Tag Archive for: b2b

Get on the Offensive to Escalate Your eCommerce Strategy

Today, we are going to discuss: “Get Offensive” to escalate your eCommerce strategy. 

Not the same type of offensive as your Uncle Charlie at a cookout. 

As well as the drunk co-worker at the annual Christmas office party (hopefully we’re not talking about you). 

Rather, this “Get Offensive” refers to you aggressively letting the world know you offer amazing products and solutions.

Remember, “This ain’t no party!” (My shout out to the Talking Heads). 

Our 3 prong approach to Scaling Your Proprietary Process with eCommerce includes:

  1. Make a great 1st Impression (aka Webpression)
  2. Dominate Search 
  3. Get Offensive

So this post addresses the 3rd step with the Scaling eCommerce Strategy at B2Btail: Get Offensive. 

Start connecting with companies that NEED your product who unfortunately at the moment simply do not know that you exist. 

We are eliminating the “Best Kept Secret Syndrome” as well as the “Job Shop Blues” with eCommerce. 

So, let’s tie everything together. 

You now have a website that makes an incredible Webpression (aka: a fantastic first impression). 

In addition, your team is also working diligently to Dominate Search. 

Well, the time has arrived to go on the offensive with these new tools. 

Keep in mind, an explosive offense hits home runs, makes plenty of baskets, puts the puck in the net, and scores lots of touchdowns.

Therefore, we need to do the same. 

Related Article: You Have Only One Chance to Make an Outstanding First Webpression

Get Offensive 

Get Offensive

Parlay your “Dominate Search” strategies to escalate your “Get Offensive” attack. 

With a narrowed focus for your business, eCommerce plays the perfect partner for you to go out and start seeking new customers. 

Above all, let’s think about any and every industry imaginable that needs your expertise and solutions. 

In particular, companies facing a serious void where your area of expertise perfectly fills the gap. 

On your quest to Scale Your Proprietary Process, landing on the radar on buyers of your products plays a critical role.

How?

Connecting, engaging as well as delivering value offers a winning hand to both parties. 

For example, a number of “Get Offensive” strategies include:

  • Send out product samples 
  • Share blog posts 
  • Email out a white paper that you created
  • Connect with buyers on LinkedIn 
  • Follow dream customers (aka “Soulmates”) on social media platforms 
  • In addition, engage with these dream clients social media posts 
  • Put out How to Videos of your products and proprietary processes 
  • Also share videos of your machinery and equipment 

As a result, the expert who commits themselves to solve problems builds trust as well as realizes huge dividends.  

Related Article: Hey Manufacturer, Let’s Scale Your Proprietary Process with eCommerce

Offensive Teammates 

Part of your Get Offensive approach includes analyzing companies ranking for your keywords. 

As you recall from our Dominate Search strategy, your keywords represent your proprietary processes and core capabilities. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to team up with these “competitors” and potentially turn them into customers. 

For example, when you conduct a search for your products, do any online companies or brick and mortar companies appear? 

Partnering with online retailers supports your cause on both fronts of our Dominate Search strategy as well as Get Offensive. 

These particular companies certainly play their part with Dominating Search.

As you go on the offensive by partnering with these companies, your business tremendously benefits by possessing real estate on Google search results as well as on these websites. 

The goal is when a buyer conducts a search for your product, they find your product regardless of which website they land on. 

This strategy supports the opportunity to Dominate Search simply by listing products on as many valuable partner sites as possible. 

Below includes a number of companies that are prime targets to team up with on your quest to Get Offensive and also Dominate Search. 

Online Marketplaces (the 800 LB Gorillas) 

First, let’s Get Offensive with the 800 LB eCommerce Gorillas:

These companies need no introduction, yet offer incredible opportunities for your business. 

Placing your products on these online marketplaces brings instant credibility as well as millions of shoppers. 

In addition, these companies potentially already bid on your keywords which provides you with another avenue for customers to find you quickly.  

Auto Retailers 

In the case that you manufacture parts or components for the auto industry, plenty of amazing options exist for you to pursue. 

Below includes a list of national auto parts retailers: 

Also, start exploring all of the thousands of car dealerships, auto repair shops, and mechanics who would greatly benefit by connecting with you. 

Electronics Suppliers 

Manufacturers of electrical parts, products or components also participate in a vast market that includes a host of companies to partner with on your Get Offensive quest. 

Prominent players in electronics include: 

Industrial Suppliers 

Do you manufacture industrial parts? 

Hopefully, you’re licking your chops at the enormous number of industrial suppliers that offer great potential as well. 

Of course, the 800 LB Gorillas here include Home Depot and Lowe’s. 

However, PLENTY of other options play on this field. 

Ocean of Opportunity 

This list simply represents just a tiny sampling of the wealth of opportunities available to you.

Most likely, your mind is swirling with ideas, industries as well as potential customers that need your solutions, NOW. 

There is truly a huge ocean completely full of options waiting for you. 

However, fish typically fail to jump out of the water on the hook or right into the net. 

It takes effort. Tremendous effort. 

Yet, it is up to you to throw the first cast. 

Your “Get Offensive” strategy with eCommerce helps land plenty of fish and you never know, you might even land a whale or two. 

Wrapping It Up 

Thank you for reading this post. 

Hopefully, you found this helpful. 

For additional helpful information as you begin your eCommerce journey, please click on the links below: 

 

 

 

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Buffalo SBA eCommerce Webinar Featuring Falconer Electronics

The Buffalo SBA has teamed up with the Buffalo SBDC and the Jamestown SBDC to offer the eCommerce Boot Camp for Small Business. 

This exciting webinar on eCommerce Strategies takes place on September 15 at 10:00 EST which features a case study with Falconer Electronics. 

Click here to learn more about the Buffalo SBA 

With a new sense of urgency for entrepreneurs to create a strong digital presence, please join us for a discussion on the necessary steps to implement an eCommerce strategy for your business including:

  • Receive an eCommerce checklist as well as additional resource guides 
  • Also Capturing 1st page rankings on Google 
  • Creating effective landing pages that convert into RFQ’s as well as sales
  • Targeting customers with Google Ads as well as Google Shopping
  • Taking advantage of online marketplaces including Amazon as well as Alibaba
  • In addition, explore a step by step eCommerce success story with Falconer Electronics

Click here to register for the eCommerce Boot Camp for Small Business 

Buffalo SBA eCommerce Workshop

 

First, topics discussed during the eCommerce workshop include: 

  1. Make a Great First Webpression 
  2. Dominate Search 
  3. Get on the Offensive 

In addition we cover:

Other topics covered as well include: 

  • Let that dream customer – Soulmates make a buying decision on Friday night at midnight 
  • Scale Your Proprietary Process 
  • Configurator – Quotebuilder 
  • New customized product populates into the  eCommerce store 

We also explore eCommerce Opportunities with Online Marketplaces including:  

Podcasts 

The Buffalo SBA Delivers Powerful Results 

The Buffalo District Office’s operating area includes the 14 Westernmost counties of New York State. The District Office located in the state’s second most populous City of Buffalo, also has a full service Branch in the state’s third most populous City of Rochester. The two offices are well located so as to provide maximum assistance to the industrial cities as well as surrounding suburban communities and the rural counties of the District.

The Buffalo headquarters area includes the industrial centers of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, North Tonawanda, Lockport, Olean, as well as Batavia as well as the eight (8) Westernmost counties comprising the Niagara Frontier and the western part of the Southern Tier. The Rochester Branch serves the Rochester industrial area plus six (6) adjacent counties comprising the Genesee Valley as well as the Finger Lakes Region.

The Buffalo District is also a microcosm of the United States economy with a diverse but declining industrial base including heavy manufacturing and growing “hightech”, retail, wholesale, and service sectors, a substantial dairy and agricultural industry plus large tourism attractions. Buffalo also serves as a major “Gateway to Canada”. The District employs a modern system of highways, airports, and rail systems connecting hundreds of small towns as well as rural communities with larger cities. Numerous private colleges and universities also compliment a large statewide university system.

Wrapping It Up 

Lastly, thanks for reading this post. Hopefully, you found this helpful. 

For additional information to assist you with your eCommerce journey, please click links below: 

 

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Buffalo SBA eCommerce Boot Camp Webinar Series Continues on Sept 24

The Buffalo SBA has teamed up with the Buffalo SBDC and the Jamestown SBDC to offer the SBA eCommerce Boot Camp for Small Business. 

This exciting webinar on eCommerce Strategies concludes on September 22 at 10:00 EST with the last step of a 4 part series with our dear friends at protocol 80.

SBA eCommerce Boot Camp 

Josh Curcio is COO/Partner at protocol 80, Inc, an inbound marketing agency and HubSpot Platinum Partner. Josh and the p80 team partners with manufacturing and healthcare technology companies to help them generate more leads and close more sales using inbound marketing and sales strategies. He is also a HubSpot Certified Trainer and leader of the Rochester, NY HubSpot User Group. Most importantly, Josh loves tacos.
 
Inbound Marketing: A Modern Approach to Lead Generation and eCommerce Sales
 
Your website can become a revenue generation machine, but it’s not magic. If you want to drive enough leads or sell enough products to drive serious growth, you need a strategy. Inbound marketing strategies are should be customer-centric. Your website should be the one they find when doing their research. Inbound also focuses on the whole picture; attracting strangers, converting leads, closing sales, and creating promoters! This session will give you the information needed to start building your own inbound strategy. We’ll also share what we see works and what doesn’t work in real-world situations.

To register for the SBA eCommerce Boot Camp for Small Business – Click Here 

 

Related Article: Buffalo SBA eCommerce Webinar Featuring Falconer Electronics

The Buffalo SBA Delivers Powerful Results 

The Buffalo District Office’s operating area includes the 14 Westernmost counties of New York State. The District Office located in the state’s second most populous City of Buffalo. Also has a full service Branch in the state’s third most populous City of Rochester. The two offices are well located so as to provide maximum assistance to the industrial cities as well as surrounding suburban communities and the rural counties of the District.

The Buffalo headquarters area includes the industrial centers of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, North Tonawanda, Lockport, Olean, as well as Batavia as well as the eight (8) Westernmost counties comprising the Niagara Frontier and the western part of the Southern Tier. The Rochester Branch serves the Rochester industrial area plus six (6) adjacent counties comprising the Genesee Valley as well as the Finger Lakes Region.

The Buffalo District is also a microcosm of the United States economy with a diverse but declining industrial base including heavy manufacturing and growing “hightech”, retail, wholesale, and service sectors, a substantial dairy and agricultural industry plus large tourism attractions. Buffalo also serves as a major “Gateway to Canada”. The District employs a modern system of highways, airports, and rail systems connecting hundreds of small towns as well as rural communities with larger cities. Numerous private colleges and universities also compliment a large statewide university system.

Click here to learn more about the Buffalo SBA 

Wrapping It Up

Lastly, thank you for reading this post.

We wish you massive success on your eCommerce journey.

For additional information, please check out these helpful articles:

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US Manufacturers Digitizing at Twice the Rate of Other Businesses

Alibaba.com, the B2B business unit of Alibaba Group, announced the results of its Alibaba.com U.S. B2B Small and Medium Business (SMB) Survey and launched a new Digitization Sprint for U.S. SMB manufacturers digitizing – a traditionally analog segment of SMBs that has been digitizing at twice the rate of other industries during the pandemic.

Following its inaugural survey, which was disseminated in January 2020, Alibaba.com conducted a second survey of 5,015 U.S. B2B SMBs with the following key findings:

  • SMBs accelerated their pivot to digital: 93% of B2B companies are now conducting some portion of their business online. Up from 90% in December, and 43% are utilizing ecommerce, an 8% increase over the same time period.
  • SMBs are finding opportunities internationally: even with supply chain disruptions during the pandemic. 63% of B2B companies report conducting some amount of cross border B2B trade, up from 59% in December.
  • SMB manufacturers surpassed other industries in digitization: amid the pandemic, manufacturers’ online B2B trade increased 8% – twice the rate of the overall 4% increase in all industries for the same period and tied with retail as the industries with the most digital growth. In December, U.S. manufacturers’ online B2B trade volume lagged all other industries except construction but have now passed multiple industries in their pivot to digital.

“We were happy to see the increasing digitization of US B2B companies and that many are increasing trade despite the pandemic, showing the resilience and grit of American business owners and entrepreneurs,” said John Caplan, President of North America and Europe of Alibaba.com. “Our research finds that digitization is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must-have for companies in every industry to bridge from surviving to thriving in the next era of business.”

Additional Highlights from the Alibaba.com U.S. B2B SMB Survey

SMBs are Optimistic in Their Business and Recovery

  • SMBs are optimistic about their business with 85% saying they are confident about the future of their business.
  • The majority of SMBs (62%) managed through the pandemic, maintaining or increasing their business when compared to 2019 levels.

Even More U.S. B2B SMBs Digitized During the Pandemic and Are Hiring to Support their Online Growth

  • 56% hired and retained new staff to support their e-commerce operations since the start of the pandemic. 79% plan to hire employees over the next year to support their increased online business.
  • 42% of respondents saw increases in online B2B transactions in the past six months. More than three-quarters (75%) finding increased demand for e-commerce marketplaces such as Alibaba.com.
  • Online B2B companies show far more confidence than offline: 86% of those doing business online expressing optimism in the future of their business compared with 68% of those who are not yet doing business online.

Digital Acceleration is Driving Global Business

  • Cross border business is increasing in importance for B2B companies. Making up an average of 25% of their business – an increase from 17% in December.
  • Respondents said key benefits of eCommerce include helping them access international markets (24%). Built-in translation services that help communicate with trading partners in different languages (16%).

SMB Manufacturers are Confident and Accelerating to Catch Up Digitally

  • Manufacturers over-indexed in investments in e-commerce during COVID-19: more than two-thirds (68%) of manufacturing businesses hired new staff to support online trade compared with 56% overall.

The Alibaba.com U.S. Small and Medium Business (SMB) Survey: Research Methodology

Alibaba.com commissioned leading global research firm, Ipsos, to conduct the second Alibaba.com U.S. B2B Small and Medium Business (SMB) Survey on behalf of Alibaba.com as a follow up to the December 2019 survey. The sample of 5,015 was collected using a double opt in online panel sample and conducted anonymously from September 4 – 20, 2020. The survey targeted decision-makers at U.S. companies that buy or sell physical goods and materials with other businesses. The study has an overall margin of error of ±1.39% at the 95% confidence level.

Additional data, analysis and insights from the second Alibaba.com U.S. SMB B2B Survey will be shared in future B2B Today content and events.

Alibaba.com’s Digitization Sprint for U.S. Manufacturers

According to IBISWorld, there are 565,537 manufacturing businesses in the U.S. According to SCORE, an organization focused on mentoring U.S. small businesses, 98.6% of American manufacturing companies are small businesses, and three-quarters (75.3%) of those businesses have fewer than 20 employees.

U.S. manufacturers are well known for their technologically advanced production capabilities. However, until recently, they have been slower than other industries to adopt online sourcing and selling tools according to Alibaba.com’s survey. With manufacturers now rapidly turning to digital channels, Alibaba.com is launching its Digitization Sprint for U.S. Manufacturers. With the tagline “Let’s Get Digital,” the program accelerates the digitization of these businesses’ online marketing, selling and sourcing and ensure their long-term success. Alibaba offers this program to qualified manufacturers at no cost. The Alibaba.com team is bringing together experts and their ecosystem of collaborators, including the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn Navy Yard and manufacturing e-commerce expert Curt Anderson, to give manufacturers digitizing a four-week masterclass in getting digital and going global.

Manufacturers Digitizing 

“We were delighted to see in our research that manufacturing businesses are catching on and looking for ways to ride new waves of digital opportunity,” said Caplan. “U.S. manufacturers have huge potential to grow their online business and emerge from this pandemic better positioned for the future. Our first-ever Digitization Sprint will give manufacturers the curriculum, coaching, and community they need to accelerate their digital skills and access the $23.9 trillion global B2B ecommerce opportunity.”

Through the program, select manufacturing companies will gain access to:

  • Curriculum from Alibaba.com’s team, industry leaders and partners on topics ranging from understanding the fundamentals of e-commerce like marketplace structure and pricing dynamics to learning tangible skills like leveraging digital advertising to generate leads, taking quality photos for product listings and digital storefronts and even leveraging social media to build their brand and reach new customers.
  • Coaching on succeeding in the digital economy during weekly modules and during tailored sessions from partners and experts in e-commerce for manufacturers like the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn Navy Yard and e-commerce consultant, Curt Anderson.
  • Community through a private LinkedIn group and roundtable discussions. Manufacturers digitizing with experts and peers for ongoing education and shared experience.

The inaugural Alibaba.com Digitization Sprint for U.S. Manufacturers will kick off in mid-November with limited spots available. Interested leaders at manufacturing companies with fewer than 500 employees can apply for their companies to join the initiative at alibaba.com/digitalsprint. 

Wrapping It Up

Finally, thank you for reading our blog post on Manufacturers Digitizing. 

For additional information, please check out these helpful posts below as you continue your eCommerce journey:

 

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Alibaba Taps B2Btail for Digital Sprint Webinar Series for Manufacturers 

Alibaba Group is hosting a free seminar, the Digital Sprint. This program targets US based small as well as medium (SMB) size manufacturers. Starting dates begin in November and wrap up in December 2020.  The lecture series has been named Digitization Sprint For US Manufacturers.  Alibaba has teamed up with B2Btail to select the industry professionals to teach the courses.

John Caplan, President of Alibaba North America & Europe remarked in his recent Forbes article “Harnessing the power of digitization and making eCommerce a priority for your manufacturing business, no matter its size, is critical.”

With the desire to help US based SMB manufacturers take the digital plunge, Alibaba partnered with Curt Anderson, eCommerce Consultant for Manufacturers as well as founder of B2Btail.  This extremely exciting  program helps manufacturers pave the path with their Digital Transformation.  Curt is also the author of “Stop Being the Best Kept Secret: Manufacturing eCommerce Strategies” which is an eCommerce Resource guide for custom manufacturers.

Alibaba Digital Sprint eCommerce Webinar Series 

Alibaba Digital Sprint

Alibaba’s Digital Sprint program includes a powerful line up of high-level Manufacturing as well as B2B digital marketing experts including: 

Ira Bowman, Founder of Bowman Digital Media – with over 250K social media followers. Ira is an expert in social media marketing and combines it with 20+ years of B2B sales experience.

Allison DeFord – Founder of FELT Marketing as well as a veteran Marketing expert for manufacturers.

Jeff Long – Founder of True Focus Media – an eCommerce as well as video marketing expert for manufacturers.

Josh Curcio – Founder as well as Co-owner of protocol 80 an Inbound Marketing Expert for Manufacturers. 

Brian Beck – An eCommerce pioneer, author of Billion Dollar B2B eCommerce as well as managing partner at Enceiba.

Curt Anderson from B2Btail kicks off this exciting program with the eCommerce 101 for US manufacturers on November 24 at 1:00 EST. 

Anderson will show case an eCommerce success story on how U.S. custom manufacturer, Falconer Electronics made the digital transformation by embracing eCommerce.

In addition this session will also feature how U.S. firm, Voice Express  is utilizing Alibaba. Not only to drive new business to their website as well institute as an aggressive content strategy. All thanks to Bowman Digital Media  as well as Steve Melito at  Thunderbolt Business Services.   For additional assistance with your eCommerce journey, join B2Btail and  Exit Your Way  / every Friday at 1:30 EST for their FREE Manufacturing eCommerce Success webinar series.

Wrapping It Up 

Finally, thank you for reading our blog post on the Alibaba Digital Sprint eCommerce Webinar Series. 

For additional information, please check out these helpful posts below as you continue your eCommerce journey:

Name of Press Contact: Ira Bowman
Phone: 951-902-9550
Email: ira@bowmandigitalmedia.com

Company Name: Bowman Digital Media

Website: https://bowmandigitalmedia.com/contact

 

Also found on: 

MarketWatch

Live News Stock Market 

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Boston Herald 

Digital Journal 

The Buffalo News

Financial News Today

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