The Best Source for Printing

What is the best source for business cards, postcards, flyers, brochures, letterhead , greeting cards & envelopes? I get this question frequently.

I use OvernightPrints.com. I’ve found they do high quality work, fast, and at a very reasonable price. They regularly run sales. Try the code “POSTCARDSALE” when checking out to see if you might save something off their already low prices.

There are several ways to use them effectively. You can use their built-in designer application to custom design a printed piece. Personally, I design my own postcards, business cards, etc. in Adobe Illustrator. Then I copy and paste the design into their provided Photoshop template and save the final file out as a high quality JPG that I upload into their tool. Works like a charm. They even show you a great preview of exactly what your final piece will look like.

They print everything in full color…both sides if you like. They use high quality card stock and can apply a glossy coating that makes them very durable. (Note that if you have the glossy coating they are nearly impossible to write on…even with a Sharpie permanent marker.) Sometimes I keep the back side of the card non-glossy so that you can jot down a quick note on the card…or in the case of a postcard, you can actually write a message on it to mail.

Check out OverNightPrints.com out the next time you need a printed item.

Remembering Winston Wallin

Today I attended the remembrance service for Winston Wallin, former president of Pilsbury and CEO of Medtronic. Cimbura.com LLC technology developed a custom FileMaker database for Wallin Education Partners that  tracks over $20 million of scholarships awarded to thousands of students. My interaction with Win came through his sincere appreciation which he personally expressed for completing this database on schedule and with required features to keep the foundation operational.
Win’s life was characterized by stewardship of the resources that were trusted to him. He saw it important to accept managable risk. He once joked to a friend “This will give you something to think about when you wake up at night.” He believed that if you lay out the problem clearly then the solution will become evident.
He was an excellent listener and valued authenticity. He would not only ask for the positives but also for the negatives so that he could assist in improving the situation. Steve Lewis, former president of Carleton College talked about a “trash” session initiated by Win with the staff at the college…”OK…What don’t you like about working here?” Win asked. I’m sure this led to an interesting discussion…and the opportunity to be real and make constructive improvements.
Besides being a great listener, Win was described as humerous, compassionate, simple, organized, and tough. He was a unifier and math genious. He freely gave advice and helped others. Most important was a humility that allowed him to be approachable. One of his favorite places to eat was White Castle.
Win left a legacy in the lives of so many students that he assisted to improve their lives and the lives of those that they would touch after they completed their education. He saw a need to provide hope and believed that the start of a life shouldn’t necessarily determine the finish. He knew that the wealthy didn’t have a monopoly on creativity or intelligence and so he did what he considered to be his greatest accomplishment through sharing his resources. Win thought that people shouldn’t be limited by how much money they can make but they should be limited in how much money they can spend on themselves. His friend and colleague Bob Griffin said that Win left a legacy from his actions that spoke louder than sermons from 100 pulpits.
He said that it is so important in life to “just get started”. I suggest we take that cue and make today the day to begin doing what you’ve been dreaming about. Don’t wait.
Links: Bill George’s blog and the Star Tribune.

iPad, iPhone, and FileMaker Go on the Air

Tim was featured on the iPad Possibilities Podcast interviewed by Timothy Chaten on 9/23/10. We discuss the future of FileMaker and how it works on the iPad to create custom mobile applications.

Interview Part 1

In part 2 of the interview about FileMaker, FileMaker Go, and the iPad on 9/30/10 we’re joined by John Sindeler of Seedcode.

Interview Part 2

The interview is also available on iTunes.