Increased pressure on margins has meant that we all have to compete harder to survive in the marketplace full of diverse choices. And by emerging from one of Nigeria’s unplanned economic downturns, this has further reshaped my thoughts on business – and I know you too! As a positive thinker, I will like to briefly share some of the lessons I leant from this recession with you which I know will be invaluable to all of us in navigating any tough economic climate because controlling the course of a tough economic climate isn’t always easy, but by learning from another person’s mistakes has the potential of reshaping you not only away from errors but most importantly shape your perception and focus as a leader in positive ways. In a nutshell, I have learnt that our focus and energy should be directed to:
KNOWING WHO IS IMPORTANT TO US
Importance is not just about the customers that we spend the most of our time and resources on; it is also about those who present the greatest risk to our business. I evaluate my business spending pattern vis a vis the running cost against revenue. The recession taught me how to better allocate resources. What’s important? Cut running cost against revenue.
UNDERSTAND THEM
Understanding what our customers do or want is important. To truly understand our customers, first we need to get close to them and then stay there; investing time to investigate and understand their psychology and patronage pattern. Recession further taught me to monitor signs of change that might warrant patronage or any other business activities through candid feedback and interaction.
HELP THEM TO HELP US
Whilst our competitors are working on the next big thing, I’ve learnt that we need to work harder to differentiate and succeed by helping our customers succeed. We must consistently find new ways to gain competitive advantage.
DON’T TAKE THEM FOR GRANTED
Another key lesson learned from this recession is that we must identify which customers are crucial to us. Then, we can better manage risk and progressively work closely with other critical few that hold the potential to make a sustainable, game-changing difference to our business.
EVERYTHING ELSE BUT PRODUCT IS A DISTRACTION
I also leant that the resources we have should simply be directed towards building the best brand imaginable. Invariably, I must pack out irrelevances (project/ staff).
NETWORK!
Finally, it’s really is a matter of who you know these days. So this recession has taught me to keep in touch with valuable old friends and colleagues. This will definitely pay off in the long run because they’re in the league of influencers. You can never tell who needs what? Invest in yourself to be relevant. Take opportunity of print shows and events to gain better understanding and edge over your competition. Join WHERE To Print Delegation to FESPA Africa 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa; PRINT 17 in Chicago, USA and IPEX 2017 in Birmingham, UK; and if you’re not opportune to travel out of the country, attend the biggest and the best value-driven print and packaging exhibition in West Africa – PROPAK West Africa 2017 in order to partake in series of free refresher courses on print and allied business during the seminar and workshops.
Bu
t before you start preparation for these events, check out how the US Embassy in Lagos (via the Commercial Service Section) has concluded plans to facilitate Nigeria Delegation to PRINT 17 in Chicago, USA. Read exclusive’ coverage plus pictorials of WHERE To Print report of Breakfast Session with U.S. Commercial Counselor, Mr. Brent E. Omdahl held at the American Guest Quarters, Ikoyi Lagos on our PRINT IMPACT AROUND NIGERIA page titled PRINT 17: US COMMERCIAL SERVICE HOLDS BREAKFAST SESSION FOR DELEGATES from page 19. Read other latest news across the country on the PRINT IMPACT AROUND NIGERIA Section (from page 14) culminating in WHERE TO PRINT VOX POP from page 32.
This edition is also characteristically embellished with major stories and exclusives recorded in the last two months within the industry worldwide in our PRINT IMPACT AROUND THE WORLD (from page 12) and to aid your packaging business, this issue of WHERE TO PACKAGE will help your brands stand and keep pace in this volatile consumer market. Check out page 36 and 38 for the story titled: EFFECTIVE PACKAGING FOR 2017 CONSUMER TRENDS.
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On our core print business, our COVER STORY will help you improve colour quality and consistency using five critical steps in a colour-managed workflow. Turn to pages 28 and 29 to read FIVE KEY STEPS IN A COLOUR MANAGED WORKFLOW and be efficient in your print operation.
Lastly, we feature the Chief Executive of Wyston International LTD, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital – Mr. Sunday Adeleye in our OTHER SIDE OF PRINT Section. Please read to learn from his innate attributes from page 40.
And as digital print has come to stay, we are taking one of the nation’s biggest and leading digital print distributors – Mr. Sameh El Farra, Chief Operating Officer of Tenaui Africa Limited on the spot in this edition. Titled: “NIGERIA SHOULD EXPECT MORE FROM US”, this edition of EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW from page 34 sheds light on his company’s plans for the Nigerian market; his partnership with renowned digital brands and most importantly, an expose’ on after-sales support scheme offered by Tenaui Africa Limited.
Finally, I will like to enjoin you to remain focused, plan ahead and commit all your endeavours to your Maker as the Author and Finisher of your faith.
Please continue to do good!
Joju Adekanbi
jojuadekanbi@yahoo.com
0803 862 9114
