The Delicious Dish: "Nobody can resist my Schweddy..."

Margaret Jo McCullen: Hello. I’m Margaret Jo McCullen.

Teri Rialto: And I’m Teri Rialto.

Margaret Jo McCullen: And you’re listening to..

Together: The Delicious Dish, on National Public Radio.

Margeret Jo McCullen: Now, Teri, it’s Christmas season again, our favorite time of the year.

Teri Rialto: Actually, Margaret Jo, holiday time is when the most culinary wishes can come true. Now, what’s on your list this holiday season, Margaret Jo?

Margeret Jo McCullen: Well, Teri, I got real freaky this year. I’m asking Kris Kringle for a wooden bowl, some oversized index cards, and a funnel.

Teri Rialto: Ooooh, a funnel! That’ll be great for funneling!

Margeret Jo McCullen: I know. I feel like a glutton! What’s onyour list, Teri?

Teri Rialto: Well, I’m only asking Santa for one thing – a big box of glue traps to help me with my excessive rat problem? Are you, Margaret Jo, gonna leave any treats out for Santa this year?

The Death of RPA: From Managed Print Services to Intelligent Automation

Reading "RIP to RPA: The Rise of Intelligent Automation" by Kimberly Tan has been a lightbulb moment—a new way to see the Managed Print Services (MPS) platform. Tan’s insights on how AI is replacing traditional labor-heavy tasks with intelligent automation struck a chord. MPS has long wrestled with the repetitive and manual, but imagine if we could take it beyond managing print jobs to actually reshaping entire document workflows. 

Xerox Reinvents Amidst Major Layoffs: 3,000 Jobs Cut as the Era of the Copier Nears Its End

Xerox. 

That name used to mean something. It meant every office you walked into had the same reliable, slightly greasy machine in the corner—the hum of paper moving through rollers, toner dust filling the air, and the glow of fluorescent lights casting shadows over a maze of cubicles. For a long time, the copier was as much a fixture as the water cooler, the breakroom coffee pot, or the company fridge with someone's yogurt. But times change, and so do the tools we rely on. Now, Xerox is shedding nearly 3,000 jobs—about 15% of its workforce—as it leans into a future that has little room for the copier’s slow, mechanical heart.

With AI, How Are We Going to Keep the Lights On?

By Patricia Ames, Workflow

The growth of generative AI usage is astounding. 

Researchers from Harvard have found that roughly 40% of the US population between 18 and 64 have used generative AI. The report notes that “adoption of generative AI has been faster than adoption of the personal computer and the internet.” And there isn’t good reason to think that this rapid growth is going to slow down anytime soon. 

Take This Guy’s Advice: Quit

RTO: Because innovation's easier when you're watching the clock

By Greg Walters, October 15,2024

​The never-ending RTO saga has another star player: Amazon. That’s right, they’re telling you to pack up your desk plant and march back to the cube farm.

​

Recently, AWS CEO Matt Garman, during an all-hands meeting, claimed, “Nine out of ten employees I’ve talked to support our new in-office policy, which kicks in January.” Reuters reviewed the transcript, so we know this isn’t satire, but is he on drugs?

New to Copier Sales: You Are the Marketer

In your world of selling copiers, you’re not just a salesperson—you are your own marketing department. Your dealership HAS a dedicated marketing team or is working with an external firm, yet the responsibility of how you present yourself and your brand falls on your worthy shoulders. 

Insights from "Ask Us Anything XXXVI" to Thrive in an Evolving Industry

Copier Salesperson - Office Technology Sales - IT Sales

If you're just stepping into this role, you're in for an exciting journey. Sure, copiers might not sound like the sexiest product, but when you dig into the dynamics of the market and add in the potential of AI, you’ll see why this industry is poised for some serious evolution. Here’s a story that might resonate with you and give you some insights into how to make a mark in your new role.

The Game Has Changed: AI Tools Aren't Just Fancy Gadgets

Art and Greg are two experienced hands in this space, and they’ve been around long enough to see how technology really changes the game. At a recent meeting, they talked about a tool called Fireflies—an AI that automatically records and transcribes meeting notes. This might sound minor, but think about how much time you can save if you’re not scribbling down everything during a meeting. More time for focusing on the conversation, building rapport, and getting to the real meat of the client's needs. It’s about leveraging every tool at your disposal to be the most effective version of yourself.

The same goes for Google’s notebook tool—keeping your thoughts organized is a huge win when you're juggling multiple prospects. It’s the first step in using AI to boost your efficiency and focus more on closing deals than on administrative tasks.

Off-Lease MFPs: Where Are We Going?

Now, you’re going to hear a lot about the off-lease multi-function printer (MFP) market, and it’s a bit of a battleground right now. The big news recently is Xerox buying IT Savvy for $400 million. It’s a signal that these companies are not just about selling machines anymore—they’re getting into IT services, which is where you, as a new rep, need to pay attention. More than ever, it’s about offering a complete solution, not just hardware. This is where you can differentiate yourself.

Customers are also getting more environmentally conscious. Recycling rates for MFPs are on the rise, from 5% a few years ago to 25% today, with a forecast of reaching 50-60% in the next few years. People want sustainable options. When you talk to a prospect, mentioning the sustainability aspects and the future of recycling could give you an edge, especially with clients who have corporate sustainability goals. Plus, knowing the ins and outs of these changing dynamics shows that you’re not just selling—you’re a consultant who’s paying attention to the industry’s pulse.

AI: Your Secret Weapon in Sales