My Top 12 List

Letterman has his Top 10 List, and I have my Top 12 List. Why 12? Because on January 29, 2013, I celebrated my twelfth year with BPI Media Group. In these 12 years, I have been blessed and learned so much from colleagues, mentors, employers and customers. So, here's my Top 12 awesome things about BPI:

1. The people. From the owners to the drivers, they are some of the hardest-working people I've ever met.

2. The commitment. When a job is promised by a certain date, I can take that to the bank.

3. The teamwork. From prepress to shipping, all departments work together on every project.

4. The atmosphere. When you walk in the front door, you're greeted with a smile, and when you walk through the plant, folks wave to greet you. You can't beat BPI's version of southern hospitality.

5. The quality. Not once in twelve years have I ever had to worry about delivering a quality product to our customers.

6. The customer service. It is THE BEST. If you have a question, they provide answers--detailed answers--in a hurry--and with a smile.

7. The growth. BPI has evolved over the years, and management is committed to make our company grow by continuing to offer value-added solutions that our customers need.

8. The technology. BPI stays ahead of the curve on industry trends and technology all the way from prepress's Insite by Prinergy to our storefront web-to-print solution.

9. The proactive approach. Our team keeps customers and the sales team involved on every project's status, so you get no surprises.

10. The efficiency. Automated systems and a streamlined workflow make BPI's processes run in sync.

11. The adaptability. The folks at BPI adapt and learn as the industry, technology and postal regulations change.

12. The vision. It's not just about where BPI has been or what we've accomplished but more so where we're headed, and we want you to join us as we grow.

Thanks for 12 amazing years, BPI (Alan and Steve), and here's to at least a dozen more!

Until next time...Elizabeth

Keeping You Informed

Since BPI Media Group started processing mail for our customers, we have made it a priority to not only keep ourselves informed of postal regulations but to also keep our customers informed. In case you haven't heard, there is a postage increase effective on January 28th as well as a few other changes, specifically to FSM (folded self mailers)that became effective this month also. We shared this information via an email blast earlier this week, so if you'd like to join our email list to receive future information such as this, visit here to sign up.

USPS has changed a few pricing structures and definitions to start off 2013, and they have a few more changes coming into effect throughout the year. As mail is an ever-growing part of our business, we wanted to pass the information along to our customers so they can plan and adjust budgets accordingly.

What does this mean?

For most customers, the impact of the changes will be minimal. However, if you do any sort of mailing through USPS, it may prove insightful to read through the following documentation. Please be sure to note the Folded Self-Mailers definition on the BPI release as USPS has changed its sizing regulations for these pieces.

Specifics can be found here: USPS Folded Self-Mailer Reference Material

Until next time...Elizabeth

Resolve to Market

This week, I want to share with you ways that BPI Media Group can help kickstart your marketing campaign for 2013. This letter from BPI's President, Alan Davis, sums it up nicely.

The New Year has arrived and is a time for most people to create their 2013 resolutions. What are your resolutions for this year: weight loss, read more productive books or control the road rage? Because most individuals do not write down their resolution goals, make lifestyle changes or realize that changes don’t happen overnight, most resolutions are only a memory after the first couple of months into the new year.

The same is true for your marketing objectives in 2013. By laying out a clear plan of objectives and getting away from the “that’s the way we have always done it” attitude can lead to measurable growth in 2013! BPI Media Group offers a number of services that can be used in a variety of combinations to make your marketing dollars produce the results to meet your goals.

• Variable Data Printing to personally speak to your customers
• Big Data Analytics to control marketing cost with precise offerings
• Storefront portals to assist in marketing collateral management
• Print on Demand to reduce inventory levels
• Online proofing to reduce costly customer alteration charges
• Web Development so customers find you instead of you finding them

The major aspect that ties all of these together is the ability to track and report all activities so that each activity is measured, analyzed and modified. This year make your marketing resolutions stick by making company “lifestyle” changes, evaluating results to make changes based on data and create a system that will stand the test of time.

For more information about the offerings of BPI Media Group, contact us to speak with an experienced sales representative.

Until next time...Elizabeth

Love Getting Mail?

I have recently been reminded of how cool it is to go to my mailbox and see mail in there for me! Whether it's a greeting card, a package, a special offer or a coupon, I truly get excited to see mail, especially if it's a personalized message for me (let's face it, we all like to feel special and see our name in print.) It makes you feel special to know that someone thought of you, paid for postage and sent you something via the USPS.

Is your company marketing to your customers and prospects using direct mail? If not, shame on you. Predictive statistics from Print in the Mix show that every dollar spent on direct marketing advertising resulted in $12.57 in direct marketing-driven sales, on average. Wow! If you need helping planning a marketing mail campaign or an integrated campaign, let BPI Media Group help. We can help with planning, list acquisition and cleansing, data analytics, and yes, even the printing and mailing.

Need more information or proof that direct mail is still a viable channel for ROI? Check out Deliver Magazine's DM 101 and success stories. BPI also has case studies available upon request for learning how a mail or even an integrated campaign can be the best fit for targeting your customers and prospects. Go ahead, make someone's day be sending them mail!

Until next time...Elizabeth

Starting off Right

We at BPI Media Group hope that you had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed ringing in the New Year. Did you make any resolutions for 2013? What are your goals for 2013?

A couple of my goals this year are to read more, focus on sales-generating activities (yes, sell more!) and to continue to improve fitness and health. My fitness goal is to continue half marathon racing and reach a personal best on time for that distance. My sales goal is to reach a personal best with my sales numbers for all four quarters of 2013. Both of these goals will require daily exercises and a commitment to stay focused.

Here are a couple of books I'm reading now to help me get the New Year started on a positive note and to better focus on sales activities. I'd love to hear from you if you've read these books or if you'd like to share your goals for 2013!

The Synergist: How to Lead Your Team to Predictable Success by Les McKeown.

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell.

Until next time...Elizabeth