EDMS, Baked Chicken and Rigatoni

You are probably wondering what electronic document management software, baked chicken and rigatoni have to do with each other.

Well, according to our partners at DocuWare they have everything to do with each other.

Recently Expert Laser Services and DocuWare entered into a partnership, as we are now offering said robust electronic document management software as another fine addition to our product line.

One of the key marketing dynamics that is a staple within DocuWare is the free luncheons that the company and their partners put on to educate prospects and current customers alike in regards to the extensive functionality and ROI associated with the DocuWare software.

Just yesterday we hosted our first of many DocuWare Luncheons at the ever popular Periwinkles Bar and Grille in Auburn, MA. (see above picture for one of many banquet rooms)

While the presentation itself proved to be a most valuable, interesting and compelling experience for both myself, the present Expert Laser Services staff and our guests, I personally found that the meal which was enjoyed near the end of the event really catalyzed the first inklings of a great relationship with one of the gentlemen I had invited to the event.

Eating a delicious meal together evokes a sense of celebration and suggests the concept of family even in the business atmosphere that the luncheon was clearly projecting. During this time where we were able to share a superb meal of home made rolls, roasted herb and butter baby carrots, baked chicken, rigatoni and Italian sausage with peppers and onions, I found that the best conversations of the event took place during this meal time.

We discussed not only the potential benefits of the software to my guests organization but also about what he enjoyed to do in his spare time, how he started in the industry he worked in and some of the experiences he has had in the different jobs he has had in said position. It was this mealtime conversation which I believe the slight shift from unknowing to the beginnings of having an understanding of one another took place.

Sharing a meal, especially one of quality foods in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere in conjunction with an educational seminar truly does make for the kind of experience that allows for the first dynamics of human interaction between two folks who have met for the first time to play out in a way that I believe, is superior to that of similar events that do not include said meal.

In retrospect I would say that a great meal is truly the perfect way to open doors to new and or expanded relationships with new and current clients alike.

Does anyone out their have any similar experiences? If so, do share.

Think Globally Smash Printers Locally

The above video is in my opinion, a true classic of printer destruction. First introduced to me by Mark Schaefer, author of the {grow} marketing blog, this video is by no means new.

The clip is at once a testament to the fact that poor customer service is not only unacceptable in this day and age but also that in a world with Youtube, the backlash is unavoidable and rightly so.

As an avid fan of this clip you can imagine my surprise when an employee of Fall Prevention Alarms (a customer of ours) suggested that we check out this video. As it turns out the Solider in the clip is a friend of the folks at this company.

This small world connection was made when a gentleman from the above business stopped into purchase some of our own remanufactured toner cartridges and noticed a flyer on the desk of our receptionist left over from the first destroy your printer contest.

Sure enough he could also relate to the bane of laser printer related stress and said he is considering entering our third annual destroy your printer contest.

Paying It Forward

Over the past two years my work in social media for Expert Laser Services has acted as a catalyst for connecting with many wonderful, talented and professional individuals who are experts in their respective industries.

I have been humbled by these folks interest in my own work, namely my now infamous destroy your printer contest series. Thanks to the many retweets, blog posts, e-mails and referrals I have to my surprise, become at least somewhat "internet famous" and have managed to generate sales through social media, solidifying myself as my company's "chief social media marketing engineer".

Today I want to take the opportunity to shine a light on some of these incredible and talented people and suggest that you do yourself a favor by checking out their websites/blogs.

@markwschaefer (Mark Schaefer) This man is one of the few individuals who actually deserves the title "social media guru". Not only is he a true professional and gentleman but also one of the most kind hearted folks I have connected with. Marks blog posts are filled with excellent, spot on content relevant to multiple dimensions of the social media universe and are composed of priceless advice that quite frankly, I would pay for. Mark however authors his blog with a passion and love for the art and science of social media and these posts are free for the world to see, if your not already reading Marks blog {grow} do your self a huge favor and subscribe today.

@Greg_Walters (Greg Walters) I consider Greg Walters to be the managed print services industry's equivalent combination of Hunter S. Thompson and Larry Flint. His blog Death Of The Copier is a notorious medium known for publishing posts dripping with uber snarky yet spot on expertise regarding the realm of MPS. Most of the images on DOTC may be considered rather tasteless by some, but despite the blogs racy photography I can't help but to view Greg as a true MPS master and I would go so far as to say he may very well be the expert when it comes to managed print services.

@RecyclerMedia (Charlotte Hindle) Charlotte is the editor of Recycler Magazine, one of two (and in my opinion) the superior global trade publication reporting about the toner and ink cartridge remanufacturing industry. Smart, focused, kind hearted and engaging, Charlotte is the epitome of professional. I highly suggest checking out Recycler Magazine and opening your mind to the earth friendly and cost saving possibilities that remanufactured toner and ink cartridges can offer to your business.

From the connections above I have enjoyed other opportunities which have catalyzed relationships with other great people who are also experts in their own right as pertaining to their respective industry.

Below I have listed these new connections in hopes to offer you the chance to also connect with these awesome human beings.

Social Media, Marketing And Or PR Pros You need To Check Out:

@ginidietrich

@lauraclick

@julianng

@suddenlyjamie

@CKsays

@jonbuscall

@TheMikeEllis

@ShellyKramer

@allthingsfadra


Managed Print Services And Or Office Imaging Pros You Need To Check Out:

@ChangeForge

@Greg_VDW

@DFWMPS

@SHendersonIA

@jflyons

@artpost

Toner And Ink Cartridge Remanufacturing Pros You Need To Check Out:

@JetScapeink