They say that if you put a frog into a pot of boiling water, it will leap out right away to escape the danger. But, if you put a frog in a kettle filled with cool and pleasant water, and then gradually heat the kettle until it starts boiling, the frog will not become aware of the threat until it is too late. The frog’s survival instincts are geared towards detecting sudden changes.

It’s easy to say you have to change to survive. But how does an established business actually turn itself around?

This is a question uppermost on the minds of many AppForum attendees, and it’s why there is always so much emphasis on the challenge when the content is pulled together. It’s great when we hear from folks who actually credit their AppForum experience with making a difference. Like Brad Weston, president of APi Marketing in Auburn CA.

AuburnPrinters was established in 1946 and has a proud history, but Brad was ready to embrace change. He came to AppForum looking for help with the campaign strategy of a name change and unveiling new technology services. “It all came about during the AppForum of 2012,” he says, “sitting with peers between seminars, working on solutions over a bottle of wine during dinner, listening to presenters that inspired us to do more rather than less.” Brad connected with our favorite strategy expert, Kate Dunn of Digital Innovations Group, and credits her with helping them define and implement a comprehensive strategy. Auburn Printers & Integrated Marketing is now successfully transitioning to APi-marketing. Says Brad, “Our biggest fears were diminished at AppForum, and the obstacles were thought thru and overcome.”

Want to hear another transition story and see for yourself the kind of content you can expect to find at AppForum? Join us for a free webinar on December 12 at 2pm ET. Presented by Paul Strack, president of CustomXM in Arkansas, and co-sponsored with WhatTheyThink this takes a deep dive into how Paul transitioned his 40+ year old company by embracing change, emerging technologies, and forward thinking. Assimilate or Die! Real Life Transformation Stories – being ahead of the curve can be messy.

Don’t be the frog that doesn’t change. Be the frog that turns into a prince.