Joint WhatTheyThink and NAPL Webinar Discusses Successful Digital Leaders, Sponsored by Canon

Andy Paparozzi and Howie Fenton Review Results of Landmark Digital Services Study 2007

October 15, 2007 -- Lexington, Kentucky USA -- WhatTheyThink.com and NAPL partnered to present a free web session reviewing recent important NAPL research, the NAPL Digital Services Study 2007: Identifying Digital Leaders - The First Step.  This is a unique opportunity for industry professionals to gain insight from this important research as they plan the future of their businesses in an increasingly digital world.  The research report, sponsored by Canon, was presented at Graph Expo 2007. A free copy of the report will be distributed to all NAPL member companies as a benefit of membership. The webinar program was also sponsored by Canon.
           
The session archive is available at this special Internet page:

http://members.whattheythink.com/home/webinars/webinar071010.cfm

“This survey is not about circling a few boxes or filling in a few blanks,” said NAPL’s chief economist, Andy Paparozzi.  “We told participants that it would take a substantial amount of time and challenge them to think about their businesses.  We were pleased with the response we got from our members and the valuable results the study delivered.”

“This study is only the first step in a research program that has the ultimate goal of defining digital leaders,” added Howie Fenton, NAPL’s Senior Consultant Digital Technologies. “There is extremely valuable information included in this first step, and we are working to deliver additional guidance on digital success moving forward.”

Among other things, the study examined six “urban myths” about successfully offering digital services, with some expected and unexpected results.  “More companies that are industry leaders,” added Fenton, “are offering online services, producing digital or toner-based printing and creating or hosting web pages than laggards.  But offering these services does not necessarily ensure success.”  Fenton points out that one of the biggest challenges companies face is adapting to the new, more consultative selling style that digital services requires.

“We are delighted to be partnering with NAPL in bringing important educational information to our wide audience, and we appreciate Canon’s generosity in sponsoring this event,” said Randy Davidson, President, WhatTheyThink.  “We hope attendees gained valuable insight into the critical success factors for a digital future.  Watch for announcements about upcoming WhatTheyThink webinars scheduled for the balance of the year. We have an aggressive program lined up with something for everyone.”

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions.  The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands.”  Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006†, with global revenues of $34.9 billion.  To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com.  

About WhatTheyThink.com

WhatTheyThink.com is the printing and publishing industry's leading online media organization; offering a wide range of publications delivering unbiased, real-time market intelligence, industry news, economic and trend analysis, peer-to-peer communication, and special reports on emerging technology and critical events. Serving a membership base of more than 50,000, WhatTheyThink.com also hosts webinars and live events as well as providing content through a syndication program, which delivers content directly to related websites and through RSS.

About NAPL

A not-for-profit trade association serving companies in the $100 billion+ printing and graphic communications industry, NAPL offers a comprehensive slate of business-building solutions that provides company leaders with the strategies, insights, and guidance they can use to make informed business decisions, minimize risk, anticipate change, and profitably grow their business.

For more information, visit www. NAPL.org.

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