MFP Copier Blog

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September 15th, 2024

Arcoa Group

Why partnering with ARCOA makes sense
Electronics Recycling is an important and profitable part of the IT asset lifecycle, but it can be overwhelming with all you already do, varying state regulations, and the limited resources at hand. That’s where ARCOA comes in. When you partner with ARCOA, you get all the benefits of a big company without any of the capital investment. We’ve been doing this since 1989 and have the expertise, certifications, and nationwide resources to get the most for all your clients’ retired IT assets. Plus, positioning your clients as environmental stewards not only elevates their appeal to consumers, it meets government requirements and avoids fines.

What partnering with ARCOA looks like
Our role is to make it easy for you to bring more value to your clients. We work with you to help stretch your clients’ IT budget by reducing the total cost of ownership of their electronics. We’re experts at identifying and implementing the solutions your clients need for the end-of-use re-marketing, recovery, and recycling of their technology assets. The sooner you involve ARCOA, the sooner you and your client.

Notes from last week

Human vs. AI: Measuring the Impact of Automated Content

• Tools like ChatGPT are growing fast, but doubts remain about content quality.
• Human vs. AI content: Human content beats AI in accuracy, readability, and brand tone, highlighting the need for human oversight.
• AI's role: AI aids in research and brainstorming, but can't replace human creativity.
• Quality over quantity: Brands must prioritize authentic, human-driven content to maintain audience trust

Screwloose IT and White Rook Cyber Strategic Merger

• Screwloose IT and White Rook Cyber join forces to enhance cybersecurity and IT services.
• Merger combines Screwloose IT’s tech expertise with White Rook’s cybersecurity prowess to offer comprehensive solutions.
• Merger positions both companies for expanded market reach and increased service offerings.Clients will benefit from enhanced security, improved IT services, and more robust support across industries.

TeamLogic IT Named to Channel Futures MSP 501 List and CRN Solution Provider 500 List ...

• TeamLogic IT earns spots on both the Channel Futures MSP 501 and CRN Solution Provider 500 lists.
• Accolades highlight TeamLogic IT’s excellence in managed IT services and solution delivery.
• Company’s focus on innovation and customer satisfaction drives its continued success and industry recognition.
• Clients can expect top-tier IT services, trusted by industry leaders and recognized for exceptional performance.

Unlocking Machine Learning with Synthetic Data

• Synthetic data is emerging as a powerful tool for advancing machine learning models.
• Enhances data privacy, reduces biases, and accelerates model training by providing diverse, scalable datasets.
• Synthetic data is being used across industries like healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles to simulate real-world scenarios.
• As adoption grows, synthetic data will continue to unlock new possibilities for more accurate and efficient machine learning solutions.

Tequity's Advises MSP Firm, Lanworks, on Acquisition by Osprey Technology Solutions

• Tequity advises Lanworks on its acquisition by Osprey Technology Solutions, strengthening its market position.
• Acquisition combines Lanworks’ managed IT services expertise with Osprey’s broader tech capabilities.
• Merger provides both companies with expanded resources and access to new market segments.
• Customers will benefit from enhanced service offerings and more comprehensive IT solutions.

Mitiga Launches Innovative Cloud Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Service to ...

• Introduces a new Cloud Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service to enhance cybersecurity for cloud environments.
• Service offers real-time threat detection, rapid incident response, and continuous monitoring for cloud-based infrastructure.
• Aimed at addressing the rising threats in cloud security, this solution caters to businesses across sectors.
• Clients gain improved cloud security, faster response to incidents, and proactive threat management.

Ricoh Modernizes to the Cloud

• Ricoh Company, Ltd. choses Informatica’s Intelligent Data Management Cloud™ (IDMC) to accelerate its GLIDER data infrastructure project, which aims to centralize and modernize data management to support its digital transformation efforts.
• GLIDER initiative consolidates sales, inventory, and operations data from over 50 Ricoh Group companies globally, centralizing data processing and analysis to promote efficient Return On Invested Capital (ROIC) management.
• Ricoh is moving its workloads from Informatica’s PowerCenter on-premises platform to the AI-powered, cloud-native IDMC, reusing PowerCenter assets to save on migration costs and efforts.
• IDMC offers a user-friendly interface, a low-code/no-code environment, and flexibility, improving operational efficiency and enabling quicker, trusted data access for better customer service and satisfaction.
• Informatica Japan's IDMC platform supports Ricoh's global data integration, helping Ricoh achieve operational excellence, improve customer experience, and deliver high-quality digital services.

Lock in on Cyber Security with ARCOA

• IT Asset Disposition (ITAD): Manages the secure disposition of end-of-life IT equipment
• Data Destruction: Ensures sensitive data is completely erased from devices before disposal
• Asset Remarketing: Resells refurbished IT assets to maximize value recovery
• Recycling Services: Provides environmentally responsible recycling of electronics
• Compliance & Reporting: Offers documentation and reporting to meet regulatory standards
• Secure Logistics: Handles the safe transport of IT assets throughout the disposal process

Ricoh to cut 2,000 jobs globally

• reported on Nikkei Asia
• Ricoh will cut 2,000 jobs globally, focusing on its office equipment division as part of its digital transition.
• 1,000 employees in Japan will be offered early retirement from Oct. 2024 to Feb. 2025.
• Ricoh expects a 16 billion yen ($112M) severance cost but aims to boost profits by 9 billion yen annually from 2026.
• Shrinking printer demand is driving Ricoh to focus on digital services like AI and data management.
• Konica Minolta is also cutting 2,400 jobs, forming a joint venture with Fujifilm for office machine components.

Fujifilm Partners with Marco Technologies to Expand U.S. Office and Production Print ...

• Collaborates with Marco Technologies to expand its office and production print presence in the U.S.
• Partnership combines Fujifilm’s print technology with Marco’s expertise in managed services to enhance market reach.
• Collaboration opens new opportunities for both companies in the office and production print sectors.
• Clients will experience improved print solutions, broader product offerings, and enhanced service support.

Kyocera says print smart, stay secure

• Launches its "Print Smart, Stay Secure" initiative to promote secure and efficient printing solutions.
• Campaign emphasizes protecting sensitive data with advanced security features in Kyocera’s print technology.
• Cncourages businesses to optimize printing workflows, reducing costs while maintaining security.
• Clients benefit from enhanced document security, cost-effective printing, and streamlined operations.

Lexmark Acquires AccessVia LEXINGTON, Ky.

• Announces the acquisition of AccessVia to strengthen its software solutions portfolio.
• Acquisition integrates AccessVia’s signage creation software with Lexmark’s printing capabilities.
• Move expands Lexmark’s offerings in the retail and signage sectors, enhancing its market presence.
• Clients gain access to innovative, integrated print and signage solutions, improving operational efficiency and branding.

TWAIN Direct Developers Day Set to Ignite Innovation at Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, Florida November 13-14

• TWAIN Direct Developers Day is scheduled to take place at Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, Florida, on November 13-14.
• Event aims to drive innovation in document scanning and printing technologies by bringing together industry developers.
• Attendees will engage in workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities to explore advancements in TWAIN Direct technology.
• Developers and industry professionals will gain insights into new trends, share ideas, and collaborate on innovations in the scanning and printing space.

CompassMSP Recognized on CRN's 2024 MSP 500 List

• Named to CRN’s 2024 MSP 500 List, highlighting its excellence in managed services.
• Inclusion underscores CompassMSP’s leadership and innovation in providing top-tier IT solutions.
• List recognizes companies for their ability to deliver high-quality managed services and demonstrate growth and leadership in the MSP sector.

Magna5 Expands National Footprint and Strengthens Managed IT Services Offerings ...

• Expands its national footprint and enhances its managed IT services offerings.
• Expansion aims to increase market presence and improve service delivery across the U.S.
• Strengthens its managed IT services to provide more comprehensive solutions and support to clients.

Konica Minolta’s Laura Blackmer Named a 2024 Inclusive Channel Leader by CRN

• Laura Blackmer of Konica Minolta is named a 2024 Inclusive Channel Leader by CRN.
• Accolade honors Blackmer’s contributions to fostering inclusivity and leadership within the channel industry.
• Recognition highlights Blackmer’s role in advancing diversity and inclusion in the technology sector.
• Konica Minolta benefits from enhanced visibility and reputation in the industry, showcasing its commitment to inclusive leadership.

This Week in Copiers Fifteen Years Ago

Second Week of September 2009

Please visit and follow FMD Distribution LLC and follow their Linkedin page

Real Copier Sales

There's a saying that you can't teach an old dog new tricks! I don't believe it! Here's a few tips that you must have before going to any appointment.
Lease Documents:
Yup, have a few handy, and a few credit apps, never know when you're going to make a mistake...... more here

Check Out These Great Copier Threads from Fifteen Years Ago This Week

This Week in the Copier Industry Ten Years Ago

“If you wish to make anything grow, you must understand it, and understand it in a very real sense. ‘Green fingers’ are a fact, and a mystery only to the unpracticed. But green fingers are the extensions of a verdant heart.”

Russell Page

This quote captures the profound truth about gardening and, by extension, about nurturing any living thing or creative endeavor. Now, I would like for you to think about your client relationships.

"If you wish to make anything grow, you must understand it"

This line from the quote emphasizes the importance of deep, practical knowledge. Again, think about your clients and what do you really know about them?

This suggests that true success in gardening (or any nurturing activity, think relationship building) comes not just from conceptual understanding, but from an intimate, hands-on understanding of the subject.

Allow this quote to remind you that to truly excel in nurturing growth, you need a combination of deep understanding, practiced skill, and genuine passion or love for what you're cultivating. And in sales, this is your client relationships.

Therefore, if you wish to grow your client relationships, you must understand them, and understand them in a very real sense.

Your clients are undeniably one of your most precious assets. Without them would you exist in sales?

The more you understand that meaningful and credible relationships matter, the more successful you will become, end of story, plain and simple.

Building authentic relationships and connecting with your clients is mission critical to your long-term sales sustainability.

We as humans crave and value relationships.

They are a part of human nature. We long for and value relationships. It's hard-wired into our DNA.

The more you give, ultimately the more you receive.

Your first mirror moment:

On a scale of 1-10...

• How well are you personally and intentionally engaging with your clients?
• Are you authentically investing in building authentic relationships?
• Are you doing what they believe is necessary?

Your clients smell what you're cooking and not cooking fast.

CULTIVATE AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS

Trust is the foundation of a credible and healthy relationship.

Trust fosters open communication, emotional safety, and mutual respect.

Building and maintaining trust requires effort and intention.

Here are some actionable steps to cultivate trust in your relationships:

Follow through on your promises - If you commit to doing something, make sure to follow through. This consistency shows that you can be counted on.

Be honest and transparent - Openness lays the groundwork for trust.

Respect boundaries - This shows that you value the other person’s comfort and autonomy.

Actively listen - This means giving your full attention, acknowledging their feelings, and responding thoughtfully.

Be vulnerable - This mutual openness can deepen trust and strengthen the bond between you.

Trust enriches the soil of your relationships.

Your ability to build trust is crucial to maintaining healthy client relationships. Lack of credibility and believability, causes your clients to not trust you.

Lack of trust will cost you your clients and will diminish your ability to consistently drive sales sustainability.

This is why the subtitle in my latest book, Selling In A Post-Trust World, reigns true... Soft skills will yield you hard dollars.

Building and maintaining authentic relationships requires work. You must authentically invest to collect on the relationship.

This requires careful planning, consistency, discipline and heart to nurture relationships to become an integral part of your clients' lives.

You just can't do this with a monthly call, a quarterly visit, a semi-annual visit or the classics... "I'm checking in with you" or "Just touching base to make sure everything is OK."

“Whether they stem from business or personal situations, our relationships are what support us, connect us, and allow us to progress in all aspects of our lives.”

Michelle Tillis Lederman

CULTIVATION AND RELATIONAL GARDENING

"Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds."

Gordon B. Hinckley

Are you cultivating or neglecting your client relationships?

Just as a garden requires consistent care to flourish, so does your client relationships.

Without hard work, potential remains untapped (increased sales and profits), and negative influences (like weeds) can take over.

Remember, while weeds may grow effortlessly, true growth with your clients requires intentionality and effort.

Without hard work, discipline and some tender loving care, nothing will grow in your clients' accounts.

All you will attract are shiny sales professionals who understand what it means to build authentic relationships and meaningful business value.

With water, fertilizer, and light, a healthy client relationship can turn into an exquisite garden of sales nourishment.

Jim Rohn once said,

"If you rest too long the weeds take the garden."

This quote should serve as a constant reminder around the dangers of complacency and inactivity with your client relationships.

When you become too comfortable or take extended breaks from learning to become better, you risk stagnating your growth. Just as a garden left unattended can become overrun with weeds, your client relationships can soon fade without consistent effort, care and attention.

Fail to water your garden and we know what happens. A relationship which is started, but not watered will wither and die, it is the natural order of things.

Gardening is a process. Planting is a task.

A garden which is planted, then not tended, cultivated or cared for, ultimately will grow weeds, wither and die. Can the same be applied to your clients, heck yeah!

REMOVE THE WEEDS TO GROW YOUR RELATIONAL GARDEN

If you want healthy, harmonious and heartfelt client relationships, then you must pay attention to the weeds.

Weeds have a way of creeping into your garden of client relationships. They choke the life out of fruitful growth, as they spread like crabgrass in your sales lawn.

Weeds thrive and flourish when you do not pay attention to them. Unfortunately, the same applies to your client relationships.

You might be growing weeds when:

• You only come around when you want something, like a sale.
• You take more than you give.
• You leave people hanging by not following through with your commitments.
• You make promises you don’t keep.
• You communicate inconsistently and sparingly.
• You are nowhere to be found when your clients need you.
• You become reactive instead or proactive with your communication.

Your second mirror moment:

How many of you have walked into your relationship garden only to find that it has been decimated from neglect (no deposits of relational trust) and overrun with weeds (competitors)?

Sales professionals fertilize their relationship garden while sales reps struggle to water their garden.

Here's a little gardening 101.

The consummate gardener never skips a day of weeding or watering. The garden may not look much different, but they know over time the results reflect their effort.

Let's apply this to your world, as a sales professional never skips a day cultivating their relationship garden. They realize the more they tend to their garden the more relationships soon blossom.

Unfortunately, many sales reps are like below average gardeners. They blame nature for burning their plants (clients), not raining enough, bugs, weeds, poor soil and crappy results.

On the flip side, sales professionals are liken to expert gardeners. They shield their plants (clients) from getting burned, provide water during droughts, protect against bugs (competitors), pull weeds, enrich the soil and enjoy spectacular results.

CULTIVATE YOUR TRUST GARDEN

Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd president of the United States once said,

"No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden."

I believe gardening is a powerful example for the lifecycle of a process. I believe there is a direct correlation between what it takes to grow a beautiful garden and what it takes to build trust with your clients.

Growing a relationship garden with your clients involves the commitment of a shared vision, deep respect, ongoing mutual effort, and patience.

If you don't sow it, you can't build trust.

Whether you are a senior level executive, sales leader or a salesperson, it doesn’t matter how rich the soil is in your clients' garden, how much sunlight it receives, or how often you water, if you don’t sow the seeds, you won’t have any plants (sales).

At this point, you might be saying to yourself that this sounds a bit elementary or too basic, well, that’s because it is.

Trust in client relationships begins by demonstrating your trustworthiness.

You reap what you sow.

Let's refer to Galatians 6:7–9 that reads,

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”

Translated to sales:

• You will harvest what you plant.
• You will get out what you put in.
• Your outcomes (sales) will be determined by your inputs.
• The sales results you achieve will be based on the decisions you make, the habits you stake, and the habits you break.

Without fail, you reap what you sow. This is true in gardening. This is true in life, and this is true in sales. If you plant good habits, you’ll get good outcomes. If you plant bad habits, don’t be deceived and expect good outcomes.

Your third mirror moment:

What present actions are you taking as you tend to your relational garden?

I encourage you to sow these seeds of trust and watch what starts to bloom.

• Constantly learn, grow, and get better at what you do.
• Generously share your expertise with others.
• Focus on doing the right thing and doing things right.
• Make ethical and moral choices.
• Tell the truth.
• Be authentic and genuine.
• Never waiver from your promises or commitments.
• Just give a rip!

When you cultivate the seeds of trust, you're inviting people in not pushing them away.

You're creating common grounds, common good, and community. Isn't this what you want?

The loyalty and trust you build with your clients will continue to reward you in unexpected ways, if you fertilize your relationship garden.

I will leave you with this to reflect upon... Cultivating your relational client garden will add years to your sales life.

Lyndsay Dowd is a dynamic business coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Heartbeat for Hire. With over 23 years of experience leading high-performing sales teams at IBM, Lyndsay has dedicated her career to transforming leadership and fostering positive organizational cultures. Recognized as a Top 10 Coach by Apple News and awarded the 2023 Award for Innovation and Excellence, Lyndsay is passionate about helping leaders create environments where teams thrive. She’s also the host of the globally ranked Heartbeat for Hire podcast, where she shares her expertise and collaborates with organizations to drive success.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of the Selling From the Heart podcast, we welcome Lyndsay Dowd to discuss the critical role of creating positive organizational cultures. Lyndsay shares her insights on heart-centered leadership, the power of empathy, and practical strategies for building trust and engagement within teams. From listening tours to authentic communication, Lyndsay offers actionable advice to help leaders and sales professionals create thriving, supportive work environments that drive performance and satisfaction.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Heart-Centered Leadership: Learn how leading with authenticity and empathy can transform your workplace culture and elevate your team’s performance.

Listening Tours: Discover the importance of listening to your team to build trust, understand dynamics, and foster a culture of openness and support.

Power Skills for Leaders: Empathy, communication, and integrity are essential skills for building strong relationships and positive work environments.

Cultural Impact on Success: A positive workplace culture enhances employee satisfaction, boosts productivity, and improves client outcomes.

Authenticity in Leadership: Stand out as a leader by building genuine connections and leading with heart in complex business environments.

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

"Integrity will always keep you at the top of the totem pole."

"When you lead with heart, you build relationships that people want to invest in."

"The way you treat your people has a direct impact on how they treat your clients."

"The best leaders do this deep within their spirit—it’s a game changer."

WHY YOU NEED TO LISTEN:

This episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you redefine your leadership style and create a culture where your team—and your business—can thrive. Whether you're leading a team or looking to enhance your sales approach, Lyndsay Dowd’s advice will equip you with the tools to lead with integrity and drive positive change.

FOLLOW THE CONVERSATION

Lyndsay Dowd's LinkedIn: / lyndsaydowdh4h

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: / darrellamy

Larry's LinkedIn: / larrylevine1992

Website: https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net/

Get the Game-Changing Book That Will Boost Your Sales... While Protecting Your Relationships and Reputation! Now available for shipping at Barnes & Noble! Discover more: https://sellinginaposttrustworld.com

Order the rerelease of Selling from the Heart today: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sell...

Never miss an episode—SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel:

/ sellingfromtheheart

Click for your Daily Dose of Inspiration:

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This Week in the Copier Industry 5 Years Ago

Have you ever had a conversation with somebody and afterward thought about what you should have said differently, or not at all? Most people have, and you’d be hard pressed to find a person who doesn’t have regrets over something that came out of their mouth at one point or another...more here

Threads from 5 Years Ago This Week

I'm not sure about the title of this blog yet, but it's been a tough couple of months. At 67, I sometimes find myself asking, "Why am I still doing this?"

My job isn't physically demanding, and I don’t have to deal with daily traffic. My office is just 10 steps from my bedroom, and I like that. Working from home saves me at least 10 hours a week in commuting time, which we all know is our time, unpaid. That commute was just part of the job—until COVID-19 changed everything in early 2020. Can you believe that by March 2025, it will have been five years since the virus turned our world upside down?

The most challenging part of my job is the stress, especially when months and quarters don’t turn out as I'd hoped. I tend to put more pressure on myself to hit my numbers. The dealership I work for doesn’t add to my stress—it’s all me. It always has been because I strive to be the best at what I do. After 44 years of doing this daily, I still haven’t fully conquered the issue of stress. Instead, I’ve learned to live with it and manage it, especially when sales and opportunities don’t go as planned.

Over the weekend, I had a conversation with my son about his new job and the potential for advancement. Living in New Jersey, we all know we need to make a good income—everything is so expensive. I told him, “As long as you work hard, you never know what tomorrow will bring.” I hate to sound cliché, but it’s true. Things often happen when you least expect them, but they won’t happen if you give up.

Just a few days ago, one of my clients called out of the blue, saying they needed another device. We met, measured the space, and discussed how costs have risen over the past three years. My client agreed and mentioned they had to raise their own prices as well. On Monday, I’ll be delivering a quote for a $75,000 production device. There’s a good chance this deal will close quickly, like others have in the past. Now, I just need the leasing company’s approval to make it happen.

So why am I still doing this? Well, it gives me a purpose each day. I don’t think I’d do well in retirement because I need something to keep my mind active. Most importantly, I want to ensure that I can continue to take care of my wife as we grow older and give her what she needs. And truth be told, I still enjoy what I do, especially when I’m able to help my clients and other sales reps.

-=Good Selling=-

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Hacked!

911/2024

Sponsored by

Recent Hacking Incidents and Cybersecurity Concerns

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• IndoDax Crypto Exchange Suffers Major Hack, Over $22 Million in Losses -
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• Crypto Exchange Hacked After 150 Suspicious Transactions Drain Over $22 Million -
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• Hacked Facebook Friends Offering Bogus Taylor Swift Tickets -
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• Unc, You Hacked? Social Media Reacts to Shannon Sharpe's Instagram Live Slip-Up -
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-=Stay Safe=-

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