A Look Back...

Terri Spaulding, CMP

...And a leap forward!


I have recently become a certified social media strategist for CMP. And while some people might think that is a bit of an oxymoron (since I am a paper rep and social media does not use much paper), I disagree. There are several solid concepts that social media marketing and paper specification are founded on.... relationships, partnering, and earning trust.

For 23 years, I have worked to build and maintain relationships with designers, partnered with printing sales reps, mill reps and printers, and earned trust by working to ensure the right paper always gets selected for the job. I believe that print is definitely not dead, and that direct mail marketing is a relevant and effective choice in combination with social media marketing. So the way I see it, the combination of paper specification rep and social media strategist, is kinda perfect.

What inspires me about using social media for CMP is the opportunity to connect with designers in a new way. I can take my knowledge of paper, my desire to grow valuable relationships, and my interest in the right brained creative world, to another dimension. Maybe one that includes less "face time" with designers and specifiers, but still a way to work together in this ever-growing digital world. There are many tips, tools, and links that I run across that the “nowness" of social media allows me to share more quickly, and perhaps even more effectively, than doing it in person.

Years ago there was always something new to share about paper. New colors, new textures and new grades of paper came out regularly, and everyone wanted to see them. There were endless mill promotions, annual reports and identity samples to share. But things are different now. Instead of new grades, I talk of mill consolidations and grade reductions, recycled paper and sustainability, environmental concerns and certifications, and every now and then, something new.

Social media is my chance to stay connected with you and to continue to grow our relationship. I really do want CMP to be your first stop for all things paper!

Change is inevitable. Some changes are good, some are not so good,  and some are just different. I’m not even going to pretend I don't miss the "face time" I used to have with designers.

But, this social media gig has me working on some really cool possibilities/ ideas/ partnerships. I cannot wait to share them with you. I pledge to continue to make paper fun and to promote print.

I hope you will stay tuned.

Follow Terri on twitter @cmpaper and “ like” CMP (Central Michigan Paper ) on FB for additional  updates and information.