The Kodak Bankruptcy … a commentary from Xplor’s President

/in /by

Everyone knows Kodak filed for Chapter 11 re-organization.  Based on the number of emails and calls I received, I surmise some people think I live under a rock. Why was anyone surprised, as hints of the action have been in the media for months?

As a former Kodak employee, (Kodak Versamark) I am certainly saddened, but I think people need to step back and understand what happened.

Many companies that find themselves in similar situations file for bankruptcy.  Chapter 11 bankruptcy is designed to allow individuals or, corporations to re-organize their debts in an attempt to repay them and get back on their feet.  Simply to provide some breathing room.

The banter about how Kodak got into the position they are in, is irrelevant. What is relevant is how they move forward, and I have confidence they will be successful.

Let’s not forget this 132 year old company has a lot going for it. In addition to their consumer products division, they have a robust commercial division, patents, intellectual property, licensing revenue, etc., so they have a great deal to work with.

According to an article I read, “The Company has made investments in digital and materials deposition technologies in recent years, generating approximately 75% of its revenue from digital businesses in 2011” That is a major shift.

Is Kodak down? Yes. Is it out? Absolutely not.  Don’t count this American icon out.

By the way, I recently purchased a Kodak printer for my office, and it does use less ink – per page 🙂

Skip Henk is president and CEO of Xplor International,  a worldwide, not-for-profit professional association that consists of thousands of users and suppliers of the products and services that create, modify and deliver customized information using a wide variety of document technologies. Further information is available at www.xplor.org

Why attend a pre-conference program?

/in /by

Every year thousands of people attend conference programs looking to learn about the latest trends, best practices and technologies driving our industry.  Many attend as they also look at the  opportunity to expand their business and personal networks.

Everyone wants to walk away with that one idea, that one nugget, the contact that can drive revenue, reduce costs or solve a problem.

Conference attendance and education is an investment.  Registration, travel, hotel costs can add up but if you get that one idea, that one nugget or meet than one person, it can pay big dividends.

Hidden Gems

Often overlooked at these events are pre-conference programs. Whether you call it a program or intensive these half day (sometimes full day) events can pack a punch as they typically present  a lot of information in a relatively short period of time.

This year Xplor International is pleased to be hosting two very different pre-conference programs put on by acadami™ and Madison Advisors. Both programs are a half day and run from 1pm to 5:30/6:00 pm. If you are East of Dallas, you can catch an early flight, have lunch on the beach and be on time for the start of the program.

Two Very Different Programs

Madision Advisors, returning for their third year, will present the results of their latest market research on multi-channel delivery, business process assessments, service provider alternatives, and multi-channel solution options. The intensive will include real-world use cases on what leading organizations are doing to maintain a competitive edge with their customer communications. Madison will also discuss industry-leading services and technologies for customer communications in 2012 and beyond.

Madison is known for their great research and vendor independent approach. For more information http://tinyurl.com/777bvh4

acadami™  will be presenting a ½ -day session which introduces the “Host to Post” processes and steps that gives the Xplor attendee a broad grounding in the terminology and processes that both users and vendors will be talking about over the course of the conference.

This is a GREAT program for people that are new to the industry or who even seasoned veterans who would like to better understand “the document lifecycle”.  For more information http://tinyurl.com/777bvh4

Putting it all together

The combination of the pre-conference programming and the three day Xplor Conference andVendor Forum WILL provide ideas, nuggets and contacts that will pay huge dividends. Listen to what the 2011 attendees have to say http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2inI3zeKXM

For more information on the acadami™ or Madison Advisors pre-conference program or the 2012 Xplor Conference and Vendor Forum please visit: 2012 Xplor Conference and Vendor Forum.

Hope to see you in beautiful St. Pete Beach in March.

What do Beer and the Xplor Conference have in common?

/in /by

I recently read an article that drinking a beer or two a day can significantly impact your health, in a good way. In fact, I was so moved by the article I popped open a beer immediately.

Yes, according to the article the “side” effects from a beer or two a day include: stronger heart, stronger bones, reduced risk of diabetes , lower blood pressure, longer life, healthier kidneys , boosted brain power, reduced cancer risk, boosted vitamin levels and reduced stroke risk.

I have said this for years that that golden nectar, barley and hops was good for you. Guess I am just a bit ahead of my time.

To read the whole article visit: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/10-surprising-health-benefits-beer

This got me to thinking “what do beer and the Xplor conference have in common”. Then it came to me, both the Xplor conference and our ongoing programming is good not only for your personal well-being but your business well-being also.

  1. Xplor programming will boost your brain power as you will be armed with the latest trends andbest practices in the industry
  2. If you have the answers, know the information, you most likely will have lower your blood pressure.
  3. If armed with this knowledge and confidence you become a positive “movement” within your company, thus extending and providing a longer corporate life.
  4. Your brain is working, your blood pressure is good, things are going well which gives you a reduced stroke risk.
  5. As a result you have a longer life and live happily ever after!

For additional health benefits attend the Xplor Conference and Vendor Forum March 27-29, 2012 in beautiful St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Hurry before the organizers (that’s me) realize all of these benefits and raise the price. Think I will have a beer or two and check out the registration site. I am feeling healthier already!

See you in St. Pete Beach!

Merriments, Milestones and Motion for Xplor in 2012

/in /by

Happy New Year!

I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and enjoyable New Years.

It would be understatement to say that 2011 was an interesting year and that most people hope 2012 will be more prosperous.

Like most organizations 2011 was a challenging but successful one for Xplor. Despite everything that is going on in the economy and our industry, we are still here, due solely to your support and participation. (Without you there would be no Xplor) I did want to a brief report of milestones in 2011:

  • A successful 2011 Conference and Vendor Forum with a 29% increase in attendance
  • Successful conference at Graph Expo with 20% growth
  • 2011 XDU On the Road program – 6 new cities
  • Growing webinar curriculum (over 3000 individual participants)
  • Monthly Lunch and Learn program
  • Implemented a new conference registration system
  • Launched new Industry Services division
  • Grew membership 2.5% (in a very tough economy)

The plan for 2012 is to expand programming, information and continuing to grow value to our members and the industry that will keep you on the leading edge of document technology. This is some of what we have planned for 2012: (if you have any other ideas please contact me me)

My thanks to you all for your support and participation. I extend my best wishes for a prosperous and healthy 2012.

Until next time …..

Economic Indicator…. Christmas Cards?

/in /by

I am trying to figure out why it seems my wife and I are receiving fewer Christmas cards
this year. After giving some thought, these are the possibilities I came up with:

  • The economy
  • More electronic email greetings
  • Facebook has made them irrelevant
  • I am getting older and more of my friends are no longer “of this world”
  • I ticked off a lot of people
  • All of the above

I must admit, I do look forward to receiving Christmas cards, especially the ones that have family pictures. It is great to see how people change and how their kids have grown in the last year.

Another reason I like picture cards is that, many of the people who send us cards we don’t see for years and it significantly increases the chances that if by chance I do run into them, I just might know who they are.

And I can’t forget to comment on the “Christmas Letters”. These narrative descriptions provide highlights of the year  and allows people an opportunity to brag a bit about their kids, which is a good thing.

On the other hand, some Christmas letters telling me about your 14 vacations, 3 new cars, the new lake house, blah, blah, blah ….. Happy for you, but really don’t want to hear about it. (Bah Humbug!)

My wife and I have forgone the Christmas letter the last couple years. With eight kids and a few grandkids the letter turned into a small novel.  And since I have 8 kids, I probably won’t ever be able to write about 14 vacations, 3 new cars and a lake house.

So my question is: Have you received more or less cards this year? Why do you think that is?

My best wishes to all of you for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2012. (Happy Holidays to those that do not celebrate Christmas).

Until next year.

Technology “bah-humbug”?

/in /by

At a Christmas party I attended last weekend a discussion evolved about the “curse” of Google and the accessibility of information children have today. Being a “glass half full” person my position quickly morphed into supporting the availability of information and the fact that like anything, it can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how one uses it.

In 1897 a little girl named, Virginia O’Hanlon wrote the following letter to the New York Sun newspaper.

Dear Editor—

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

Little Virginia did not have Google, or television for that matter. The newspaper was “the” source of information for current events, in fact commercial radio did not become available until the 1920’s.

The famous reply, written by Francis P. Church of the Sun started like this: “Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the scepticism of a sceptical age.” (Read the rest of the reply at http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/ )

But have we all become affected by the scepticism of a sceptical age?

A simple Google search asking the question “Is Santa Claus real?” generated 33,400,000 hits and the first entry is a video of Santa coming down the chimney: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp7zWs8fHeE

In fact there are more entries validating the existence of Santa than not. (At least in the first 4-5 pages) So what does that say about technology and information?

  • Information is exactly that, information, not necessarily fact
  • One must interpret, analyze and draw conclusions based on information
  • All conclusions are not created equal
  • Scepticism in a sceptical age can be a blessing or a curse. Depends on you.

My best to all for a Merry Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate) and a prosperous 2012.

Why do people wait? Please help me sleep!

/in /by

As a purveyor of fine conference programming there are several things that cause organizers angst as the months and days count down before an event.

The top “anxiety” revolves around how many people are going to attend. No matter how big or small the event, everything revolves around people.  Like anything else it is all about budgets and numbers.

Why the anxiety? There are huge financial implications, no matter what the size of the event.

The anxiety:  Every year people seem to be registering later and later for conferences and tradeshows. 70% of the people register within the last 45-60 days, despite “early registration incentives”.  It keeps organizers up at night.

The angst: We contract for hotel room blocks, transportation, meals, entertainment, audio visual, etc. based on anticipated attendance.

Some event costs are variable others are not. ALL have minimums which drive negotiated hotel room rates, internet fees, etc. The hotel /facility contracts for a minimum total spend.

  • Event organizers negotiate with hotels to get favorable rates for conference attendees. If at least 90% of the rooms are not sold, the organizer is responsible for the remaining rooms.
  • Food at conference centers, hotels and convention centers is outrageously expensive which is why few events provide lunches or  have multiple networking events as part of registration. A box lunch, $20-24 plus tax and a service fee.  A buffet or sit down lunch, a lot more.
  • Any event that involves hot food and alcohol is expensive. A “networking event” three hours in length, with open bar and hot food, $80 -120 per person, depending on menu, plus 22% service charge.
  • Renting a LCD projector ranges from $600-750 per day at a hotel/convention center depending on the lumens plus screen, cart, support, etc. Multiply by 6-7, one for each session room and number of days.
  • Many of sponsored events are subsidized by the organizers as marketing dollars are getting harder and harder to get.
  • Organizers don’t make “tons of money” on events contrary to popular belief. A $250k event may yield 20-25% after expenses, not including staff costs to organize. Lot of work . Labor of love.

Please help me sleep:  If you can answer these questions I may be able to come up with a solution that could be mutually beneficial. (send me your thoughts and I will give you an additional $100 off conference registration)

  1. What decisions drive when you actually register for events?
  2. When do you start looking at events in terms of time?
  3. What could we do as organizers to incent you to register 60-90 days ahead of an event?

The plug: The 2012 Xplor Conference and Vendor Forum taking place March 27-29, at the TradeWinds Island Grand on St. Pete Beach includes: 70+ educational sessions, (3) lunches, (2) networking events and a vendor forum that features 32 of the best vendors in the industry.

Full conference:  Early registration:  $795 member/$995 non-member Regular registration: $895 member / $1145 non-member

Registration open December 1 at www.xplor.org , click on 2012 Xplor Conference and Vendor forum.

Everyone Needs a Pat on the Back, Even Companies

/in /by

Everyone likes a pat on the back occasionally, some more than others.

Experts agree that recognition and appreciations is an important part of the human DNA. Recognition inspires and fosters a positive work environment, minimizes turnover and maximizes customer satisfaction.

But why do many companies, who are made up of people, not display the collective need for recognition. So many companies are doing extraordinary things in so many areas, but do not feel the need to seek recognition and validation for their employees.

Perhaps companies have trimmed their staff so much they do not have the time to pursue recognition, however not doing so is very short-sighted.

Seeking industry recognition is actually inexpensive, not that time consuming and can paybig dividends. Industry recognition can drive your public image, increase brand awareness, validate your product or service, generate employee pride and drive revenue. Why would a company not want to do it?

For 20+ years Xplor International, as an association, has recognized companies in the electronic document space that have implemented unique solutions. I invite you to consider submitting an application for a “pat on the back” for your company and all of the innovative hardworking employees with it.

Both members and non-members are eligible for three industry awards.

  • Technology Application of the Year
  • Innovator of the Year
  • The Brian Platte Lifetime Achievement

Visit https://xplor.org/annual-awards/ for more information including a list of past recipients and to submit a nomination.

All award nominations must be submitted on the Xplor International nomination form. A summary of the nominee’s accomplishments must accompany this nomination. Please limit your nomination to 1500 words or less to be submitted in the scroll down portion of the web nomination form.

Submit your nominations by Friday, December 16, 2011.

If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Robbins, Honors and Awards, at 813 949-6170, or via e-mail at awards@xplor.org.

Everyone needs a pat on the back occasionally, even companies. 

The Flying Bus

/in /by

I read an article in the paper last week about airlines significantly expanding advertising on airplanes, although airlines are no strangers to advertising with ads in the airlines magazines and commercials on the in-flight video system.

Coming to a plane near you:  Ads on overhead bins, tray tables, air sickness bags (could have fun with this), snack box lids, coffee cups, napkins, etc.

Over the summer, Ryanair, the European low-cost carrier, installed advertising panels on the covers of the overhead luggage compartments and on the backs of closed tray tables. US airlines are already offering to brand whole planes.

I think however, they have missed some key opportunities: how about footprints down the jetway with a company logo on it saying something “your journey to savings”. Or a logo on the flight attendants back or even better yet the pilot and co-pilot. (for a premium) How about a cabin “decorated by (insert name)”.  Or maybe emergency lighting courtesy of __________.

The flying bus is on the way. Does it make sense? Some airlines offer WIFI, and cell phone service may be on the way.  So the relatively captive audience today will have wired in. Maybe a couple of QR codes to scan on the way to the rest room would provide some entertainment, especially if there is a line.

Should airlines join the rest of the world and cover every inch of available space with advertising? What are your thoughts regarding losing the last bastion of “relatively free” peace and quiet?

Lifetime Revenue

/in /by

How long is a lifetime? Never gave it much thought until I heard the term “lifetime revenue” at a Pitney Bowes Users Conference. The spirit of the conversation focused on loyalty driven by great products and great service, boosting lifetime revenue. And ideally, that certainly is the case.

Not quite sure why the term is intriguing to me, as it is not the first time I have heard it.

However, is it loyalty or indifference that keeps us doing business with someone or something else?

A couple examples: (Just a few)

• I have been a cardholder for “x” company since 1988. I pay an annual fee and quite frankly I am not overly satisfied with the company, the benefits or how they handled things during the credit crunch. Some of the perks are beneficial, many I do not use. They are quick telling me when new benefits are added and but do a bad job, when benefits are eliminated. Nothing worse showing up at an airline club and being turned away. But I still carry their card and pay the annual fee.

• My cell phone provider. Cheaper plans are available. Don’t like their changes regarding data usage, but I am grandfathered in, so really was not affected. I am upset over their change in policy for rollover minutes. I have called their customer service line and they have been more than happy crediting disputed (and even non-disputed) amounts and even gave me back my roll over minutes. Are they looking at “lifetime revenue” when they do this? It’s kind of like golf, one good shot and you are back. Kudos to their customer service dept.

• A second cardholder, where I have banked for almost 20 years, found it beneficial to cutmy credit limit by 70% during the credit crunch despite charging and paying off large amounts of merchandise or services on time and in 90 days or less. They also saw fit to raise my interest rate by 9%. The interest rate they charge on the card used to be called “loan sharking” when I was younger. They did raise my credit limit again, as a “valued customer”.

No indifference here. Still carry their card. Pay no annual fee (yet) and I use it once a month to buy Starbucks coffee. The minute they charge me an annual fee, I cancel the card.

• They say the hardest things to find are a good accountant, an honest lawyer and a honest mechanic. My mechanic is the best. He is honest and I trust him. Won’t fix things that don’t need to be fixed. Recommends OEM, refurbished or used parts, when it makes sense and there are never any surprises when I go and pick up my car. Not expensive, but not cheap either. He is young and I would never think about changing.

So what does drive “lifetime revenue”? The product, service, ethics, a great customer service organization or trust? Or is it all of the above?