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The Berkshire Company Blog

Stay Amazed

Posted by Mark Fallon on Sep 23, 2024 10:15:00 AM

“The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” – Eden Phillpotts

I recently went on a whale watch. Conditions were just right, and we saw about a dozen of these amazing mammals. Several came surprisingly close to the boat, as if they knew we were desperate to get a good photo – especially the iconic fluke as they dived for more food.

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positive / inspiration / optimism / strength / nature

Problems Don’t Get Easier – Until They’re Solved

Posted by Mark Fallon on Jul 31, 2024 4:15:00 AM

“Facing it, always facing it, that's the way to get through.” – Joseph Conrad

The challenge was too great. There was no way I could accomplish it. I didn’t have the money. I didn’t have the time. I didn’t have the strength. My vision of the future contained one word – failure. 

We’ve all been in similar situations. The future seems bleak. Every option that we can generate is flawed. It seems no matter what approach we take, there’s no path to success.

Driven, we don’t stop.

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Books to Bring Along on Your Summer Vacation 2024 Edition

Posted by Mark Fallon on Jun 27, 2024 4:15:00 AM

"Reading takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere." - Hazel Rochman

 


For most of us, the upcoming holiday weekend marks the beginning of summer vacation season. Hopefully, you’ll find time away from your office – onsite or hybrid – and enjoy some downtime with family and friends. Time for resting, reflecting, and perhaps – reading.

My vacation companions always include a book. Or two. Or three. 

And usually a stop at a bookstore. Or two. Or three. It’s why I prefer to drive rather than fly. No extra luggage needed and no overweight fees. 

Here are a baker’s dozen of books you might consider packing in your bags. 

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The Berkshire Company / books / reading / learning / positive / inspiration / optimism / gift / bookstore

Three Canes – Three Lessons

Posted by Mark Fallon on May 30, 2024 4:45:00 AM

" I am still learning.” – Michelangelo



It wasn’t something I planned, becoming the owner of 3 different canes. There was no intentional collecting – one’s an heirloom, one’s an essential aid, and the other was a gift. My situation brought them together, and each one brought its own little lesson. 

First Cane: The standard wooden cane belonged to my father. It was his last cane, one that he kept nearby – even when he was using a walker or wheelchair. I can’t use it, because it’s not the right height (when I say I looked up to my father, it’s more than a metaphor). Along with some military memorabilia, it’s one of his few possessions that I kept after his death.

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The Berkshire Company / reading / learning / positive / inspiration / kindness / recovery / optimism / strength / gift

Growing Together at the National Postal Forum

Posted by Mark Fallon on May 7, 2024 4:30:00 AM

In a few weeks, the mailing industry will come together at the National Postal Forum (NPF) in Indianapolis, IN. From Sunday, June 2nd through Wednesday, June 5th, attendees will attend classes, meet with vendors, and hear from US Postal Service (USPS) executives. It’s a packed agenda.

The Berkshire Company has partnered with the NPF to create the Mail Center Manager Course on Wednesday, June 5th. After three days of learning about postal initiatives, industry trends and innovative technology, we’re focusing on your most important resource – you!

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United States Postal Service / National Postal Forum / USPS / NPF / The Berkshire Company / Habitat for Humanity / growth

Schedule Some Downtime

Posted by Mark Fallon on Jan 17, 2024 6:00:00 AM


People today are being asked to take on additional responsibilities, handle new projects, and do more with less. Schedules are tighter than ever. Customers demand quicker response times. More reports must be completed. And more meetings are added to your calendar. Despite working 10-hour days, plus weekends, you still feel overwhelmed. With no end in sight.

If this description hits close to home, then take this advice: schedule some downtime.

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Strategy / Leadership / reading / inspiration / management / growth

Race Results from the 2023 National Postal Forum in Charlotte

Posted by Mark Fallon on Jun 5, 2023 12:15:53 PM

There was more than one winner at the National Postal Forum (NPF) in Charlotte a few weeks ago. In fact, it was evident that all 3,500 attendees had a successful conference in the shadow of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Whether in classes, on the trade show floor, or networking at events – there were opportunities for everyone.

The keynote address from Postmaster General (PMG) DeJoy provided an update on the Delivering for America plan. PMG DeJoy stressed his commitment to continual “dramatic change” at the US Postal Service (USPS). Videos featuring key leadership emphasized the progress made so far, with the need for even more work to be done. DeJoy stated the new network will take “the Postal Service from the leader in the last mile, to the leader in the last 150 miles.”

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United States Postal Service / National Postal Forum / Postal Customer Council / USPS / Digital / U.S. Postal Service / Postage Rates / NPF / shipping / mail / Postmaster General / The Berkshire Company / learning / management

Low-Hanging Watermelons

Posted by Mark Fallon on May 9, 2023 5:30:00 PM

There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing about a client’s success. It’s even better when the successes involve real dollar savings.

Of course, nothing compares to a call when a client describes their most recent round of savings as “low-hanging watermelons”.

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United States Postal Service / National Postal Forum / Postal Customer Council / USPS / Digital / U.S. Postal Service / Postage Rates / NPF / mail / The Berkshire Company / management

Certified Email: An Opportunity for the USPS

Posted by Mark Fallon on Apr 18, 2023 4:00:00 AM


The US Postal Service (USPS) is in financial trouble. The decline in mail volumes has accelerated in the last year. At the same time, the USPS is losing market share in the package shipping market. Aging facilities and vehicles hamper efficiencies. Congress appropriated billions for electric vehicles and charging stations, but that will only cover a small percentage of the investment needed. 

The response from the USPS is to raise rates – aggressively. The current plan is to raise rates twice a year, in January and July. The January rate increase will be based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) and the July increase will be CPI-U plus factors for mail density and retirement payments. This tactic is driving down mail volumes at the fastest rate since the Great Recession. 

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Mail Security / United States Postal Service / Technology / USPS / Digital / Postal Reform / Postal Regulatory Commission / Postmaster General

Growth and Opportunity

Posted by Mark Fallon on Mar 7, 2023 4:30:00 AM

"Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." - Conrad Hilton


In the early years of my professional life, I changed jobs about every 18 months. Sometimes the new job would be a transfer within the company, other times I went to a new company. While I did resign from my roles, I never felt that I “quit”.

I would start at a company with a directive to improve the operation. When that was accomplished, I would look for new challenges and opportunities. If I couldn’t find them in my current role, I would start looking elsewhere. I had one boss that understood my personality, and he kept expanding my responsibilities. I stayed at that company 4 years, 4 months and 4 days.

Growth – personal and professional – requires change and movement. Smart managers and smart companies recognize the need for growth, and assist their employees with their development. If you aren’t able to continue to grow in your current job, you owe it to yourself to look elsewhere. 

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Strategy / Leadership / The Berkshire Company / consulting / learning / success / management / growth