Common sense can, at times, be as simple as thinking outside of the box.

Last week, I was touring a clients manufacturing facility when he took me through their graphic arts/reproduction area. This group produced all of their collateral material for Sales, Marketing and office use. It had half a dozen or more people working on what most people would consider the latest generation of graphic design and reproduction equipment.

Before I could say anything, it was explained to me that early on several of the smaller manufacturers in their general area had approached them for help with graphic arts and reproductions. The owner saw a way to create a win-win situation for everyone so she negotiated a price for these services. Over the years, strictly by word of mouth, these outside revenues have grown to the point that the department is now a profit center for the company