INDUSTRY TIPS / THE ONLINE PRINT COACH Build Your Network, Nail Your Pitch One thing remains true in the printing industry – people buy from people. You can have the nicest looking website, the shiniest new kit, and the most competitive pricing – but if you’re not showing up, building relationships, and getting known for what you do, you're leaving business on the table. Networking isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s not something we squeeze in-between quoting jobs and chasing proofs, it’s a genuine, consistent, and powerful growth strategy. When all this is combined with a killer elevator pitch, it becomes a huge advantage to your business. Why Networking Still Works (and Always Will) The print industry thrives on referrals, reputation, and repeat business, we all know that. But too many print business owners rely on waiting for work to come in rather than proactively going out and generating it. Networking gives you a seat at the table. Whether it’s an industry expo like The Print Show, a local Chamber of Commerce meeting, or a focused online group like Print Mastermind, networking opens doors you didn’t know existed. These opportunities can lead to strategic partnerships, warm referrals, market insights, increased brand visibility, and shorter sales cycles. Let’s face it, print buyers want to work with people they know, like, and trust. Networking fast-tracks that process. Playing the Long Game (With Short-Term Wins) Networking isn’t a quick fix, you don’t show up to one event and walk away with a six-figure deal. But when done right, consistently, and with intention, it builds Perfecting your elevator pitch can be crucial in today’s economy in order to win new customers and partners. Colin Sinclair-McDermott, the Online Print Coach, gives his advice on nailing your pitch for various different scenarios Having been in the print industry since the mid-late 90s, Colin Sinclair McDermott entered the world of self-employment in 2004 and over the years that followed, experienced a number of highs and lows running his own print company, learning what does and doesn’t work. In 2022, he trained with The Business Coaching Academy to become a fully certified corporate coach with the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches. Through The Online Print Coach, industry members can access an online training platform, Print Mastermind and private 1-to-1 coaching with Sinclair McDermott. www.theonlineprintcoach.com a pipeline that delivers again and again. Think of it like this: every interaction you have in a networking space is a deposit in your "trust bank", and trust is the currency that converts. What does “doing it right” look like? • Show up regularly. Be visible. • Be genuinely interested in others. • Offer value before asking for business. • Follow up properly. A chat at an event is worthless if it ends there. 36 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354
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