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.

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

New To Selling PodCast: Scanning

In a recent article, The Imaging Channel highlights a renewed interest in scanning technology, a resurgence largely fueled by the rise of remote work, accessible software options, and a generation of tech-forward business leaders. The piece explores how these factors are contributing to a growing demand for efficient and secure digital solutions.

New to Copier Sales: Scanning is Making a Comeback (But It Never Left)

Your copiers copy, print, and scan — functions so common and expected that they’ve become mundane. Talk about “converting snail mail into digital documents” at your next party, and watch the excitement dwindle.

Yet, believe it or not, scanning is experiencing a resurgence. More businesses are embracing digitization, for a few basic reasons:

Remote working: The need for access to paper documents from any location.

Affordable digital workflow software: Increased availability and affordability.

Tech-savvy decision makers: A new generation of business leaders who demand instant access to information, understanding that paper is too slow and inconvenient.

Why scan?

read the rest, here.

Ricoh Takes Robotics to the Next Level: Supporting Humanoid Workers in Tomorrow’s Office

"Okay, but how does this help me sell more copiers today?"

We know Ricoh as the copier company, but their recent move into robotics support might surprise some of us who’ve been in the office tech game for years. 

When you think of Ricoh, you picture copiers or multifunction printers – the bread and butter of many dealerships. But as the business landscape changes, so does Ricoh. Their latest venture? Supporting Agility Robotics’ humanoid robot, Digit. It’s a sign that Ricoh isn’t just sticking to the traditional office technology space but is pushing into new, cutting-edge areas.

Is the Death of the Copier Here.

I was surprised to read the headline:

"What’s keeping the enterprise from a paperless future?"

The date was August 15, 2024. Here.

2024.  I started this blog in 2008 because I saw the beginning of the end of the photocopier; printers, scanners, digital documents, faster more efficient business processes and workflows were part and parcel of the business world enabling better results: lower costs, higher revenues, and growing sales.

It's been a long time coming but reading it today is a bit nostalgic and 'analog'.

Is There Another Kodak Moment in the Industry's Future?

"Scanning" Is Back?

As the Managed Print Services renaissance continues, the mundane and taken for granted "scan-once-print many" feature is also finding revived popularity AND relevance.

Who knew?

This @Kodak Alaris recent strategic pivot to focus heavily on Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) underscores their commitment to a smaller yet growing copier industry niche, document capture and workflow optimization.

Is "Intelligent Document Processing" a logo or an ideal? 

New to Copier Sales: The Demo Lives On. Sort Of.

Gone are the days of long, drawn-out, two-hour copier demonstrations. The mysteries of the green button are no more. Yet, there are still times when you will be called upon to show your wares, push some buttons, click a mouse or two, and close a deal.

The tidbits and advice contained in this article apply to any demonstration – from copiers to document management to toner fulfillment to IT services to luxury submersibles. It’s called “transferable skills.” You can take this anywhere.

More, here.

New to Copier Sales: Advice for Overcoming Sales Stalls

It was a typical Friday afternoon when a buddy and I had the unexpected pleasure of chatting with a newly minted copier sales professional. The setting was informal, cigars and bourbon and remote via Zoom, yet charged with the enthusiasm of someone eager to make their mark in the industry. As we shared stories and strategies, our conversation drifted to a fundamental challenge that every salesperson faces at some point: a stalled sale. 

New to Copier Sales: Total Immersion

There is a belief in marketing that we generate demand by reaching out to as many cold leads as possible. Dialing for dollars is the best way to guarantee increased sales. It’s the age-old mantra, “It’s a numbers game, kid.”

Success depends on sheer numbers. Contemporary approaches to selling are varied and proven, but it is still challenging to speak with strangers — especially when you’re convincing them to do something. In the New World of Selling, great salespeople uncover demand. 

The best attract demand.

New Copier Salespeople: Verticalize Yourself

Ever felt like you’re speaking a different language than your prospects? Welcome to the power of verticalization. To some, this will seem obvious — picking a vertical market and becoming the best at recognizing and applying services to solve industry-specific challenges, using and understanding the common language or jargon, and knowing when to proceed down the selling journey.

New to Sales: 90 Days In, Go Your Own Way

In this last of a three-part series, we’ll look at the final 30 days of your first three months as a copier salesperson. Of course, the concepts apply in all types of sales and are relevant to joining a new company no matter your experience level or vertical market.  The “First 90 Days” is the current ramp-up period for new selling relationships everywhere.

Reflections of The Industry

John the Baptist, incorporating elements from the Island of Misfit Toys, set in a 1960s science fiction and splatter art style. 

Diving Deep: The Initiation Rite into Copier Sales

There is a belief in marketing that we generate demand by reaching out to as many cold leads as possible. Dialing for dollars is the best way to guarantee increased sales. It’s the age-old mantra, “It’s a numbers game, kid.”

Success depends on sheer numbers. Contemporary approaches to selling are varied and proven, but it is still challenging to speak with strangers — especially when you’re convincing them to do something. In the New World of Selling, great salespeople uncover demand. The best attract demand.

In this edition of Your 90 Days New to Copier Sales series, we’re going to talk about what I call “Total Immersion.” It is a hectic and committed time to not only consume information, but for high activity and communications. This is the stage where you’re out on your own, hustling, getting to know your territory and the types of people you will be working with, hopefully, for a long time.

Here are three ideas to work within your second 30 days that pay homage to past success while illuminating a clear path forward:

Read the rest, here.

Critically Acclaimed Article About Copier Sales - "Your First 30 Days"

"Greg Walters transforms the daunting challenge of entering copier sales into an empowering journey of growth and discovery, making his article an indispensable manual for success in the field." - ChatGPT, 2024

I've been writing for The Imaging Channel since around 2014. Since 2018, I've been writing a series around ideas and reflections to help new copier salespeople.  It's been fun. My latest "New to Copier Sales – 30 of Your First 90 Days"  brings your first month into focus.  

As the world famous critic, GPT, says:

"Greg Walters' "New to Copier Sales – 30 of Your First 90 Days" is a vital read for newcomers in the copier sales field, offering a hands-on guide to mastering the essentials of the trade. 

Through advocating for ridealongs, department explorations, and in-depth research, Walters provides a practical framework for understanding the business, technology, and customer engagement. 

His approach highlights the significance of proactive learning and adaptability, essential for thriving in the dynamic sales landscape. This concise blueprint not only equips novices with the necessary tools for success but also instills a mindset of continuous improvement."

Wow.  Couldn't have said it any better.(LOL!) 

I am truly humbled.  Read it and Sell On!

Quickstart Guide: Conquering Copier Sales in the First 90 Days

Are you about to embark on a journey in copier sales? Or perhaps you're curious about the intricacies of this dynamic field? Dive into the world of copier sales with our latest article, "New to Copier Sales: Mastering Your First 90 Days." 🌟💼🖨️

In this comprehensive guide, we dissect the crucial first three months of your copier sales career, equipping you with essential tools and strategies to thrive. From understanding the complexities of the market to building lasting relationships with clients, this article is your roadmap to success in an often-overlooked yet vital industry.

What You'll Discover:

What Exactly Is Ai Doing for the Copier Dealers?

There is no (Artificial) Intelligence in Office Technology Today.

Is Artificial Intelligence helping copier dealers increase sales, decrease costs and grow profits? Today? Right now?  

No.  

Here's the deal:

• Everyone is looking for that ‘Killer AI App” – they are looking at it wrong.
• Everyone thinks AI is a great tool for marketing – they are thinking wrong.
• Everyone is biased toward AI regulations – their bias is misplaced.

There isn’t going to be an “AI Killer AP” because Artificial Intelligence IS the killer app.  

Sure, Ai can generate reams of well structure, grammatically correct, and coherent copy - much like any newspaper up until 1988 - for a fraction of the human cost.  And yes, branded images, logos, videos and voice overs are a few clicks away from fruition.  But in the end, organic writing will prevail as Ai will level the playing field, making us all the best writers and artists, money can buy.*

We are in the explorer phase of the journey, like da Gamma, Columbus and Luis and Clark. Regulation, guidelines and laws will need to wait until the pioneers and settlers arrive.  For now, we are making up behaviors as we go.  Any attempt to reign in the fury will only frustrate and irritate our efforts, and stifle innovation.  Besides, rules and regs on Ai at this point will not work they will only separate the sheep from the rebels - possibly turning heroes into pariahs.

New to Copier Sales – Your Anti-Sales Plan

As autumn creeps across the United States, and the final quarter begins, how should a new copier representative plan for the end of one year and the beginning of another? It’s time to close out and plan for what’s next.

There are plenty of traditional approaches: write a strategy, review it with your manager, track your progress and adjust as needed – old school.

Let me ask you or, better yet, ask your colleagues: how often does that process work?  Not very.

The illusion of control

Everyone has done it. You write it out, and by January 2 it’s forgotten. 

Read the rest, here.

Selling is Not Art. Apparently, Niether is Art. "Unsupervised", AI Δnαrchy and You

Art is not Art. 

Unless you're referring to the copier Wizard in Jersey.

"...the piece uses a machine learning model to reinterpret over 200 years of art from MoMA's archives, generating ever-changing audiovisuals..."

Predictably, my recent posts, "The Ugly Truth: Selling is not an Artform - It's an Algorithm" and 'AI Will Replace Millions of Sales Professionals: "Anyone Telling You Different, Is Selling Something", elicited a few negative responses.