Busy or Productive? Efficiency as a Matter of Survival
Many printing companies appear efficient and well utilized from the outside. However, in my consulting projects over the past few months, it has repeatedly become clear that this impression is often misleading. Despite a high level of commitment, a significant share of working time is absorbed by coordination, follow-up questions, or manual intermediate steps. In […]
Will My Print Company Still Exist in Five Years?
This is a question many business owners in the German printing industry are currently asking themselves. Perhaps after a difficult customer conversation, or when the next energy bill lands on their desk. The truth is this: the industry is undergoing structural change. And structural change always brings uncertainty, but also opportunity. The German Printing Industry […]
Everyone Talks About the Skills Shortage. Hardly Anyone Talks About Workforce Strategy.
Many companies are currently reporting that they are scaling back recruitment efforts or postponing new hires. At the same time, the shortage of skilled professionals remains high. At first glance, this may seem contradictory, but a closer look reveals why it is not. Recent figures from the BVDM paint a clear picture: ▪️ 56% of […]
Who Acts Wins: How Print Companies Can Achieve Sustainable Success
Those who fail to act will be overtaken by those who do. The print and packaging industry is undergoing profound transformation. Yet, many companies still struggle to adapt their business models to new realities.We spoke with decision-makers across the industry and identified the five most pressing challenges that are holding back sustainable growth. Talent Shortage: […]
Modern Sales: Structured, Strategic, and Transparent
Modern sales is clearly structured, strategically oriented, and transparently represented.Like any other profession, sales is defined by the context of its time. There were eras in which modern customer acquisition required an entire team of field representatives visiting clients in person, covering countless kilometers along the way. From that period also stems the idea of […]
Five Reasons Why C-Level Hires Fail in the Printing Industry
Filling key leadership roles is one of the most critical factors for business success. Yet in many companies, the topic of “personnel” is still treated as a side issue not with the professionalism it deserves. A costly mistake: Studies show that a bad hire at the executive level can result in costs amounting to two […]
When Experience and Network make the Difference:
Executive Search in the Printing Industry For more than 37 years, Apenberg & Partner has been the trusted partner for filling leadership positions in the printing and packaging industry. Over this time, we have built not only a unique network but also a reputation of trust—trust that opens doors others cannot access. This trust is […]
Top Leaders Don’t Apply. They Get Found.
Why Headhunters Are Essential in an Increasingly Competitive Talent Market In times of skilled labor shortages, talent acquisition becomes a strategic challenge. Many companies now view the lack of qualified professionals and executives as the greatest business risk of the future, responding with higher salaries or enhanced benefits. But one crucial question often remains unanswered: […]
Digitalization Without Strategy? An Expensive Dead End for Printing Companies!
Digitalization has long reached the printing industry. Whether it’s automating production processes, implementing web-to-print portals, intelligent warehouse logistics, or AI-driven data analytics, many companies are already making significant investments. While state-of-the-art machines and software solutions are being introduced, however, many businesses are missing the key element: a clear digital strategy. And this is where the […]
Client vs. Customer: A Subtle but Important Difference!
In our daily lives, we often encounter the terms “customer” and “client,” and we typically use them interchangeably. However, there is a significant difference between the two, which plays a crucial role, especially in consulting. While a customer has a more transactional relationship with a company or brand, a client often involves a long-term, trust-based, […]
The Mindset of Successful Print Entrepreneurs – What They Do Differently
It is always fascinating to see how companies in the printing industry can differ, even though they operate in the same sectors. In an industry that is constantly evolving, print entrepreneurs face new challenges all the time. Digitalization, sustainability, automation – the market demands constant adjustments and innovations. But what sets successful print entrepreneurs apart […]
Headhunters: Valuable Partners for the Success of Your Business
In today’s job market, headhunters are indispensable partners when it comes to successfully attracting skilled professionals and executives. Their expertise, extensive networks, and strategic approach enable companies to fill key positions effectively and efficiently. With approximately 2,450 recruitment firms in Germany, headhunters offer a wide range of services tailored to address the challenges of the […]