"Ask Us Anything" meeting held on January 10, 2025, featured special guest Valerie Alde-Hayman and covered a variety of topics including highlights from the CES show, which showcased innovations in photo printing and robotics, reflecting a growing demand for physical photo prints. Art Post shared optimistic year-end results for his copier business while discussing industry trends such as workforce reductions and concerns over Lexmark's dealer program. The meeting also reviewed the current work-from-home dynamics, with approximately 60% of accounts returning to the office full-time, while emphasizing ongoing transitions to Intelligent Document Processing. Additional discussions focused on the implications of AI and robotics, particularly household companion robots, as highlighted at CES, as well as the social benefits of gaming technology. The session concluded with predictions for advancements in robotics and AI by 2026 and a reminder of the upcoming Executive Connection Summit event.
Ask Us Anything
Ask Us Anything XLVI
"Ask Us Anything XLV" meeting focused on key industry updates and strategic discussions, beginning with light introductions and holiday-related small talk. A significant highlight was the discussion of Xerox's acquisition of Lexmark, with insights shared by participants on its potential impact and industry trends, particularly the predicted rise of robotics. The meeting addressed ongoing service challenges, including premature part failures, and examined the application of AI in both maintenance prediction and sales training. Additional topics included Managed Print Services (MPS) and fleet management concerns, alongside future trends in sales methodologies. The meeting concluded with plans for future engagement, highlighting an upcoming ECS event in Phoenix.
Ask Us Anything XLV
"Ask Us Anything XXLIV" meeting covered key industry developments and technology updates, starting with Xerox's announcement to acquire Lexmark for $1.5 billion, highlighting potential ramifications for Toshiba's partnership with Lexmark and drawing parallels to past industry acquisitions. The discussion then shifted to significant advancements in AI, including OpenAI's holiday releases, the introduction of SORA for video creation, and enhanced voice command features, alongside their implications for news media and creative sectors. Attendees shared practical applications of AI in their businesses for document categorization and processing, while also acknowledging challenges associated with sensitive data. Personal AI use was briefly touched upon, with mentions of movie recommendation systems and popular sci-fi shows. Looking ahead, the conversation concluded with insights on the evolving copier sales processes and the broader impact of AI on professional expertise and learning, culminating in agreed follow-up actions for further discussions among participants.
Ask Us Anything XLIII
"Ask Us Anything" meeting, hosted by Art Post, participants Peter and John engaged in discussions that spanned various aspects of digital mail solutions. Peter introduced his company's technology, which scans unopened mail and facilitates electronic delivery, particularly benefiting companies with remote employees. The conversation delved into industry insights, emphasizing the critical need for businesses to finalize operations before the holiday season. Peter highlighted the integration of digital mail into existing workflows, the role of AI in improving mail processing, and explored potential market opportunities, including partnerships with dealers.
Ask Us Anything XLII
Industry Discussion and Strategy Meeting, titled "Ask Us Anything XLII," encompassed several key topics centered on the integration of AI in sales and document management, industry updates, and future opportunities. Art highlighted recent successes, closing a significant deal, and discussed the industry's transition towards technology-focused events. John presented insights into AI's role in enhancing document management systems, while a debate ensued regarding the optimal starting point for AI implementation within dealerships. The group explored AI's broader implications on sales strategies, personnel roles, and potential business avenues for AI training. Additionally, the meeting touched on the evolving landscape of the industry, emphasizing the future relevance of robotics beyond traditional copier service.
Ask Us Anything XL
meeting discussed the potential impact of recent election outcomes on the office technology sector, alongside the Cannata awards recognizing industry achievements. Conversations included the integration of AI within the copier industry, highlighting a client's request for digital seals, and the implications of AI on business decision-making and sales processes. The group also critiqued the high costs of AI training, advocating for critical thinking as a vital skill in leveraging AI. Upcoming plans included a temporary hiatus for the show during Art's attendance at the Twain Developers Symposium
Ask Us Anything XXXIX
The Weekly Technology and Industry Update Discussion meeting titled "Ask Us Anything XXXIX" covered several key topics, beginning with audio and video setup challenges and the introduction of Jesse Harwell, who will enhance future discussions with insights on ChatGPT and its associated data security concerns. As the meeting continued, participants noted the approaching Election Day and slower industry updates, with several companies reporting disappointing quarterly profits and ongoing legal issues. Sales strategies were also discussed, introducing AI tool Fireflies for meeting management. Significant advancements in AI technology were highlighted, including TSMC’s new chip plants and Nvidia's manufacturing edge, alongside concerns regarding AI's energy consumption. The meeting wrapped up with plans for upcoming events, including Art's attendance at a developer show in Tampa and preparations for the milestone 40th episode.
Ask Us Anything XXXVI
"Ask Us Anything XXXVI" meeting focused on innovative business strategies and industry trends, emphasizing the integration of AI tools and off-lease multi-function printers (MFPs) into operations. Key discussions included the use of Fireflies for note-taking, the acquisition of IT Savvy by Xerox, and the rising rates of MFP recycling. Participants brainstormed solutions for challenges in the off-lease market and pondered the role of AI in enhancing sales and customer engagement, suggesting practical training approaches to empower sales personnel.
Better Call Art with Scott and Wrap My Copier
"Better Call Art Video" meeting featured a discussion between Art Post and Scott Murr from Wrap My Copier, focusing on the innovative product that customizes copier appearances through vinyl wraps to meet customer preferences. Wrap My Copier, which caters to both aesthetic needs and protection during lease terms. The meeting covered the logistics of applying wraps, the variability in turnaround times based on project complexity, and how the service can be integrated into sales pitches with accessible pricing structures. Additionally, they explored marketing strategies and challenges related to adoption, including potential collaborations for featuring Wrap My Copier on Art's platforms and its applicability in educational institution bids, particularly for preventing toner piracy.
Today's "Ask Us Anything" Notes XXXVI
we'll be posting this video in a few days. Here's some quick notes from our chat today.
The "Ask Us Anything XXXVI" meeting focused on innovative business strategies and industry trends, emphasizing the integration of AI tools and off-lease multi-function printers (MFPs) into operations. Key discussions included the use of Fireflies for note-taking, the acquisition of IT Savvy by Xerox, and the rising rates of MFP recycling. Participants brainstormed solutions for challenges in the off-lease market and pondered the role of AI in enhancing sales and customer engagement, suggesting practical training approaches to empower sales personnel.
Ask Us Anything XXXV
My thoughts on Katun, Xerox and FujiFilm
Ask Us Anything XXXIV "Up in Smoke"
Some manufacturer may go up in smoke in the near future, sales reps, scanning ops, solutions and more
Will Xerox Exit the A3 MFP Market in Near Future?
With our next episode of Ask Us Anything XXXV scheduled for 10/11/2024 at 4PM. Greg and I will discuss why we thing Xerox might exit the A3 copier market in the next the near future?
Much has changed in the last 6 weeks........Come join us
You can RSVP here to join the event Ask Us Anything XXXV episode