Precision Printing has proudly serving the print industry since 1966. As a way of commemorating this momentous occasion, their team is sharing their insights into the professions and industry. Here we have a Q&A with Jen Allen, Customer Service Team Leader.
In my role as Customer Service Team Leader, I like to ensure I provide the best customer service to all customers, ensuring they have a brilliant overall experience. I never like anyone to feel like they are just a number, at the end of the day they are valued – and without them I wouldn’t have a job! It takes nothing to be nice. I am also really involved with customer reviews, reports, sales and production.
How long have you been working with Precision? What career path led you to where you are now?
I’ve been working with the company exactly a year this month. I love working here and would never look back. I have previously worked at another print company and studied graphic design, so have always loved print and been very creative myself.
What does ‘A day in the life’ of your role look like?
Busy! There is never a dull moment, but I am a strong believer that I’d rather be busy than bored. I deal with customer queries via different channels and communication methods such as email, telephone, meetings and also our instant live chat system.
What have your career highlights at Precision been?
There’s no better feeling than hearing a customer saying they are happy – knowing that they appreciate everything you’ve done for them and are happy with the final outcome. So there is no stand-out highlight, as every day I get amazing job satisfaction.
Have you noticed any industry challenges during your time with the business?
Oh yes! The industry is constantly evolving – if it doesn’t you’re in the wrong place! Evolvement in technology, new methods of production or communication, all these changes make the job fresh and exciting, as well as improving the customer’s experience.
And how are things now?
Things are amazing, we have had so many recent changes that all members of staff are involved in. Everyone has their say and we appreciate everyone’s feedback and thoughts. There is not one member of staff that isn’t involved in development, which makes everyone happy in the workplace and gives us different avenues to try.
What do you wish people knew about your industry?
This is tough, as there‘s always something new to learn or to discover. Every day is a school day and we all learn something new every day.
Do you have any business role models – and why?
I have so many role models! I am a strong believer in scouring LinkedIn or reading print magazines, blogs and articles, as there’s always something new to learn.
My biggest role model was of course the late Martyn Young, he showed me what was possible, gave me encouragement to have my own voice and do things my way.
Martyn was “the Doctor”: he always had an answer for everything, he was always one step ahead of everyone and knew exactly what he wanted to achieve.
Martyn was a huge part of my role within Precision printing, he saw my potential and let me flourish within the company – even if he did trick me into doing a speech in front of over 100 people without any notice!
What advice do you have for individuals with aspirations for taking on a role like yours?
Always do your homework: you can’t expect your company to be ahead of the game if you aren’t. Research what other companies do but never copycat, be creative and be the best you can be.
What advice do you have for people wanting to work in print?
Again, do your research, ensure you know what is out there, explore different avenues. Trial new materials, test your ability and strive to be better than the rest. Print is constantly evolving, so if you don’t like change, you are heading down the wrong career path.
What do you do outside of work?
Is it sad that I talk and live print? My partner is also in the print industry at Precision, so we speak about new ideas, what we have learnt and discuss changes we can implement to make the company that bit better. I am also hugely interested in interior design and graphics, so am always on the lookout for new designs and inspiration I can involve within my home.
Finally, give us one sentence of snappy business advice…
Never give up, dedication is a huge asset to any company and can only see you strive to be better.
No one likes a quitter and the worst thing you can do is let yourself down. I am majorly self-critical, and although I beat myself up about something, this in turn makes me stronger and more resilient. I have turned my biggest down fall and weakness into a major strength within the company.
Precision Printing is a North-East printing company specialising in business stationary printing. Jen Allen has been working for Precision for exactly one year, as Customer Service Team Leader. Jen has a degree in Graphic Design and Communication at Teesside University and loves hunting around TKMaxx homewares to find something unique for her home – she’s a self-confessed major interior design nerd. When asked for a fun fact about herself, her answer? “Oh, now that would be telling.”