Strategy Development to Hold MPS Sales Training Workshop August 2014
June 26, 2014 – Strategy Development, a leading management consulting and advanced sales training firm, is conducting their award-winning MPS Sales training in Dallas, TX on August 19-20, 2014. The class will be held at the Residence Inn by Marriott – DFW Airport.
“We’ve helped scores of businesses and thousands of sales professionals successfully enter the MPS space, and we look forward to another great class,” stated Tom Callinan of Strategy Development.
The two-day class, MPS Sales Workshop, will be taught by Gary Schwartz, VP of Client Engagement, and will cover the MPS sales process for both small, fewer than 25 devices, and mid-sized, 50 – 250 devices, companies. MPS sales teams will learn how to:
- Approach the proper contact level and present a value proposition based on company size
- Get an appointment at the correct level
- Identify the areas of pain associated with the print environment based on company size
- Conduct an effective and efficient assessment to support the business case for change
- Price a transaction, both outsourced and equipment led
- Present a winning proposal
All attendees will leave with an electronic file that includes PowerPoint templates for a Value Proposition, a Strategy Session, a Proposal, a Quarterly Business Review and a Pricing Tool.
For more details please visit www.strategydevelopment.com/mpsfundamentals.
“Today, MPS is sold into most companies with more than 10 devices and many of those prospects have had some form of MPS presented to them,” stated Callinan. “So, it is important to be able to differentiate your offering and provide a compelling reason for a prospect to engage your company for an assessment. Our MPS Sales Workshop was specially designed to arm sales professionals with the tools they need to be successful in MPS and be successful at taking customers from competitors.”
The MPS Sales Workshop has been well received. Here’s what some past participants have stated:
All SD classes can also be held at your location for larger groups. For a list of all classes currently scheduled please visit www.strategydevelopment.com/events.
For more information or to register for the SD MPS class, please visit www.strategydevelopment.com/events or contact Gary Schwartz at schwartz@strategydevelopment.com or at (817) 600-2216.
Toshiba’s Compact, Powerful e-STUDIO Series Ideal for SMBs
June 25, 2014 — To outfit small-to-mid-size business owners with a high-performance print fleet featuring a compact, durable design as well as the security and mobile functionality they desire, Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. has introduced its e-STUDIO 507 series of six new MFPs.
With speeds reaching as high as 50 pages-per-minute, the company’s latest addition to its e-STUDIO line equips organizations with the flexibility to tackle high volume as well as smaller print tasks. As a result of the e-STUDIO507 series’ high toner yields (36,600 monochrome copies per cartridge) and abundant paper capacity (3,200 sheets), users may produce as many as 150,000 prints per month better enabling them to focus on the job at hand.
Coupled with its capability to handle nearly any print task, users additionally benefit from the products’ standout image quality. Delivering up to 2,400 x 600 dots-per-inch resolution, Toshiba’s print fleet produces crisp documents suitable for presentations as well as everyday use.
Aside from the e-STUDIO507 series’ impressive print production attributes, users will also appreciate its next-generation security, mobile and eco elements. By incorporating Toshiba’s proprietary 320 GB Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) meeting the strict U.S. Federal Information processing Standard 140-2, the freshly minted MFP line is ideal for any organization seeking to bolster data security. The MFPs are particularly suitable for use within such closely-regulated settings as government agencies and financial organizations. To prevent the copying of sensitive information, the MFPs also integrate Toshiba’s Hard Copy Security feature.
For those desiring to print and scan on the go, the new print fleet offers the array of benefits related with cloud and mobile printing and scanning for Apple® and Android™ smartphones and tablets via Toshiba’s e-BRIDGE™ Print & Capture software app.
To affirm Toshiba’s deep commitment to a more sustainable environment, the company’s latest print products are EPEAT rated. EPEAT is the definitive global rating system for greener electronics. The products additionally comply with the rigorous Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) ecological standard.
Toshiba also provides free toner recycling through its “Zero Waste to Landfill” program. Through the company’s partnership with Close the Loop, Toshiba accepts all brands of spent toner consumables. To further support its Zero Waste to Landfill initiative, Toshiba allows users to properly recycle e-STUDIO products once they are no longer operational.
The e-STUDIO507 series is now available for purchase at authorized Toshiba dealers starting at $6,885.
Konica Minolta Launches Dual Engine bizhub PRESS 2250P
June 25, 2014 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. has announced the launch of the bizhub® PRESS 2250P monochrome digital press. Developed by combining two bizhub PRESS 1250P engines in a single space-saving design, the new digital press is an ideal solution for print professionals that demand the highest levels of performance and productivity, according to a Konica Minolta press release.
The bizhub PRESS 2250P builds upon the technology of the bizhub PRESS 1250 series, which includes LED imaging and Simitri HD toner for true 1200 x1200 dpi print resolution. Printing at up to 250 duplex impressions per minute (15,000 per hour), the bizhub PRESS 2250P easily handles long-run digital printing for improved turnaround times on all print jobs. In addition to fast output, the bizhub PRESS 2250P delivers accurate registration and the best B&W image quality available, while also supporting wide array of substrate types and weights and a broad range of inline finishing options.
The bizhub PRESS 2250P also supports Konica Minolta’s EngageIT Automation and EngageIT XMedia (cross media) software platforms. Part of the company’s EnvisionIT Production solution offering, these solution platforms aim to help print production and service providers maximize profits through increased workflow efficiency, and expand their capabilities to help their end-customers leverage the power of multi-channel marketing.
Coordinated Business Systems: Exclusive Office Technology Provider for the 2014 MLB All Star Game
June 24, 2014 – For the past several years, Coordinated Business Systems has been the Official Document Imaging Technology Supplier to the Minnesota Twins. And this year, on July 15, 2014, Coordinated will expand that status as they will serve as the exclusive office technology provider for the 2014 MLB All Star game held at Target Field.
According to Jim Oricchio, President of Coordinated Business Systems, “It’s an honor to be involved and to contribute to such a great American sporting event such as the All Star Game. After all, it has been bringing families, generations and fans together since 1933.”
“Baseball, in my opinion, is the greatest game on earth but behind the players, managers, stadiums and condiments, it is run as a business with needs for innovative communication and technology requirements just like any other thriving business,” said Oricchio.
Coordinated will be providing support and access to high speed printers, MFPs, color copiers and scanners along with communication technology in order to meet the expectations of the teams, players, broadcasters and general media. Oricchio concluded, “We want our technology and support to be as awesome as the All Star Game itself.”
HP Expands Officejet Pro Printer Suite for Business
June 24, 2014 — HP has announced new HP Officejet Pro printers making it more affordable and easier for small businesses (SMBs) to print professional quality documents, according to the company. The HP Officejet Pro 6830 e-All-in-One and HP Officejet Pro 6230 ePrinter produces laser-like quality prints for up to 50 percent less cost per page than competitive color laser printers with print speeds up to 18 pages per minute, according to HP.
HP continues to offer mobile print solutions across the Officejet Pro portfolio. HP Officejet Pro printers feature secure printing through HP wireless direct, HP ePrint, AirPrint, Android printing, Samsung inOS printing and Google Cloud Print. Printing from across the office or on-the-go is easy from smartphones, tablets, Internet-connected notebooks, and PCs.
The HP Officejet Pro 6830 e-All-in-One is also eligible for HP Instant Ink, HP’s ink replacement service saving customers up to 50 percent on Ink. With HP Instant Ink, customers can enroll in one of three monthly plans allowing the printer to order Original HP replacement cartridges before the ink runs out.(4) The plans are based on the number of pages printed, not cartridges used, and customers pay a low monthly fee whether printing high-quality black and white, color documents or photos.
Pricing and availability
The HP Officejet Pro 6830 e-All-in-One starts at $179.99 and planned to be available in APJ starting July 1 with WW availability continuing throughout the year.
The HP Officejet Pro 6230 ePrinter starts at $99 and planned be available worldwide on September 1.
Toshiba’s Latest e-STUDIO Series Fulfills Users Need for Speed
June 24, 2014 — For organizations of any size seeking to produce high-volume print output, Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. has unveiled its e-STUDIO™557/657/757/857 series of MFPs.
With a maximum resolution of 2,400 x 600 dots-per-inch, the latest version of the company’s e-STUDIO line offers crisp monochrome documents at up to 85 pages-per-minute. Through its 7,600-sheet maximum capacity, the e-STUDIO857 series is capable of handling virtually any print job. Complementing the series’ productivity and exceptional image quality capabilities are leading security, mobile and eco features.
To assist in allowing end users and IT personnel to rest easier, the company’s newest MFPs include a robust 320 GB Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) that meets the ultra-stringent U.S. Federal Information Processing Standard 140-2. By attaining this validation, Toshiba’s latest print fleet may be used in such highly regulated environments as financial institutions and government facilities. Allowing for even greater data protection, Toshiba’s new e-STUDIO models include a Hard Copy Security feature to prevent the copying of sensitive documents.
For users seeking to wirelessly print and scan, Toshiba’s latest MFP fleet incorporates its next generation e-BRIDGE™ controller affording all of the benefits of cloud and mobile printing and scanning for Apple® and Android™ smartphones and tablets.
Underscoring its commitment to designing and delivering products while allowing its customers to demonstrate their environmental stewardship, the e-STUDIO857 series1 are EPEAT registered. EPEAT is the definitive global rating system for greener electronics. The products also meet the environmentally rigorous Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) compliance. Only the e-STUDIO657/757/857 models are EPEAT registered.
To further reduce users’ carbon footprint, Toshiba’s e-STUDIO line integrates recycled plastics throughout its chassis while coupling a low-temperature fusing toner and Super Sleep Mode feature – which reduces power consumption to as little as 1.5 watts.
The e-STUDIO857 series starts at $21,395
MWA Intelligence, Inc. and Technology United Prepares for Third Annual Executive Connection
June 24th, 2014 — MWA Intelligence (MWAi), an SAP Gold Partner and leader in enterprise-class Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Machine-to-People (M2P) solutions prepares to host 3rd Annual Executive Connection Summit, October 27-30th in Scottsdale, AZ.
The Executive Connection Summit (ECS) attracts hundreds of C-level professionals and industry leaders from across the country to participate in one of the most unique events the Imaging Industry has to offer. ECS is held at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ and promotes dialogue between attendees, vendors, and speakers and encourages dealers to participate in all aspects of the show.
“MWAi is pumping on all cylinders and we are aggressively planning our 3rd Annual Executive Connection Summit,” said Michael T. Stramaglio, President and CEO of MWAi. “This year our is goal is to attract unique and modern speakers that will help inspire new ideas to the dealers that they can use going forward in their business plans and eventually drive profit to their bottom line.”
With confirmed attendance from companies such as Intel, SAP, and Konica Minolta, MWAi continues to push the boundaries of what is considered normal in the Imaging Industry and promises to deliver a groundbreaking show.
“I am extremely excited to be part of such a fantastic event,” said Jenna Mammoser, VP of Marketing of MWAi. “ECS was built for the dealer community and harbors a completely different feel and platform for information exchange. It is truly unlike any other show the print industry has to offer. I am proud to be part of such a revolutionary event and I am confident the attendees will benefit from this two-day experience .”
GreatAmerica Schedules 2nd Service Leadership Managed IT Sales Training
June 23, 2014 – GreatAmerica Financial Services and Collabrance LLC will host a second Service Leadership Managed Information Technology (IT) Sales Training session on August 8, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, because the July session filled up so quickly. Office equipment and telecommunication dealers, independent VARs, and managed service providers with sights set on being top performers in Managed IT sales should attend. The session is designed for sales, sales and service leadership, Virtual Chief Information Officers, and IT subject matter expert individuals. Successfully Selling Managed IT for Win/Win Outcomes will explore a defined sales structure, process, and approach to selling profitable Managed IT Services. “The response we’ve received from IT solution providers for this training has been amazing. There is clearly pent-up demand for Managed IT sales training from proven, skilled experts,” said David Pohlman, EVP & COO of GreatAmerica. “Solution providers are eager to increase the effectiveness and profitability of each Managed IT deal as well as their entire sales process. I believe there is no greater resource in our industry for achieving that than Service Leadership.” Service Leadership currently delivers 15-20 Managed IT sales training events worldwide per year. The firm is the most recognized resource for Managed IT Services benchmarking (the Service Leadership Index®) and business consulting in the VAR space with a number of high-profile clients including Cisco and Microsoft. Their team’s vast experience with sales training and growing Managed IT revenues includes growing a Managed IT company from $3M to $50M in only 20 months, training 68 sales reps in the process. Nearly 80 individuals from solution providers across the country registered in a two-week timeframe for the first sales training session hosted at GreatAmerica and Collabrance headquarters in July.
Seating for the August 8 session is also limited. Find out more and register for the event by visiting http://www.greatamerica.com/sl.
BTA West to Host Capture the Magic Aug. 7-8 in Las Vegas
June 24, 2014 – On Aug. 7-8, 2014, the Business Technology Association’s (BTA; www.bta.org) West district will host its annual Capture the Magic event at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The educational and networking event, open to BTA member and non-member dealers from across the country, is all about providing the insight, guidance and tools office technology dealers need to embrace the new — a new future, a new business plan, a new sales strategy, a new service strategy, new team members and new opportunities.
The event will feature a keynote workshop by Jaynie Smith, president and CEO of Smart Advantage. There will also be six additional educational sessions presented by industry leaders that will collectively provide a look at all that is new in the industry.
Dealers will be able to participate in networking events that will allow them to connect with their peers, including a welcoming reception on Aug. 7, and a Cirque du Soleil Beatles LOVE show on Aug. 8. In addition, there will be time to visit with 31 exhibiting sponsors, many of which will hold drawings for great prizes during the event. Dealer attendees can also enter on site for a chance to win one of five $100 American Express gift cards from BTA West and enter the BTA District Event Sweepstakes.
Capture the Magic begins at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, with an opportunity for dealers to meet in groups of three with exhibiting sponsors until 3 p.m. (and earn up to $120 cash back). At 4 p.m., the educational program will get underway with Smith’s keynote workshop, “Why Should I Buy from You and Not Your Competition?” Following the keynote, the welcoming reception will be held until 7:30 p.m., giving attendees time to network with peers and exhibiting sponsors.
Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, followed by opening comments, educational sessions and lunch. After lunch, the final educational sessions will be held, followed by closing comments and prize drawings. Several extended breaks will take place during the day to give attendees time to network with peers and exhibiting sponsors. At 7 p.m., attendees will travel to The Mirage for the Cirque du Soleil Beatles LOVE show.
In addition to the keynote workshop, the Capture the Magic educational sessions will be: “The New Future,” with Frank Cannata and CJ Cannata of Marketing Research Consultants, “The New Business Plan,” with John Hey of Strategic Business Associates, “The New Sales Strategy,” with Chris Ryne of Growth Achievement Partners, “The New Service Strategy,” with Jerry Newberry and Jeffrey Kelly of Pros Elite Group, “The New Team,” with Sally Brause of GreatAmerica Financial Services Corp. and “The New Opportunities” with Keith Kmetz of International Data Corp.
BTA members receive 2-for-1 registration to Capture the Magic. BTA member dealer registration (with Beatles LOVE ticket) is $179, which includes the keynote workshop, educational sessions, Thursday welcoming reception, and Friday breakfast and lunch. BTA member registration without a Beatles LOVE ticket is $149, and also includes a second registration free. Non-member registration with a Beatles LOVE ticket is $229. Non-member registration without a Beatles LOVE ticket is $199.
For more information, including full session descriptions and the registration form for the event, visit www.bta.org/BTAWestEvent.
Print Audit Reveals Latest User Printing Trends On New Blog
June 23, 2014 – Print Audit has launched a new blog called the Print Management Insider. One of the first articles posted on the blog is a comparison of user printing trends between the years 2011 and 2013. The trends are based on in-depth assessments performed on 75 organizations across a wide variety of vertical markets using Print Audit’s user print management tool, Print Audit 6.
The blog article, which is entitled ‘Where to Chase the Pages’, details numerous shifts in user printing habits, such as:
- 18% of printing now originates from a Web browser. This has nearly doubled from 10% in 2011.
- Flash deal Websites (such as Groupon and Living Social) now represent 7% of printing in most print environments.
- 45% of all print jobs to local devices contain 25 or more pages.
“If you are in the Managed Print Services industry you are probably aware that the market is in a slow decline,” states West McDonald, Vice President of Business Development for Print Audit. “We created this blog to provide office equipment dealers with new insights they can use to gain an edge over their competitors.”
Visit the Print Management Insider blog to see the complete list of printing trends that Print Audit has published: http://www.printaudit.com/blog
Ricoh Takes Center Stage at SkillsUSA’s 50th Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference
June 23, 2014 – Ricoh Americas Corporation has announced its participation in SkillsUSA’s 50th Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference. Ricoh is once again participating in the Graphic Communications area of the SkillsUSA Championship competition, this year providing digital print devices for the new digital press segment. Its experts will also be on hand to help educate students on digital print technology. The conference takes place June 23-27, 2014 in St. Louis.
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The organization’s annual National Leadership and Skills Conferences (NLSCs) provide a venue for high school and college career and technical education students to showcase their career skills. It features the SkillsUSA Championships, a showcase of the best career and technical students in the country, where Ricoh will participate. The contest rewards students for excellence, brings together industry experts to provide hands-on assessments, and continues training participants on future workforce requirements.
This year, the SkillsUSA Graphic Communications competition comprises eight parts: digital press, digital workflow, electronic prepress, finishing, offset press operations, oral professional assessment, production planning and technical knowledge test. Ricoh will participate in the digital press segment where students will be challenged to set up a Ricoh device for proper file transfer, create a finished product that may consist of variable data or inline finishing, and finish with a short written test.
Ricoh’s production print group has created a customized supplement of its award-winning Flow Magazine specifically for SkillsUSA attendees. To subscribe to Flow, please visit: http://go.ricoh-usa.com/flow.html.