extremely important part of human existence.

2006-12-28T12:53:00.000-05:00

A GOOD YEAR

Here we are at the end of the year. So, how was it? If it wasn't so good, why? If it was great, why? It's always a good idea to crunch those annual numbers to complete the business puzzle. These days, just the fact that you're still in business is a positive statement. A common answer to the question is, "Ok, but it could be better. " Absolutely. How do we make it better?
It's like history; you can't know where you're going unless you see where you've been. What kind of mistakes were made? What products were your most profitable? Where can you cut some overhead? Should you add more equipment or find a supplier who can do the job better? Can you add lines and take the business in a different direction?
There are many more questions, of course, but you probably know what they are. Finding those answers are paramount. Your numbers don't lie. It's how you interpret those numbers that will make your business more successful.
Here's to a new, exciting and profitable year. Keep asking those questions and find the answers you need to be in the black, and green.

2006-12-26T18:25:00.000-05:00

WHERE'RE WE GOING?

There's an old joke that starts off, like many others, "I've got some good news, and some bad news. The good news is we're making great time. The bad news is we're completely lost."
Many businesses are like this joke. They start off with a business plan, but don't revise it. I relate a business to traveling because there are a lot of similarities. If you see traffic on the highway coming to a stop, do you take the service road and keep moving, or stay with the traffic?
Look at your business plan. It's difficult to plan ahead, but don't stay the course if your plan is not working. Sometimes a few adjustments are in order; maybe a complete overhaul is necessary.
If you don't keep your business current, it will become history.

2006-12-25T09:40:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I've spoken about the Holiday Season in a business sense, but today is Christmas. Personally, I don't celebrate Christmas, but to most Christians it is an important holiday. It's a time for families to come together and for some, a deeply spiritual time.
I have no problem when people wish me Merry Christmas, or wishing them the same. Political correctness may have its place, but I can understand why some folks are upset with the Happy Holidays greeting.
Separation of religion and government is, and has been, an important part of our constitution. Without this freedom, we could become like the Taliban. Of course, that's an extreme point of view. Is it possible to take it too far in the opposite direction? Absolutely!
Sometimes we need to lighten up. Merry Christmas to all.

2006-12-24T11:59:00.000-05:00

THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Every year my company, Merrick Printing, closes for the holiday season. We send out postcards after Thanksgiving annoucing the closing and adding a line about a new or interesting product. We follow up with calls to our customers so that they can get their orders done before we close. It's a busy, hectic time this month, but the time off is well worth it.
For our employees, it's a paid vacation. For my partner and me, it's a time of renewal. We have already discussed some ideas for next year, and I've already crunched some numbers in support of these new ideas.
There are many places that open for the three or four days this week, but we made the decision to close for the whole week over twenty years ago and find that it works for us and our customers.

2006-12-11T19:38:00.000-05:00

CUSTOMER SERVICE

A prospect called me today to find out about calendars. I gave him my website address and told him where to find samples and prices. He called me back five minutes later to tell me there was no website. My website was down.
I was on the phone two minutes later trying to get in touch with my rep at Verizon. I got his voicemail, and his manager's voicemail. Undeterred, I got in touch with another manager who attempted to help me. He promised that he would check on the problem and call me back in ten minutes.
Nine minutes later he called me back to explain what the problem was. Evidently, my rep had made an error and had entered the wrong code for my site. I was told that I would have to wait until tomorrow to sort it out. I started to flip out and told him that that was unacceptable. He tried to soothe me and replied that he would make some inquiries and call me back within an hour.
Forty minutes later he called and asked me if I was by my computer. Sure enough my site was back up. I thanked him profusely, and even apologized to him for flipping out. He explained that he was happy to put a smile on my face.
Samuel from Verizon exhibited excellent customer service. He turned a dismal situation into a great recovery. It's good to see that there are people out there like Samuel who care about clients, and keep their promises.
This blog is my salute to Samuel, and people like him that stoke the fires of good customer service.

2006-12-10T15:48:00.000-05:00

JUST DO IT!

OK, this is not a Nike ad, but all work and no play....
You have to do something physical. Play softball, touch football or basketball. If you don't like team sports, play golf, ski, swim or ride a bike. If you don't like sports, go for a walk and lift some light weights. There is something for everyone.
If you need to get started there are DVD's and websites to help. Men's Health is a great place to go for information on working out and nutrition.
A body is like a business, if it suffers from poor management, it shows. If your body is not performing at its best, your mind will not do as well either; and your mind comes in handy sometimes.
To paraphrase Woody Allen, "My brain is my second favorite organ."

2006-12-03T15:57:00.000-05:00

BUYING AND SELLING

When your customers buy your product, do they base their decision on price, quality or service? When you make a purchase, how do you choose a supplier? Chances are that all three items come into play.
These days, I find that price makes a big difference to many of my customers. However, I let them know that a low price without good service and quality will not make them happy. Many times when I give quotes on printing, and the initial reaction is, "That's a lot!". My answer is always, "Compared to what?". Most people don't have something to compare it with, and those that think they do, usually don't.
Clients don't always take time spent working on a job into consideration. Typesetting a journal, for instance, takes a large amount of time. A customer who balked at my price decided to typeset a jounal herself, and found out how time consuming it is. She let me typeset it next time. Also, typesetting is not just about capturing keystrokes; there is an art to it. And if I hear one more time, "You're just going to do it on the computer.", I will scream!
My largest purchase is usually paper. I want my supplier to give me the best price, but I also want good paper, and a timely delivery. If the paper won't run through my press and I can't get it when I need it, price doesn't matter.
Remember that price does not have to be the end all when buying. Sometimes educating your client or prospect about price versus quality and service will get that sale.

2006-11-29T19:53:00.000-05:00

NO CARBON REQUIRED

If you're of a certain age or older, you might remember that the "cc" on the bottom of a letter meant carbon copy. Although carbon paper is still in use on some forms, it's use has declined since the advent of carbonless paper, and the near obsolescence of typewriters(not quite dead!). Carbon paper is very simple; it's placed, carbonized side down, between two sheets. Putting pressure on the paper with a pen makes the carbon come off onto the second sheet.
Carbonless copy paper also works in a fairly simple way. It consists of sheets of paper that are coated on the bottom and/or the top with micro-encapsulated dye or ink and/or a reactive clay. The back of the first sheet is coated with micro-encapsulated dye. The top of the middle sheet is coated with a clay that quickly reacts with the dye to form a permanent mark. The back of the middle sheet is also coated with the dye. The lowermost sheet is coated on the top surface with the clay with no coating applied to the back side. When the sheets are written on, the pressure from the point of the writing instrument causes the micro-capsules to break and spill their dye. Since the capsules are so small, the print obtained is very accurate.
This patented product was invented by Robert E. Miller and Robert W. Brown, while working for Appleton Papers in Wisconsin. NCR is Appleton's brand name, and , of course, stands for No Carbon Required.
Merrick Printing exclusively uses NCR Paper for all their multi-part forms.

2006-11-26T18:14:00.000-05:00

THE UBIQUITOUS CATALOGUE

The good news for printers like me, is that catalogues are not becoming obsolete. In fact, according to an article by Louise Lee in this week's BusinessWeek, there were about 19 billion catalogues sent out in 2005, compared to 16 billion in 2002.
It seems that, even though all the advertisers have a website, they need to spread the word so customers will come to their sites. Also, the color will always look better printed on glossy paper than on a monitor, no matter how good the resolution is. Companies can also attach samples, such as fabric, to the catalogue.
These catalogues are smaller than previous ones, and show only selected items. Ms. Lee says that Victoria's Secret will mail 400 million catalogues this year. Yes, that is good news.

2006-11-25T12:18:00.000-05:00

THE BUSINESS OF WRITING

I do not, by any stretch of the imagination, consider myself to be a professional writer. Many bloggers, by definition, are professional in varying degrees of remuneration.
My original intention in starting this blog was to create a little buzz, and bring more traffic to my company website, Merrick Printing. If you, or someone you know, purchase printing and mention this blog, I will take 10% off of your invoice.
This might, possibly, make me a professional writer.

2006-11-24T14:02:00.000-05:00

THE OLD LETTERPRESS

Before digital printing and offset printing, there was letterpress printing. This printing process started with Johann Gutenberg in 1450 with his press, and the start of movable type. It was refined over the next five centuries, originally made of wood, then iron and later steel. It operated first manually, then by steam power, water power and later by electrical motor.
When I started in the printing industry I operated a number of letterpresses. In 1985 when we bought Merrick Printing, we had a working Heidelberg Windmill letterpress and a Linotype hot lead typesetter. Although we scrapped the typesetter, we still have the letterpress. We do use it occasionally, but not as much as we used to.
However, the demise of letterpress is not true. One only has to visit Briar Press, and see what the enthusiasts have to say. If you are a fan of printing or history, take a trip to this site.

2006-11-20T20:41:00.000-05:00

PAYING THE COST TO BE THE BOSS

When you're in charge, you are saddled with the responsibility of making sure the business runs smoothly. The taxes get paid, your employees get paid, your suppliers get paid, and somewhere down the line you get a few bucks. After all, if you're not making a profit, you're not in business. Having a hobby is great, but most of us don't make money off it.
The simplicity of "buy low, sell high" doesn't always work that way in practice. There are many factors such as overhead, competition and service or production problems conspiring to decrease your profit margin.
Generally speaking, most small businesses are either retail/wholesale, manufacturing or service. In the retail/wholesale area, it is a matter of getting the product from your supplier at a low price, so you can sell at enough of a profit to cover your overhead and have something to show for your efforts. In manufacturing you're buying various components and making them into new products to be sold either retail or wholesale. The service businesses sell their time/labor, but can make a profit on selling equipment/components that may be necessary.
Of course this is a simplistic view of business. Any business that you own will be more work than working for someone else. Be aware that being your own boss is not for everyone. There's something to be said for a steady paycheck and benefits. Some people are great employees, some are great entepreneurs. However, it is possible to do both, to some extent.

My wife, Susan, has a new blog(I love the name), You're Not The Boss Of Me. Check it out, there are some great ideas on it.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, a true American holiday that overlooks religion and race, but can be tailor made to anyone's creed. Please remember the less fortunate today.

2006-11-10T21:46:00.000-05:00

BUSINESS CARDS
A Brief History

Business cards evolved from a fusion of traditional trade cards and visiting cards.

Visiting cards (also known as calling cards) first appeared in China in the 15th century, and in Europe in the 17th century. The footmen of aristocrats and of royalty would deliver these first European visiting cards to the servants of their prospective hosts solemnly introducing their arrival.

Visiting cards became an indispensable tool of etiquette, with sophisticated rules governing their use. The aristocracies of North America and the rest of Europe adopted the practice from French and English etiquette.

Visiting cards included refined engraved ornaments and fantastic coats of arms. The visiting cards served as tangible evidence of the meeting of social obligations. The stack of cards in the card tray in the hall was a handy catalog of exactly who had called and whose calls one should reciprocate. They also provided a streamlined letter of introduction.

With the passage of time, visiting cards became an essential accessory to any 19th-century upper or middle class lady or gentleman. Visiting cards were not generally used among country folk or the working classes.

Trade cards first became popular at the beginning of the 17th century in London. These functioned as advertising and also as maps, directing the public to merchants' stores, as no formal street address numbering system existed at the time.

Businesses used their cards as marks of distinction and thus introduced the first modifications in their design. Later, as the growing demand for the cards boosted the development of color printing, more sophisticated card designs appeared, making the cards works of art.

The trend toward fanciful trade cards was balanced by the pragmatic need of a growing group of private entrepreneurs who had a constant need to exchange contact information. These users often started to print out their own cheaper business cards.

2006-10-31T20:57:00.000-05:00

SEASONAL CARDS

This is a good time of year to order your holiday cards. Your clients will appreciate receiving a card from you and it will keep your company on their mind. There are so many types of cards available: religious, calendar greetings, patriotic, global, business appreciation, etc. A card shows that you're thinking of your customer, and value their business.
To see samples of cards, go to my website at the link listed below and click on the services tab, then click on the holiday cards. You can order as little as 25 cards, or thousands if you need them.
We'll also do the mailing for you if it's too daunting a task. There's no excuse to send them out, just do it soon. For more information, just go to Merrick Printing

2006-10-19T22:40:00.000-04:00

"HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US?"
A good entrepreneur needs to know where his or her new clients and prospects are coming from. It can be one of your advertising sources, a recommendation, or a passerby noticing your sign. My mother used to say to me, "It never hurts to ask"; and when you or your staff answer the phone, ask them how they came to you.
There are so many ways to advertise, and we need to occasionally refine the process. Many companies have a large part of their advertising budget dedicated to the internet, but print and direct mail are still quite viable for some. It all depends on your type of business, the clients you seek and the scope of your operation.
Merrick Printing has had a small ad in the local Yellow Pages for many years. This year when the ad came up for renewal, we tried to justify re-running it. I still get many prospects using this low tech method, and in combination with the price break they gave us for enlarging our ad, we decided to do it.
One aspect of my Yellow Page ad that I find comical is that when many women respond to my query about advertising, their mention of the Yellow Pages is usually accompanied by a giggle. I don't know why. I have asked, but I've never gotten a good answer.
The bottom line is to periodically evaluate your advertising by seeing what brilliance best brings in the Benjamins. After that alliteration, I'm done.

2006-10-01T18:00:00.000-04:00

CHANGE COUNTS

There was a good article in Newsday's Money & Careers section about people who save change. According to Coinstar, Inc., Americans have an estimated $10 billion in coins accumulating in ashtrays and jars. The average household has about $99 in change sitting around.
I'm an advocate of collecting change. I remember my father doing it. He had a chocolate syrup jar for pennies, a mini safe for dimes, and a coin stacker for nickels and quarters. Back then, coins had to be manually counted and inserted into appropriate sleeves for their denomination, and your account number written on each roll. This changed when Coinstar started putting their coin counting machines in supermarkets across the country. Unfortunately there is an 8.9% fee for using their device. However, some of their counters will give you gift cards to Amazon.com, Borders and other stores at no charge.
Many banks are now utilizing coin counters as a marketing tool, because it brings prospective clients into the bank. It's also a great service for its customers. At my local Commerce Bank branch they have two "Penny Arcades" that are also kid friendly. They talk to the kids and play a guessing game with them. I find that they are easy to use and my kids use them too.
I no longer have to separate my change, and I have a two gallon bottle that I toss my change into every day. It's a great way to build wealth on a small scale. If I am able to lift that bottle when it's full, there will be a good amount of cash coming my way.

2006-09-24T12:11:00.000-04:00

SHADES OF GRAY

Sometimes business ethics are not always black and white. As a printer, I've been asked to do many things that are I consider unethical and maybe illegal. For instance, a man came into my shop and asked me to produce passports from a certain Caribbean nation. When I told him that I couldn't do that, he said it's OK, he's from the government of that country. That was creative, but the answer is still no.
I often have people coming in with diplomas, asking me if I can make an official looking copy and change the name. The reasoning being that they lost their diploma, and either the school is no longer in existence, or does not issue duplicates. If you're going to be dishonest, at least tell me the truth. Do I look stupid?
Sometimes I'm asked to produce letterhead for a large corporation. I'm happy to take the order from the company, but not from an individual that only needs to know how much it will cost for ten copies. It's probably not illegal, but someone is up to no good.
When people hear about counterfeiting, they think it's about printing currency. However, documents, tickets and other forgeries are big business. There are businesses out there that are more than ready to produce these illegal documents. The payoff is huge, but is it worth it? Not only can you lose your business and your freedom, but many people can get hurt by these actions.
Sometimes I have to question the simple act of making copies; what are they using them for? Is it my job to monitor this? I can't always be resposible for every item that comes through my business, but I try to listen to my gut feelings.
Business ethics have come to the forefront in the past few years. We have to strive to do the right thing. It's not always black and white, but we have to distinguish between the different shades of gray.
I like the story about the people who forged pennies, so as to avoid suspicion. However, it cost them more to produce the pennies than they were worth. This was not only illegal, but downright stupid. A great example of business gone bad.

2006-09-17T12:45:00.000-04:00

BE CREATIVE

When you want to sell your products, you have to get people to your business, and get them in a buying mood. Putting this together is no easy task. However, when we were vacationing in North Carolina's Outer Banks, I saw a great example of creative marketing.
The Outer Banks is a dog friendly vacation haven. I've never seen so many dogs on the beach or anywhere else for that matter. A pet store in the town of Duck, aptly named the Outer Barks, has a "yappy" hour every week for dogs and their owners. The canines are treated to homemade ice cream, cakes and buscuits. There is a wading pool and paw print art for our four-legged friends. There is also wine and cheese for the adults, and juice for the kids.
My pug, Shana, really enjoyed the wading pool, and I sat there with her enjoying the great view of the sound. My wife went inside the store to buy some biscuits and get me a cup of wine. She informed me of the buying frenzy that was going on; not just biscuits and collars, but big ticket items like framed numbered prints.
They also have a weekly Barker Brunch that, I hear, is well attended. You can visit them when you're in Duck, or see them at http://www.outerbarks.com/. It's only business, but you have to know your customer, and doggedly market to them.

2006-09-14T22:07:00.000-04:00

BLENDING AC/DC AND AUDREY HEPBURN

The "Keep it Simple" campaign features original film footage of style icon Audrey Hepburn dancing in the movie "Funny Face," juxtaposed to the AC/DC song "Back in Black." The campaign relaunches Gap's skinny black pants and includes the tagline, "It's Back--The Skinny Black Pant." This marks the first time in more than 12 years that a film clip of Hepburn has been authorized to endorse a commercial product in North America. "We wanted to do something really special to relaunch our skinny black pants and thought who better to showcase them than actress Audrey Hepburn--an iconic woman famous for dressing with sophistication and classic style," said Trey Laird, creative director of the company. The 30- and 60-second spots will air through Oct. 5. The campaign follows disappointing sales results for Gap Inc. in August.
Posted by DavePinter on September 7, 2006 at 12:58 PM

This commercial has become an instant classic for me. I love AC/DC and I grew up watching Audrey Hepburn movies. I don't look at many commercials, but this one is great. Sometimes blending works; it depends on how it's done and who's doing it. The why is also very important. Advertising is a key part of business, getting the word out to move product. We'll see how this plays out for the Gap.
As for me, I'm entertained, but I'm not buying skinny black pants.

2006-09-11T22:40:00.000-04:00

CHECK YOUR CALENDAR. Ever wonder about that wall or desk calendar? The ubiquitous calendar is a great and relatively inexpensive way to advertise your company or organization. It's target marketing at it's best. You get your name, phone number, e-mail and web site on your client's or prospect's wall or desk 24 hours a day for 365 days. A calendar is also a nice give-away for many people. You can get calendars tailor-made to your business, but always consider what your clients might like. Pictures of your plant and employees may not be what most people want to see, but there are scenic calendars, classic cars, history, comedy and religious themes. When you give out calendars, you're making it easier for clients to reach you. My company gives out a scenic America calendar every year. My customers appreciate it, and put it to good use. September is a good time to start planning your calendar marketing program. For more information, and to see the different calendars available, go to my website merrickprinting.net and click on my advertising specialties link. Click on Triumph Calendars and there you are. Feel free to e-mail me from my website if I can answer any questions. It's Only Business, but you have to spread the word.

2006-09-10T12:55:00.000-04:00

BUSINESS AND EDUCATION

Can education keep pace with the business world? This depends on the level of education and the type of business. In my experience, in the printing industry, I have customers who tell me how they learned printing in high school. Most of what I hear looks like this picture of woodcuts and handpress.

I taught high school 25 years ago after being in the industry for about 10 years. My class actually had similar equipment pictured in this old illustration. My first lesson was an introduction to printing, showing how it was done in the past. The next lessons were dedicated as much to the present as possible with the newer equipment available, and moving on to the future of printing at the end of the term. Unfortunately, my views of the future were murky at best.

At the college level there are professors who have been in the industry for many years. There are institutions, such as Rochester Institute of Technology, that are constantly updating their equipment. There are still many people choosing printing and publishing as their careers.

In the past 35 years I've seen an incredible amount of change. When we first bought Merrick Printing in 1985, a common question for sending a proof was, "Do you have a fax?". Usually it was by mail or messenger. E-mail and websites, of course, changed all that.

The problems with education keeping up with all the changes is that business can hardly keep pace with new technologies. It's not only the large outlay of capital; most new equipment becomes obsolete quicker than you can say buggy whip.

Luckily, there are many ways to work around these problems, but not every business can. More on this in a later post.

2006-09-06T19:50:00.000-04:00

HAVE FAITH IN BUSINESS

I usually enjoy talking to some of my customers that walk through my door. One of my discussions today was with a man who is opening a new restaurant across the street. I had printed business cards and take-out menus already, and he was looking to get varied fliers tailored to bring in different people.
I started to discuss why the previous restaurant in his location had gone out of business, hoping he could learn from their mistakes. He explained to me his vision of food, based on what his mother had taught him and his two brothers/partners: fresh ingredients, small batches,and attention to all details. Then he told me that all food will be free on Sundays! As a businessman that floored me.
He told me that it was his duty as a child of God to give back to the community. I said that was wonderful, charity is important, but the first struggling year of a business can mean future success or failure. He expresssed that his faith in God will mean success as long as he believes.
I replied that faith is very important to me too, but, after 21 years in business, I know a few things about running a small enterprise, and I would be happy to share my knowledge. After all, I have a vested interest for my customers to do well.
He smiled broadly and said, "God has been good to bring me to you today". I grinned and replied, "I guess so".
It's only business, but you gotta believe.

2006-09-04T22:08:00.000-04:00

Making Bread

Panera Bread is one of my favorite restaurants. It features healthy and tasty cuisine, nice ambiance and good value. It's a great place to bring the family, meet friends or just go solo. Many of the locations have wi-fi(great for posting those blogs), fireplaces, armchairs and jazz playing in the backround. Sometimes just a cup of coffee and a book or newspaper is wonderful, if I have the time. Obviously, if you have a Panera in your area, check it out.
Panera Bread is one of the top franchises. I seem to remember reading that they have surpassed McDonalds. They seem like they have a good business plan, great customer service and customer retention. Visit their website at panera.com for all sorts of information.
I am, in no way or form, getting paid for this particular posting. I just know a good thing when I see it, or eat it. It's only business, but a guy's gotta eat.

2006-09-03T12:47:00.000-04:00

THE NEWBIE

I've been researching blogs and websites in search of knowledge and ideas. It's amazing to me what, and who, is out there in blogsville. Of course my kids reply is, "Dad, it's the world wide web." I know. I grew up with TV, and it rarely amazes me. This is a learning experience.
Luckily, my wife, Susan, is a seasoned veteran. She is my blog rabbi for all my stupid questions. (Yes, we tell our children there are no stupid questions, but come on.) When I was doing my preblog searches, she asked me why I was doing that. Just start your blog!So here I am.
From my research, I see that we start blogging for many reasons. I started this as a discouse on business, and to maybe bring added traffic to my company website. I now see the business potential that blogging has. After reading many of the pieces of free advice, I am impressed how limitless this medium is. There are many directions to take in search of income.
It's good to make a few bucks, but I enjoy talking about business. I look at situations and look at the business motivations below the surface. My family recently spent a week renting a house on North Carolina's Outer Banks. It was my first time there, and I was astounded by the amount of houses being built. Vacationers are induced to buy property that will pay for itself with rentals. Of course the same real estate companies that sell, also handle the rentals. I saw many empty rentals and many older houses for sale. It seems that real estate and construction firms are making money, but some homeowners are finding it difficult to own their vacation homes.
Doing business is often a win-lose situation, where the business makes money, and someone, either a customer or supplier, loses money. Does it have to be like this? Sometimes, yes. You don't want a lose-win business. (That's called a write-off or a hobby.)
A win-win business, obviously, is paramount as far as I'm concerned. We'll talk more about this. After all, It's Only Business.

2006-09-02T13:33:00.000-04:00

Most of us have heard, at one time or another, "It's not personal, it's only business." That little saying is usually used to soothe over any bad feelings as a result of someone screwing you. Does it make you feel any better? Doubtful, but it gives the speaker a way of compartmentalizing the previous heinous act into some sort of business ethic.
My name is Joel Floss. I am presently a co-owner of Merrick Printing Company, Inc. Merrick Printing, located in New York City. I have been a small business owner for 21 years, and was in printing, teaching and sales before this.
I am always learning new things about printing and business in general. Just when I think I've heard it all, something new comes along to dispel that knowledge. It's a brave new world out there, where new technologies threaten to shake up old business ethics.
This blog is something new for me. My wife has been blogging for a while and is helping me set this up.