Workflow in Sales and Customer Experience: A Timeless Odyssey from Papyrus to Pixels

Workflow: It's not just for Pharaohs and Fortune 500s

By Charlie G. Peterson, IV

Executive Summary

• The Timelessness of Workflow: The concept of 'Workflow' in Sales is not a fleeting trend but a timeless principle that has guided civilizations and businesses alike. We the historical depth and modern relevance of workflow, illustrating its enduring impact on managed print services and beyond.

• ​Practical Application: Understanding workflow is not as complex as it may seem. By observing, documenting, and analyzing business processes, companies can identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency. The article provides actionable insights and real-world examples to demystify the concept, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.

• ​​​Bridging Epochs: The article posits that every technological advancement, including workflow, serves as a bridge between our past and future. By adopting workflow solutions, businesses not only optimize their current operations but also tap into a lineage of human ingenuity that spans from ancient civilizations to future innovations.

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"Workflow is a term used to describe the tasks, procedural steps, organizations or people involved, required input and output information, and tools needed for each step in a business process." - SearchCIO

Ah, "Workflow"—that enigmatic chant echoing through the corridors of sales departments and customer service centers alike. You might have heard whispers, perhaps even dire warnings: "Adopt workflow, or your enterprise shall perish!" But before you sprinkle a grain of salt over these apocalyptic prophecies, let's excavate the layers of this concept.
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You see, the year 2013 was heralded as the golden age of "workflow solutions," replete with software offerings and consultants promising to decode this arcane riddle. But what does it all signify? Is this just another fleeting trend, akin to the buzzwords that have come and gone like the shifting sands of time—color, digital, connected, MpS? Or is it a cornerstone, as enduring as the Rosetta Stone, in the ever-evolving landscape of managed print services?

​The Genesis of Workflow

Let's begin our journey by unearthing the rudimentary definition of 'workflow,' a term as multifaceted as an Egyptian pyramid. According to SearchCIO, "Workflow is a term used to describe the tasks, procedural steps, organizations or people involved, required input and output information, and tools needed for each step in a business process." Intriguingly, this definition isn't confined to the realm of production printing or sales. It's a universal concept, as expansive as the Sahara and as intricate as a Mayan calendar.

This isn't rocket surgery, scratching out drawings is just the beginning. Apply your business acumen, a little software, and professional consultation into the equation, ultimately exchanging your knowledge for value." - DOTC, October 19, 2018.

​The Simplicity of Crafting Workflow Diagrams
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​Drawing workflow diagrams is surprisingly easy, echoing Greg Walters' sentiment that it's "not all that difficult to figure out." All you need to do is observe a process—say, a purchase requisition—and document the steps involved.

​Just like an archaeologist meticulously sketches the layout of an ancient city, you jot down the flow of actions and decisions in your business process.

Whether you're using a high-tech tablet or a humble clipboard, the essence remains the same.

Workflow's Impact on Customer Experience
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​But let's not forget the customer, the North Star guiding all our endeavors. A well-executed workflow diagram doesn't just streamline internal processes; it enhances the customer experience. Imagine a customer's journey from inquiry to purchase, represented in a workflow diagram. Each step, each decision point, affects their overall experience.

​A bottleneck in customer service or a delay in product delivery can turn a potential brand advocate into a disgruntled critic. Workflow diagrams help us foresee and mitigate these issues, ensuring a smooth and satisfying customer journey.

Bridging the Gap

​So, whether you're navigating the intricate corridors of an ancient pyramid or the complex maze of modern sales and customer service processes, the principles remain the same. Workflow diagrams are not just a nod to our methodical past but a leap into our streamlined future. They are, as I like to say, a bridge between epochs—a confluence of past lessons, present applications, and future possibilities.

​In each stride we make in understanding and implementing workflow diagrams, we honor the ingenuity of our ancestors while embracing the promise of future innovations. It's a journey that transcends Monday morning sales meetings and promises to be as enduring as the pyramids.

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​Charlie G. Peterson, IV

A Dynamic Fusion of Archaeological Expertise and Contemporary Insight. With a background that dances between the mysteries of ancient relics and the intricacies of modern design, Charlie crafts narratives that blend historical depth with cutting-edge tech insights.

​Delve into her articles to experience a rich confluence of past lessons, present-day innovations, and visionary glimpses into the future of office technology.

​At Northstar, I see every technological advancement as a bridge between epochs. In each article, I aim to honor our past's ingenuity while heralding the promise of tomorrow's innovations. - CPG

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Tweet"🔍 Dive into the timeless odyssey of #Workflow in Sales and Customer Experience! Uncover how this ancient principle is revolutionizing modern business. 🌉 #BridgeBetweenEpochs #TechJournalism"

LinkedIn Introduction Paragraph:  "Hello, esteemed network! I'm thrilled to share my latest article that explores the transformative power of 'Workflow' in both Sales and Customer Experience. This piece is a journey through time, offering actionable insights for today's business leaders. Don't miss out on this odyssey from papyrus to pixels!"

Keyword List: Workflow, Sales, Customer Experience, Ancient Civilizations, Modern Enterprises, Business Process, Managed Print Services, MpS, Flowcharts, Business Acumen, Technology, Innovation

Ideal Image Description: A split-screen image where one half shows an ancient Egyptian scribe meticulously documenting on papyrus, and the other half depicts a modern business professional using a tablet to sketch out a workflow diagram. In the middle, a customer is crossing a digital bridge, symbolizing the impact of workflow on customer experience.

Search Question: "What is the impact of workflow diagrams on sales and customer experience?"

Title: "Workflow in Sales and Customer Experience: A Timeless Odyssey from Papyrus to Pixels"

Funny Tagline: "Workflow: It's not just for Pharaohs and Fortune 500s!"

SEO Post Title: "Unlocking the Secrets of Workflow in Sales and Customer Experience: A Journey from Ancient Wisdom to Modern Success"

SEO Post Description: "Discover the untold story of 'Workflow' in Sales and Customer Experience. Learn how this age-old concept, deeply rooted in history, is revolutionizing modern business. From ancient civilizations to cutting-edge technology, this article bridges the gap."
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Suggested Song:  "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin—The song's themes of a journey and quest for a better future resonate well with the article's focus on the enduring nature of workflow and its impact across epochs.