eCommerce Allows You to Test Market New Products & Ideas (Cheaply)
Another powerful benefit available with embracing eCommerce for manufacturers: eCommerce allows you the opportunity to explore the market by testing new products and ideas. In other words, eCommerce enables you to create your very own R & D department (Research and Development). Cheaply…oops…I mean, inexpensively! Related Article: Another Incredible eCommerce Benefit: No Major Capital Expenditures […]
The Definition of Entrepreneurtude: “Do Whatever It Takes”
Entrepreneurtude? Huh? What is Entreprenuertude? So glad you asked. We hear about entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship, as well as having an entrepreneurial spirit. Actually, how do you define entrepreneurship? The godfather of Entrepreneurship Studies at the Harvard Business School, Professor Howard Stevenson says, “entrepreneurship is the pursuit of opportunity beyond resources controlled.” Entrepreneurship certainly takes a special […]
Like It or Not, Your Website is Your 24 Hours a Day Sales Rep
Like it or not, your company website is your 24 hours a day, 7 days a week sales rep. With that in mind, if your website is not an absolute top priority or even worse, an afterthought, an extremely important question to ask yourself: WHY? Your website serves as the face of your business as […]
No Receivables: Manufacturing eCommerce Strategies Benefits Cash Flow
One of my absolute favorites on the list of eCommerce Benefits: No Receivables! Well, truth be told, trying to pick a favorite eCommerce benefit is like trying to pick a favorite child. However, can you imagine a life with NO receivables? Sounds like heaven, right? I am pretty sure I would still have hair if […]
Eliminate the Cumbersome RFQ Process with eCommerce
Another key ingredient on the list of eCommerce Benefits for manufacturers includes cutting down or even eliminating the cumbersome Request-for-Quote (RFQ) process. Especially since going through the RFQ process is a huge expense to your company. With no guarantee that you will land the bid. URGH! However, scaling your proprietary process with a predetermined product […]
Hey Manufacturer, What’s on Your Menu? Perhaps a Plate of eCommerce?
As a manufacturer, what is on your menu? What is your specialty? You know, your signature dish. In other words, what are you known for that customers eagerly line up to get a taste? For many manufacturers, this may come as a loaded question. As you explore and consider Manufacturing eCommerce Strategies, defining your menu […]
My Most Embarrassing Post: Playing “Fireman and Babysitter”
FIREMAN AND BABYSITTER, Really?!?! First, welcome to my most embarrassing post. I am terribly humiliated to even share this article. As the story goes, 100 years ago (well not quite that long ago but it sure feels like it), I used to describe managing my business with the following description: I was a “fireman and […]
8 Steps to Conquer the “Job Shop Challenge” with eCommerce
Are you a custom manufacturer or contract manufacturer? Otherwise, known as a job shop. Well, most custom manufacturers find great difficulty conquering the “Job Shop Challenge”. What exactly is this particular “Job Shop Challenge” that I am referring to? So glad you asked. First, let’s take a look at the incredible business that you built […]
Hey Manufacturer, Let’s Scale Your Proprietary Process with eCommerce
Scale Your Proprietary Process! How? With eCommerce. Let’s discuss further. eCommerce Answers the Call Yes indeed, eCommerce allows you to Scale Your Proprietary Process. However, before we discuss eCommerce, let’s take a look at your business. For years, possibly your business’s entire existence, as a custom manufacturer you have made parts or products for other […]
Negotiating with Your Heart Will Most Likely Get it Broken
The topic today: negotiating with your heart. Hmmm….. Is it wise to negotiate with your heart? In particular, when it comes to selling your business. As a gambler it is said to never bet with your heart. For example, you shouldn’t bet on your favorite team. For two reasons. If they lose, you’re bummed out […]
10 Reasons Your Biggest Customer Decides to Breakup with You
The Breakup. Does that word bring you back to your high school years? You know, the dreaded heartbreak. Generally, no one feels good after a bad breakup. Especially for the person who is being broken up with. As you know, gossip flows like wildfire with teenagers. “Did you hear so-and-so broke up?” “Really, who dumped […]
Market Your Manufacturing Facility Like a Five Star Resort
Market Your Manufacturing Facility Like a Five Star Resort. Well, that’s certainly an interesting concept. Many manufacturers found themselves in manufacturing due to the fact that their passion for creating and producing incredible products led them down this path. The machinery, equipment, the burning desire to solve problems. However, plenty of manufacturers did not enter […]