Entries by Curt Anderson

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 […]

Best Advice Ever from Dr. Phil: “You DON’T Want to be Successful!”

This story reflects the day I received possibly the best piece of business advice imaginable from Dr. Phil.  Yes, that Dr. Phil.   Well, the advice wasn’t directly from Dr. Phil himself but from a second-hand source.  Actually, an extremely unexpected source.  Let me explain…….. Meet My Accountant  My business was severely struggling. We were trying […]

Once again, eCommerce Saves the Day! No More Cold Calls

So you hate making cold calls?  Join the club.  Well, eCommerce perfectly suits the individual who loathes spending their time making cold calls.  Especially for those manufacturers who are introverts.  In many cases, a manufacturer or business owner is the widget expert.  They thrive on operations and production.  Give them a problem to solve, they […]

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 […]

Manufacturing Website Call-to-Action Strategies That Work

Let’s talk about your CTA problem. Wait, what is CTA? So glad you asked. CTA = Call to Action. As we continue our series on making that outstanding first Webpression, this post addresses the CTA on your website. This is not a reference to the latest and greatest video war game. A clear and strong […]

“Manufacturer Direct” with eCommerce Delivers Huge Benefits

Another exciting benefit with Manufacturing eCommerce Strategies includes selling directly to the end-user. Yes indeed, “Manufacturer Direct!” So, what crosses your mind when you hear “Manufacturer Direct”?  Huge savings by skipping the middle man.  No additional costs, fees, or added margins.  Essentially, dealing directly with the folks who actually hand-crafted your product.  Both the manufacturer […]