MFP Copier Blog

This Week in the Copier Industry 15 Years Ago

This Week in the Copier Industry Fifteen Years Ago

Art Post · 2/20/224:04 PM

This Week in the Copier Industry Fifteen Years Ago

Last Week of February 2007

A little delayed with Covid19 but last week had me attending our (Stratix Systems) 2022 kickoff. Yes, I was able to get to Presidents Club in 2021 because my dealership gave the tools that helped me in my quest. Ob the flip side if you don't use of understand the tools that your dealership provides then you'll never have the opportunity to excel. As much as it's about me reaching Presidents Club it's also about the dealership and the team that drives us forward. KUDOS to all!

Enjoy These Copier Threads from 15 years Ago This Week!

Recognizes KONICA MINOLTA's bizhub C450 as "Most Reliable"

Art Post (Guest) · 2/28/079:04 AM

The Annual Color Product Reliability Study Conducted by the Office Products Analyst (OPA) Recognizes KONICA MINOLTA's bizhub C450 as "Most Reliable" RAMSEY, NJ and ROCHESTER, NY- January 19, 2007 - KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC. (KONICA MINOLTA) is pleased to announce that Office Products Analyst (OPA) named the KONICA MINOLTA bizhub™C450 color multifunctional peripheral (print, copy, scan and fax all in one device) the 2006 OPA Most Reliable 36-45 PPM Color MFP. The Office

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Konica Minolta Demos Support For New Vista

Art Post (Guest) · 2/27/0712:46 PM

new imaging, networking and security features in the Windows Vista operating system. Konica Minolta will be one of the first in the market to support the XML Paper Specification (XPS) file format and Web Services for Devices (WSD) on the soon-to-be introduced next-generation of bizhub™ multifunctional products (MFPs – print, copy, fax, scan all in one system), and select bizhub and magicolor printers. New Page Description Language (PDL) from Microsoft XPS is a new Windows Vista file format that

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AFICIO MP 1600/MP 2000 SERIES

Art Post (Guest) · 2/26/075:39 PM

1600/MP 2000 Series. These digital imaging systems enable users to copy, print, scan and fax all from one conveniently compact and powerful system. The MP 1600spf and MP 2000spf are pre-configured and offer digital copying, printing, scanning and faxing standard. In addition, Ricoh has also launched the MP 1600L/MP 2000L Series that provides copying, PCL6 printing and TWAIN scanning capabilities and is ideal for Windows-based environments such as small businesses, workgroups and offices that

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Copier Sales a Dying Breed with Dealers?

Art Post (Guest) · 2/26/076:54 PM

Got this email from a fellow sales rep, he asked that his name not be mentioned in reference to his job. Our P4P member stated that he was sick and tired of fighting for "his" commissions and the never ending battle from business owner to salesperson Art, My screen name was Darth Vader. I've enjoyed the hotel. It was a great source of information. I have left my sales position, and I will no longer be working in sales - not because I couldn't sell; I was the most successful copier salesman my

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New Copier Sales Poll!

Art Post (Guest) · 2/26/077:06 PM

also know there are many that would jerk some sales people around enough to make them quit or leave.

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Position Yourself as an Expert

Art Post (Guest) · 2/28/077:48 AM

additional service that they offer for their clients. Your goal is to sell your knowledge and nothing else. Have copies of Print Assessments that you have completed to show the accounting firm what the typical report entails, here you are breaking the mold from the common copier salesperson and establishing yourself as the expert. You can even offer a FREE print assessment to the accounting firm to show them your expertise and your creative ideas for print assessment and print migration. You can

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Ricoh Aficio MP 1600/MP 2000 Digital

Art Post (Guest) · 2/26/075:45 PM

1600/MP 2000 Series Highlights: 11” x 17” platen Scan to Email/Folder with LDAP support IP Faxing Full Duplexing (MP 2000) PDF Direct Print and extensive security features including Authentication, Encryption and SSL support The MP 1600SPF and MP 2000SPF will come standard with digital copying, printing, scanning and faxing features and the MP 2000SPF will also include the 1-Bin Tray

RICOH CORPORATION ALIGNS WITH XYTHOS

Art Post (Guest) · 2/28/078:28 AM

, today announced Xythos’ entry into the Ricoh Technology Alliance Program. Xythos’ document and file management software will help users access and share electronic and scanned documents and is compatible with Ricoh’s embedded software architecture in its multifunction products (MFP). Ricoh and Xythos both view this alliance as a means to deliver user-friendlier document management options to their users. Xythos Software offers web-based document and records management applications that help

Re: Fair Comission Plans

Art Post (Guest) · 2/27/074:54 PM

Great Topic!!!!! I too get nothing for service and supplies except when I sell suppies at the time of the sale. Also with the industry moving more to monthly cpc charges and less yearly maintenance agreements I also receive nothing for this. I have just started tracking the pages that I am capturing with new installs, where I knock out a MFP's faxes and printers. I can now tract how many new clicks I am pulling in for the company and the charges associated with these. I feel as this can be a

Re: Fair Comission Plans

Old Glory · 2/27/074:54 PM

Inventory has become an almost impossible issue. When I started, the only accessories for the most part were a finisher or LCT and we had a 13, 20, 28, 35, 45, and 60 cpm unit...6-7 mainframes and a few fax machines. Look at it now...we literally have more fax models now than we used to have copier models and more possible accessories per model than we used to have in the whole product line. Add a full line of printers and a parallel copier line that is color. We now have 57 separate and

Re: Fair Comission Plans

Art Post (Guest) · 2/27/074:57 PM

quote: Originally posted by Jim Parker: Inventory has become an almost impossible issue. When I started, the only accessories for the most part were a finisher or LCT and we had a 13, 20, 28, 35, 45, and 60 cpm unit...6-7 mainframes and a few fax machines. Look at it now...we literally have more fax models now than we used to have copier models and more possible accessories per model than we used to have in the whole product line. Add a full line of printers and a parallel copier line that is

Re: Around the World w/Ricoh #3

Art Post (Guest) · 2/26/077:13 PM

Ricoh Launches Tree Planting Offset Program Ricoh UK has joined the growing list of companies implementing tree growing initiatives by offering its customers the opportunity to plant fruit trees in a bid to offset carbon emissions. The printer manufacturer is working with Seeds for Africa, which, according to Ricoh, educates young people in Africa about how to farm their own fruit and vegetables. The program monitors the printer and copier usage levels of businesses. For every 100,000

Member

Savintech

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Building on the December 2006 release of Enhanced Locked Print

Art Post (Guest) · 2/26/077:38 AM

have this level of functionality, they would need specialized third-party print server software, which significantly increases their costs and often requires an annual software maintenance contract. Effective February 23, 2007, Enhanced Locked Print – EX (Extended Edition) is available for immediate purchase. About Enhanced Locked Print Reduces operating costs, by using a centralized printing strategy, without having to sacrifice security Stores, releases and manages confidential document output

Re: Fair Comission Plans

Old Glory · 2/27/079:33 AM

No question that is alot of G.P. in anybody's book. I personally am not one who believes that a sales rep has right to share in the savings when a dealer takes advantage of "cash with order" discounts or quantity discounts. Sales reps aren't the ones who get "stuck" with discountinued inventory ,etc. so I'm willing to accept that deal. Therefore, I'm OK with Dealer Cost being based on regular "Single Unit Price" regardless of occassional discounts. The way I see it, for me to lay claim to that

Re: 240w background

PrintDoctor (Guest) · 2/28/079:52 AM

I dont see background when scanning to PC, however, replaced the drum and heavy background still exist. If this was an older analog Ricoh (700 series or 870) I would try adjusting the lamp setting (light sensor adjustment) in Severice Mode # -12. I can not find a lamp setting adjustment on this unit.

Re: Fair Comission Plans

Old Glory · 2/26/075:52 PM

You speak of $300,000 G.P. above sales cost. Anytime you try to compare commission plans, you need to keep in mind that that the amount of "pad" added to Dealer's Cost can have a significant impact on commissions even though it may not effect total income. This is what I mean. One company may pay $3,000/mo. salary and 40% commissions but have a sales cost that is 20% above Dealer Cost. Another company may only pay $3,000 salary and 30% commissions but be a better plan because they pay based on

Re: Fair Comission Plans

merlin · 2/27/078:06 AM

ANYBODY BRINGING IN $ 200-300,000 GP SHOULD MAKE IN THE SIX FIGURES. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH THE COMMENTS ABOVE IS DEALER COST. MOST SALES AND MANAGERS DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT THE TRUE DEALER COST IS. ALL MANUFACTURES OFFERS PROMO'S IF THE DEALER BUYS ALOT, PLUS THEY OTHER OTHER INCENTIVES WE NEVER HEARD ABOUT. IF A SALESMAN IS TRUELY GROSSING OVER TRUE DEALER COST $200-300,000 G.P., I WOULD THINK THE DEALER BETTER BE KISSING HIS OR HER ASS.

Re: Fair Comission Plans

Art Post (Guest) · 2/27/071:05 PM

Jim: My company uses a 20% pack. No discounts are passed and on along with CWO's. They are entitled to this, it is their company. In reference to the 200K -300K, yes I agree the rep should be getting anything in reason for that type of GP volume, and thats what I stated for the AMEN! I am not the smartest or most gifted sales person on the block however longevity and the desire to work hard, compete and win makes me above average when it comes to the numbers. What ticks me off most is the day

Re: rw240 won't plot

Art Post (Guest) · 2/28/077:36 AM

is plotbase showing the paper roll feeder installed, also do you aalso see the paper roll feeder on the copier?

Re: 240w and .pln files

glnsk8ter · 2/28/0710:40 AM

when I choose print to file for an app. then I name the file. with quotes around it and end it in .tif that way it will be a supported file adding it to plot client.

Re: Around the World w/Ricoh #3

Art Post (Guest) · 2/23/078:21 AM

Saints Crash at the Ricoh Coventry 2 Southampton 1 The Ricoh Arena 20/02/07 Attendance: 17194 Report Less-than-Subtle Coventry Dash Automatic Promotion Hopes Southampton`s playoff status was thrown into real doubt for the first time since their mid-October after 'new manager syndrome` seemed to affect most performances at the Ricoh arena. Instead of relentlessly and clinically building on Saturday`s victory over Barnsley, Southampton last night capitulated to a 2-1 loss and perhaps more

Re: 2090 printing?

dmurrah · 2/25/078:07 PM

we tried that and they were all for it but the aplication they were printing out of their AS400 will not print to the doc. server.

Re: looking for recommendation small b/w plotter

Art Post (Guest) · 2/27/0712:45 PM

Call Paradigm Imaging and click thier link, they have the Canon Prograph 700 which is awesome, plus they are a sponsor of the site!!

-=Good Selling=-

Mindset... The Difference Between A Sales Rep And A Sales Professional.

Larry Levine · 2/20/227:34 AM

"We will pay a heavy price if we insist on navigating the 21st century with a 20th century mindset."

Tom Steyer

Are you putting in the work?

The way it was is not the way it will be!

What got you to where you are at will not keep you there.

You must be willing to get off of the comfy couch. You must get outside of your physical, mental and emotional comfort zones. You must be willing to push the envelope, to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

“The comfort zone is a psychological state in which one feels familiar, safe, at ease, and secure. You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Roy T. Bennett

Do you need to stretch yourself outside of the comfort zone?

Would now be the time to rise up and become that sales professional as opposed to living in the sales rep safety zone?

Unfortunately, many in sales are consistently inconsistent and will turn their head and mentally say, "No thank you, I'm comfortable just where I am at." And you know what? This is OK, just accept the fact that you will be replaced at some point in time.

Could ones thought process, behavior, attitude and approach to their sales career be the difference between a sales rep and a sales professional?

The only way to become better at sales is to spend time working on it.

Let's stop for a moment and check out how Merriam Webster defines mindset and professional.

Mindset - a mental attitude or inclination, a fixed state of mind

Professional - characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession, exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace

Huge two words that stands out here... ETHICAL STANDARDS... you get what I am cooking?

A sales professional earns the trust and respect of their clients. They maintain self-respect and dignity. They achieve trust by never wavering from their core values and beliefs.

I believe sales professionals have developed habits, routines and rhythms that guide them to stay at the top.

Sales professionals are called professionals for a reason, are you willing to do the work?

DO YOU VIEW YOURSELF AS A SALES PROFESSIONAL?

Think about this... Imagine a doctor who is embarrassed to admit they are a doctor? A nurse who covers up the fact they are a nurse. Or a teacher who doesn't want anyone to know what they do for a living.

In every profession, the members within that profession are proud to be a part of it. Can the same be said with salespeople?

How many in sales make up other terms. They call themselves account executives, product specialists, customer relationship agents, relationship managers, just to name a few.

Sales professionals are proud of who they are, they celebrate it!

Sales professionals understand selling is one of the most fundamental and important functions within society. Without selling, how does money move through the economy at the rate that it needs to?

ARE YOU INVESTING AND PUTTING IN THE WORK?

"Without hard work and discipline it is difficult to be a top professional"

Jahangir Kahn

Fail to put in the work and you will never find true success.

You’ve heard about Malcolm Gladwell and his 10,000-hour rule. He studied and discovered the most successful people are the ones who have put in the hard work. They dive into their craft and study. And they worked and worked some more.

You can’t expect success to come to you just because you want it to. You must be willing to work hard.

You must adjust your mindset. Every morning, look in the mirror in and say to yourself, I'm a sales professional.

Moving from a sales rep to a sales professional requires:

A commitment to yourself
A commitment to a stronger work ethic
A commitment to a plan

How many of you will double-down and do the things necessary to change the course of your sales career?

Will you commit to doing the work, or dodge it, settling for the sales reps mindset?

Becoming better is simply, better.
Progressing is simply, progress.
Potential is simply, potential.

Sales professionals invest in themselves

How many in sales have invested at least 10% of their annual income in their own professional development and improvement in the past 12 months?

Sales reps don't think it's their responsibility to improve themselves. They won't attend seminars, workshops, online learning, or even purchase series of books without their company paying for it and requiring it of them.

Sales professionals invest in themselves. They see themselves as professionals. They have a professional mindset. Professionals understand that they must constantly and continually "sharpen the saw." They buy the books, get the newsletters, attend the conferences, listen to the podcasts, get coaching and seek out betterment.

Can you imagine your tax accountant delivering your tax returns and then mentioning they haven't spent any time updating themselves on tax laws for years?

How about the doctor going into surgery to work on one of your family members, thoughtlessly saying, "It's been years since I've bothered to take a class or upgrade my skills."

Why is that sales reps find excuses and sales professionals just do it?

How many in sales are willing to do the things necessary to become a sales professional?

A SALES REPS MINDSET OR A SALES PROFESSIONALS MINDSET

Are you committed?

Do you have what it takes to take your career to the next level?

Are you willing to put in the work to become a sales professional?

"I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses."

Kobe Bryant

Sales professionals understand that initial achievement is just the tip of the sales iceberg.

Sales reps stop as soon as they reach the peak... such as achieving presidents club.

Sales professionals see feedback and critique as thoughtful insight of their weak spots.

Sales reps see all of this as someone criticizing them.

Sales reps blame others, point fingers and makes excuses.

Sales professionals accept responsibility and hold themselves personally accountable.

Sales reps stall after failure or lost deals.

Sales professionals grow after failure.

Sales reps strive to achieve.

Sales professionals strive for continuous growth.

Sales reps live for opinions.

Sales professionals live for the truth.

LOSING IS FOR SALES PROFESSIONALS

To quote Thomas Edison,

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”.

Mentally strong sales professionals aren’t superhuman. They’ve simply developed positive mental habits that support their mental toughness when it comes to their sales development.

Sales professionals don’t let failure and adversity stop them from taking the necessary steps forward to sales betterment. Instead, they let go of the past, lost deals, missed quota and they learn from all this to improve themselves.

Sales professionals learn from losing. Sales reps make excuses when losing.

A few things to think about...

Are you committed to being a professional?

Sales reps crave to get noticed.

Sales professionals crave to be remembered.

What do you want to be remembered as? A sales rep or a sales professional?

I understand, I get where you all are coming from. Every day, I walk in your shoes. I am fully committed to helping your sales team integrate social aspects and heartfelt strategies into your current sales process to grow new business. I want you to get results. This is why I am passionate about doing this the right way, the genuine way, the authentic way! It's about understanding value before visibility.

Selling From the Heart is making a difference! I poured my heart into every page of this book and I believe you're going to love it. You can find it on Amazon in paperback, kindle and in audio.

In a world full of empty suits, I'm passionate about helping sales reps become sales professionals. I help sales teams understand the true value they bring to the market.

With great pride I transform, challenge, coach and inspire sales teams to grow new business by helping them share their story and how they communicate it out by integrating the use of social and Selling from the Heart.

You can follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebookand on my podcast by clicking on Selling from the Heart.