Secretarial Services - Business Interviews

The Coming Millenium: A Dozen Business Interviews
By Jack D. Deal

This is an extract from a series of interviews by Jack Deal with business owners/management on the future of their industry. I selected only the interviews with the type of businesses that are of interest to my readers.

Computer Repair. Hardware and software sales are tough. We are trying to get away from that but it's not easy. We have to offer more of a solutions-based rather than products-based approach. If we can't do that we will be gone.

Computer training. As the technology changes and becomes more complex people and businesses will have to learn it. We have a good future only if we continue to learn more and more. We have to stay on top.

Network Security. Security is still within it's infancy ... and the awareness of the need of security is growing incredibly fast! As you know, more and more sensitive information is being processed in networked computing environments, dramatically increasing the efficiency of millions of businesses around the globe, but at the same time rendering them vulnerable to software and hardware failure and misuse from internal or external sources. Security is essential.

Offset Printer. We still do a lot of manuals and newsletters and expect to continue with that. For longer runs copy centers -- which are everywhere now -- are not cost effective. All the experts have been telling me I'll be gone in a few years. We just keep finding niches and going after those markets. Many of the young executives and managers are surprised at the quality offset can deliver.

Printing and Graphics Company. For the last ten years the industry has been flat. Flat sales have translated into discounted work so prices on printing have been going down, at least in our market. The digital press will bring about major changes because it eliminates the camera. We are frankly confused and uncertain as to our strategy. We need to invest to stay current and competitive but it is hard to justify the expense when the return is so uncertain.

Jack D. Deal is owner of the Deal Consulting Group, a knowledge-based business provider consortium. 831-457-8806 / jackdeal@ix.netcom.com. Related articles may be found at http://www.dealconsulting.com