One of my favorite sayings is “You don’t enter the future, you create it.” A number of versions of this saying exist, but this one is closest to a quote by Leonard Sweet. I believe we have control over our destiny. We don’t have to helplessly accept business trends. We can come up with our own future.

We do that through innovation. If you want to be innovative, read a lot. Know what is happening in the world, especially with technology. Peer into the future five years or longer. Have people on your team who do the same thing. Your team members should question the status quo and constantly strive to improve. Your team members should be relentless and even a pain in the you-know-what. There will be failures, but more failures mean you are producing more ideas and ultimately more successes.

Western States Envelope & Label has endured for 105 years thanks to many innovations. We are in a tough industry facing a lot of headwinds. But this isn’t any different than most industries, so why bemoan the fact? We accept it and challenge it.

Do the same, and you will not only survive but thrive.