How resource files drive print buyers to better results

Listening to just four notes change the way I play guitar.

I don’t claim to be much of a guitar player, but I keep plugging away at it. Even my wife admits that I’ve got better over the years!

One of the reasons I improve is because I hear so much good music. We all need a little inspiration in our lives. That applies to our work lives as much as our personal lives.

That’s why people who buy printing need resource files.

What is a resource file?

If you need inspiration, you need resource files

A resource file is simply a file or a box filled with unusual print jobs. It’s a way for buyers to make sure that they have suitable inspiration if they have a particular print buying challenge.

People who buy printing user resource file will find that they achieve more. They will find it easier to rise to problems that set them by their clients. They will also find that showing suppliers and clients some samples makes communication and relationships easier.

Buyers who do not use resource files may struggle with communicating new ideas. They will also find it difficult to achieve the same level of creative results.

So how do you creates a good resource file? Here are three sources of inspirational print.

Trade magazines

Trade magazines can be a great way to get you inspired. Many magazines feature unusual print projects.

They also have another way of creating inspiration. Many of their inserts are unusual. They are selling new print ideas.  They need to grab the buyer’s attention.

However, you should look further than trade magazines for your resource file.

Collecting items

Every time I visit a printer I see interesting jobs. I always ask if I can take a sample.

It’s the same when print reps come to visit me.  They often want to showcase the most innovative work. And they often have a sample that I can keep.

I also still find the mail that comes through my front door a useful source of items as well.

Still, if you want to find some of the most impressive pieces of print, there’s only one way to go.

Awards

Awards showcase the very best in print stop many printing companies like to showcase they winning jobs. And the winners are also covered in depth by the trade press.

If there is something that really inspires you, it is worth contacting the print company and asking them to send you a copy.

Here’s how a resource file worked for me

One of the items in my resource file is a personalised made up from a mobile phone company. They have personalised the phones and offers to my profile.

I found this piece very useful in helping me explain just what personalisation could do for a builders’ merchant. They were having a trade today. I suggested that they personalised the logos of attending companies to the profiles of their customers.

It was much easier to do this when I could actually shown the mobile phone example.

Here are three things you should do to start your resource file up

1. Sign up to a trade magazine
2. Pick out an interesting item of post that you received
3. Find out when the some print awards are scheduled

You will soon find you have a box of interesting print jobs.

The print jobs in your resource file will inspire you to create better print