Skip Prichard's discussion of the future of the publishing industry uses a jar of jam, an NFL running back, and a jazz musician to offer lessons for the publishing industry. We live in a world of acceleration and we need innovation. The rapidly changing habits of consumers is happening because of the widespread acceptance of broadband and the resulting innovation is not only transforming devices but it's transforming content as well.
Skip says there is no fundamental right to survival for publishers as he identifies three trends: growth of all on-line retail sales, the speed of innovation, and generational changes. The blurring of lines between print and electronic worlds has created a paradox of choice which if not recognized can paralyse consummers and entire industries.
In handling this increased pressure, Skip explores three suggestions for publishers: simplify, connect, and conquer. You have to know your uniques strategic value as you differential your business from the rest of he field. He encourages publishers to move from defense to offense by creating innovative content. He says you have to know your customer inside and out and also keep you eye on the periphery-what's happening on the edge.
Publishers have to get out of their comfort zones and test the boundaries. Forward momentum is slowed by self-imposed limitations which new players don't have. This insightful discussion is very helpful for all, not just the publishing industry.
Skip Prichard, President and Chief Executive Officer for Ingram Content Group, is known for reinventing the organizations he leads. Ingram Content Group provides a broad range of physical and digital services to the book industry. Ingram is a leading wholesaler of trade books, spoken audio, magazines, and a leading provider of demand-driven printing and digital solutions for publishers and has operations throughout North America and Europe. Ingram’s operating units are Ingram Book Company, Lightning Source Inc., Ingram Digital, Ingram Periodicals Inc., Ingram International Inc., Ingram Library Services Inc., Spring Arbor Distributors Inc., Ingram Publisher Services Inc., Tennessee Book Company LLC, and Coutts Information Services. Mr. Prichard previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of ProQuest Information & Learning, a respected global publisher and information provider serving the education, government, and corporate markets with offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Earlier in his career, Mr. Prichard was Vice President of corporate and federal markets for LexisNexis, where he provided business information and risk management solutions to the largest global corporations.
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