Presentation folders are one of the most popular means of transferring documents among the world’s business communities.

Whether promoting a product, a company or an individual, the presentation folder is the foremost visual connector at the beginning of the transaction, and the opportunities to impress are countless.

The introduction of ‘oversize’ digital presses has further enhanced the benefit and impact of the presentation folder by allowing personalisation of information as well as catering for multiple page presentations when including a gusset in the product.

As well as personalisation, digital presses also offer the option of a unique design for every folder produced – and it costs no more at the print stage.

Digital of course also implies, quite correctly, print runs as required – one copy and upwards. This is a far cry from as little as three or four years ago when the only method of producing a folder was using offset technologies which frequently necessitated larger than necessary print runs to obtain a perceived scale of economy.

Presentation folders are traditionally manufactured to accommodate A4-sized documents in countries using international paper standards. These folders are generally within the limits of what is achievable on a digital press, but smaller folders such as A5, or square shapes (cd case size for example) can have equal or even greater impact on their intended markets.

The well-designed folder may also cater for additional materials such as a business card inserted in a pre-cut location. If you think your unique folder may have subsequent applications, it is worth taking this option into consideration before designing the product, as the cost of manufacturing a die for cutting the folder’s shape following printing is substantial.

Folders manufactured using recycled paper stocks are extremely popular and help to promote and reinforce good green practices. The range of recycled materials available to digital printers is substantial and growing rapidly, while contemporary digital printing itself is the most environmentally friendly method of ink/toner transfer yet devised.

A further benefit of the presentation folder may well be its re-use by the client to whom it was originally given. Folders are handy items for storing any amount of printed matter that is of interest to that person. Hence its shelf life (along with your name, message or idea) may be extended indefinitely.

Presentation folders are offered by a variety of print firms, many of them on line. The better companies offer a template for downloading so that you or your graphic designer may generate the personalised item you require. The completed design is simply uploaded back to the printing firm where the file will be proofed and printed to your specifications.

Be bold in your folder designs for they remain your invisible handshake when you are no longer in the presence of the person to whom the folder was given. Primary colours can make an outstanding statement, so remember, bold is beautiful and colour has never been more affordable.

When things become untidy in any walk of life it can lead to items becoming lost, mistakes being made and could even result in you getting into trouble. On the other hand, when you organise things correctly it can ensure that everything is kept in one place, make you look like a competent person and guarantee that you can place your hand on anything whenever you need it. There are many different ways of becoming a better organised person or business to help avoid stressful situations.

Presentation ring binders and folders are commonly used as a way in which you can keep important documentation together for your own future reference or if you wish to present information to others in a clean and tidy manner. Binders are particularly useful as you can easily locate information by using plastic pockets and dividers inside them. It also means that the details inside will be prevented from becoming tatty looking or crumpled.

Most binders will also come with a clear plastic overlay on the front and spine of the binder so that you can detail exactly what the contents are for when you need them again. You can also easily carry round a binder with you if you need to transport information from one place to another with the minimum of fuss.

If you prefer to have a storage solution for paperwork that can be placed on a shelf at home or at work, an A4 box may be just what you are looking for. They are hard wearing and durable so the chances of damage occurring to your documents are virtually nil. When you keep your work safe in a box it also means that the chances of you losing things is lessened as it will be in a secure place no matter where you put it.

Asking questions works better than making demands in any area in life. You don’t always have to get your own way to win in a negotiation. Patience, listening skills and presenting alternatives can smooth over ruffled feathers. Experienced negotiators listen patiently and ask questions and then propose the alternatives. Recognize the other party has opinions and propose valid options to get to a goal. It’s not just your way, even when you want it to be.

Successful negotiators disagree without undermining the rapport they have taken time to create. They do this by listening patiently and confirming by repeating back to the speaker what they have just heard before they start contradicting the statements or proposing different options.

Whatever you do, do not try to push your opposing party into a corner, this will not make matters any better for your negotiation. It’s not a murder trial! It’s a negotiation where you should be working towards a mutually beneficial outcome. First and foremost, make the statement that you understand where they are coming from. Showing commonality & compassion will not cause them to react negatively to you. Then, at this point, you can disagree with them, but do so without insulting or putting them down. Don’t let the disagreement become confrontational. By all means, don’t out do the opponent.

Rather than a direct confrontation, use the salesman’s feel, felt, found formula. It’s been used for a hundred years but it works.

Think It Out To Yourself

Mean it when you say it. I understand how you feel (Be sure you do) then add “I’ve felt the same way” (You probably have) and conclude with “But in my experience I’ve found….” Then slowly present or propose an alternative solution. It’s a negotiation, not you getting everything and they get nothing.

Identify With The Opponent

What you strive to accomplish with this strategy is keep rapport and disagree in a non-confrontational manner. Most of all you’ve identified with the opponent and hopefully your suggested solutions will guide the opponent to a different point of view.

Another method of non-confrontational disagreement is to state how you’ve solved a similar disagreement in the past. Most opponents are willing to listen to suggestions and solutions that worked before.

Alternatives And Solutions Are The Best And Easiest Way To Negotiate

That way you are not criticizing the opponent and you are cooperating. Be first to present alternatives – that’s plural. Many of your opponents will say no to all of your suggestions. Prepare for that. Time is a significant part of the negotiation and it takes time for people to consider alternatives and options. They need time to think about it. People are begging to be lead, make suggestions. Encourage the opponent to participate. Show that you can go beyond what’s normal. Show them a better solution. When they are confronted with something better, when it’s staring them in the face, it’d hard for them to argue.

Differing Opinions

The intensity of a negotiation can create clashing and violent differences of opinions. Let the other party have equal say so, so they don’t get frustrated and become hostile. The more you listen the more you know what they want and you can pin point the solution or alternative.

Open ended questions, such as “Why do that?…”, “What are you thinking…” or “What other suggestions would you like to make…”, “Do you have other options…” or “What’s the consequences of that proposal?”

The idea is to create reciprocity, equals working towards a common benefit.

Using these techniques will help you to gain perspective in any negotiation, and tend to help you reach the goals you set forth to accomplish.