Where Is Your Strategic Inflection Point?

Dear Colleagues,

Recently I read the N.Y. Times op-ed article by Thomas L. Friedman entitled "Who's Sleeping Now?"

Mr. Friedman was writing about the historical intersections of nations with cycles of history, macroeconomics and global dominance, specifically referring to China and the United States. But I was particularly struck by one paragraph that may apply cogently to our own Independent Print Services Industry, and possibly our companies, as well.

"Andy Grove, co-founder of Intel, liked to say that companies come to 'strategic inflection points,' where the fundamentals of a business change and they either make the hard decision to invest in a down cycle and take a more promising trajectory or do nothing and wither."

Personally, I think you could make a good case that our industry, possibly our distributorships, and certainly our manufacturers, are at a "strategic inflection point." The fundamentals of our traditional industry are changing rapidly. The industry is in a state of transition as our primary traditional product – paper – is subjected to relentless impact craters from electronic technology.

Which is a MAJOR reason you need to attend our May 5-7 e-Quantum International Client Conference in Reno.

You see, CHANGE CAN BE GOOD... unless you don't possess the knowledge to take advantage of the new opportunities it portends... or, unless, you are blind to new visions of opportunity.

At one time or another, it's healthy for every industry, company, and individual to reflect back on our roots. And, the good news of our industry introspection is: OUR ROOTS WERE NEVER PAPER! Our roots lie in the business communications industry, not the paper industry. We sell solutions that permit businesses to communicate, market and operate more efficiently and economically.

Now, these solutions may require marketing services, software, promotional products, logistics and distribution, electronic forms, office consumables, logo apparel, electronic services, e-commerce, and yes, traditional print products - or yet a host of new products and services we will adapt to our roots.

But, in every wave of this sea change, in every global shopping cart of products and services vital to every business worldwide, Horatio Alger is still frantically signaling to each of us to "Go West!" because - OPPORTUNITY ABOUNDS.

But, ONLY if you have the foresight and fortitude "to invest in a down cycle and take a more promising trajectory" rather than "do nothing and wither."

Our entire staff at e-Quantum is working diligently to ensure your investment in attending our May 5-7 International Client Conference will indeed place your company and staff on a more promising trajectory, with an agenda without equal in our industry. e-Quantum has put together three separate learning tracks: Peer-To-Peer Networking, Business Development and Software Training, covering vital industry topics.

• Current Technology
• Marketing Services
• New Products/Enhancements
• Learning Labs
• Targeted Software Training
• Networking Opportunities
• e-Vendor EXPO

So, if you're undecided whether to attend, ask yourself these simple questions. What part of "take a more promising trajectory" and "new vision of opportunities" can I afford to miss? What part of "do nothing and wither" is so attractive that a few days of business as usual seems the better alternative?

Don't miss our Industry's finest learning opportunity for education, networking, and technology, replete with world-class entertainment, at the fabulous Peppermill Resort Casino in Reno.

Otherwise, you'll also have to ask yourself this simple question: "Who's Sleeping Now?"

Join us in Reno for our Industry's greatest learning experience - the e-Quantum International Client Conference - your must-attend event of 2010.




Sincerely,



Ross Barker


800-328-7804 | e-quantum.com