Among the issues I have been addressing as I've been going around the country has been where the best future opportunities for print businesses will be. It's been relatively clear to me: small and mid-size businesses. It's easy to say, and hard to do. Most mid-size printers cannot handle the decreased order sizes and the need to increase number of orders to make the economics work. When you hear the phrase “shorter run lengths,” it often assumes that the only change needed is equipment. That assumption is wrong. It also requires changing everything else in the shop. Smaller jobs cannot be profitable unless the number of touches is reduced—from order entry through invoicing. Otherwise, everything from costs of sales, makereadies, billing and collections will kill any chance of profitable jobs.

Despite the recessionary times, entrepreneurship is still doing well. The Kauffman Foundation reports that

It's more than just business cards (the marketing focus of VistaPrint) or office supplies (the main thrust of Staples). These small businesses (more accurately, “microbusinesses”) need communications and marketing resources to start and build their businesses. Many colleges host programs for small business and entrepreneurial studies. Perhaps you can host a program about starting a business and hire a faculty member as a speaker for an evening. The Chamber of Commerce might be willing to assist in promoting the event.