Tag Archive for: manufacturing

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: 

 

 

 

/by

Blogging Reduces that “Social Distance” Between You and Your Customers

Randy McNeely, who owns the title “Kindness Champion” and also serves as the executive producer of “The Kindness Hunters” TV Show recently shared this thought, “I prefer not to use the phrase ‘social distance’. As social creatures, we are ‘physically distancing’, not ‘social distancing’ thanks to the fact that we live in a digital world.” 

Wow! What else would you expect from someone with the title “Kindness Champion”?

This came across as an incredibly positive and “half-full” outlook as we all strive to gain a new normal through these extremely troublesome times. Especially since at one point, business seemed to be changing not only by the day but literally by the hour. 

While enduring these current challenges as well as “physical distancing”, maintaining an active level of digital communication brings numerous benefits to you and your team. 

Thankfully many options exist for maintaining healthy communication with business and social connections. 

As a matter of fact, this is a fantastic opportunity to tackle a new venture for you and your business. 

That new venture: Blogging.

Related Article: Seeking Soulmates: Does Your Website Attract Dream Customers?

Blogging Reduces “Social Distance”

Blogging creates an opportunity to share with your staff, customers, vendors, and even your community on how things are going for you and your business. 

With a new sense of urgency for virtual and digital engagement, creating a solid blog strategy helps thrust you ahead of the game. 

Blog posts can be short and sweet and right to the point.

On the other hand, take advantage of this time to dive into details on steps that your company uses to battle current challenges. Other business owners might find your strategies and tactics extremely valuable. 

Plus, a blog also offers the opportunity to basically journal your experiences during COVID-19. Years from now you can look back and think to yourself, “how on earth did I survive that global crisis?” 

Blogging can be the voice of your younger self sending messages to your older and wiser self. 

The bottom line, blogging offers tremendous value to you, your company as well as your customers. 

Once our world returns to health and no longer finds it necessary to “social distance”, you will cherish the fact that you started blogging as a content strategy for your business. 

Therefore, let’s dive into potential blog topics to help you get started. 

Blogging for Small Business Owners and Manufacturers 

Blogging plays a critical role with any B2B marketing strategy.

One major challenge though: Where to start? Creating blog topics that readers find helpful and educational certainly is not an easy task.

Additionally, many small business owners question the value of blogging for their company.

Especially for small business owners and manufacturers.

Common questions asked during discussions with small business owners and manufacturers who are considering blogging:

  • Who has time to actually blog?
  • In particular, as a manufacturer or small business owner, what the heck do you blog about anyway?
  • Does a business truly benefit from blogging?
  • More importantly will blogging connect with new customers?
  • Lastly, will blogging actually generate sales?

Truth be told, blogging delivers powerful results for many reasons including the following:

  • Tremendous SEO Value
  • Customer engagement
  • Educate customers
  • Inform potential prospects on your company, products, and services
  • Convert content from blogs into social media posts
  • Share community activities and events 
  • Offer case studies, success stories, white papers, and resource guides 

Related Article: Hey Manufacturers, Being the “Best Kept Secret” is No Longer an Option 

Where to Start?

Social Distance

Actually there are tons of blog topics to consider for your customers.

Yet, taking the time and energy to actually sit at a computer and type these thoughts out sounds overwhelming. Daunting. Seems like a waste of time.

I get it. You are BUSY! Constant fires to put out. You have a steady list of issues that need addressing.

Stopping to type out a blog post typically does not make the priority list for most small business owners.

Especially those who lack the experience in creating content. Let alone the desire.

A common response to blogging, “if I wanted to be a blogger, I would have gone to journalism school”.

However, the great thing about blogging, anyone with a computer, laptop, cellphone, or mobile device can now create a voice.

Stepping out of your comfort zone to put your thoughts out on the World Wide Web or the Internet of Things can be intimidating for many.

So, wondering where to start?

For example, find a topic that you are an expert in or where you share a deep passion. Then sit down and just start typing.

Still questioning what blog topics would create the most impact for your business?

The goal here is to help you achieve your goals.

Blog About What You Know Best

A consideration when determining blog topics, pretend your dream customer is standing in front of you (six feet away, of course).

What would you say? How would you describe your business? Can you paint a clear picture of how you can solve their problem?

Otherwise, another scenario, let’s pretend a customer is taking a tour of your facility (six feet apart as well).

During a tour, you will demonstrate why you are the BEST option to provide the solution that this particular customer is seeking? You will show off your amazing team, equipment, machinery, and resources. Well, that’s another potential blog post. Actually, an entire series of blog posts.

The internet makes everyone’s lives more efficient. 

Especially since it is unrealistic to stand face to face with every prospect while maintaining a “social distance”

To turn it around, when you are the buyer seeking a new vendor, where do you turn?

In the past, you had to go to trade shows to find the best vendors.

However, conducting a Google search or connecting with new vendors on social media works so much more affordably and efficiently.

Blogging helps you make those valuable and profitable connections. 

Related Article: Captain Your Ship! eCommerce Helps You Stay in Your Wheelhouse

Blog Topics for Your Business

Finally, let’s dig into blog topics to launch your blogging journey:

  1. How you started the company
  2. Why you chose entrepreneurship
  3. Explain the benefits of outsourcing the products and services that you offer
  4. Information about your community
  5. Start a blog series on your proprietary processes or products
  6. Reviews on the equipment and tools that you use
  7. Meet the Team: Profile your amazing employees
  8. Case studies
  9. Customer Service Questions – FAQ’s are excellent blog topics
  10. Benefits of Made in USA
  11. Recycling
  12. Safety concerns in your industry
  13. New equipment purchases
  14. Updates or improvements on your website as well as progress with internet marketing
  15. Engineers in your industry
  16. Influencers in your industry
  17. Customer testimonials
  18. Historical figures in your industry
  19. What is (Blank)? — describe the parts that go into your products
  20. Explain how your products are made
  21. Point out industries that use your products
  22. Book Reviews
  23. Videos, Videos, Videos – start creating How-To videos of your expertise as blog posts
  24. Create Resource Guidebooks
  25. Company announcements such as new hires, new efficiencies, new products

Bonus Round of Blog Topics During “Social Distance” 

  1. Heroes in your community 
  2. Steps you took to battle challenges due to COVID-19 
  3. Team wins 
  4. Supply chain solutions 
  5. Experience with PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) 
  6. Work from home tips
  7. Managing a remote team 
  8. Essential businesses instituting “physical distancing” in the workplace
  9. New digital marketing strategies 
  10. Zoom: the new gateway of communication for your business 

FREE Blogging Resources

Lastly, below includes several outstanding free blogging resources to help you get started:

Wrapping It Up 

Thank you for reading & we wish you tremendous success with your blogging journey!

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

 

/by

“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 as well as the consumer greatly benefit from “Manufacturer Direct”. 

Well, eCommerce certainly presents that exciting opportunity for a manufacturer to sell directly to the end-user. 

Most importantly, eCommerce opens up this new avenue of revenue, effectively and efficiently. 

Let’s further explore. 

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

No Middle Man

The first and the most obvious benefit includes that all additional costs and add-ons are eliminated when selling direct. 

Especially since no middle man in the picture keeps prices low.

As a result, think about all of the overhead costs and staff involved when a retailer makes a purchase from a manufacturer.

  • Purchasing agent
  • Receiving department
  • Warehousing staff
  • Utilities
  • Insurance
  • Inventory management system
  • Shelving
  • Picking the order
  • Packing the order
  • Shipping the order
  • Carrying a receivable
  • Accounting
  • Finally, the president of the company hoping to keep their membership to the local golf course 

All of that additional overhead requires significant added margins to the end-user. 

Skipping that step pays big dividends for you and your customer. 

Increases Competitiveness with Low-Cost Imports 

Going “Manufacturer Direct” provides a huge competitive advantage while keeping prices as low as possible.

For years, the reality of U.S. manufacturers competing with cheap imports kept becoming less and less realistic. 

In many cases, raw material alone costs were higher than cheap imported finished goods. Even with all of the broker fees and transportation costs. 

Unfortunately, this has been a long sad trend for U.S. manufacturers. 

However, with new trends such as tariffs and foreign labor costs increasing, the playing field looks more attractive. 

In addition, with imported products, multiple hands touch that product adding an additional cost each time. 

Therefore, companies that struggle competitively with low-cost imports now potentially create a level playing field by selling “Manufacturer Direct”.

Shortens Supply Chain 

Next, skipping the middle man also ties right into shortening the supply chain. Hot off the press. The product is produced and shipped right out to the person using the product. 

The product isn’t on the ocean Freightliner in a container somewhere in the middle of the Pacific. 

“Manufacturer Direct” invites the opportunity for the manufacturer to ship the product quickly and efficiently to the eagerly waiting customer. 

With a renewed sense of urgency for domestic products, while also maintaining a healthier flow of goods, “Manufacturer Direct” shortens and strengthens the supply chain. 

Market Research: Feedback for New Product Ideas

With “Manufacturer Direct’, the amazing opportunity to engage directly with the end-user also offers instant market research at your fingertips. 

Communicating directly with those who use or consume your product delivers incredibly valuable information.  

This plays a similar role and along the lines of a made-to-order restaurant. 

If people keep ordering something, not on the menu, maybe it’s time to expand or add that item to the menu. 

However, staying ahead of the customer plays a critical role in your success as well. The ability to predict or anticipate solutions to customer problems certainly provides a winning edge. 

Henry Ford famously stated, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

Yet, for those of us that do not possess the uncanny business acumen of Henry Ford, we need to communicate with customers. Frequently. 

The key to success? Listen! 

“Manufacturer Direct” offers the incredible opportunity to not only listen but also react. 

Even welcome complaints. The saying, “Complain TO me, not ABOUT me”, pays huge dividends. 

Honest feedback from those painful complaints helps you improve your products and services. 

Strive to be the best!

Customers will guide you on a path to The Promised Land (shout out to Bruce Springsteen). 

Flexibility 

Customizing products also lends an enormous competitive advantage. 

Especially when a customer can purchase customized products that fit their exact specifications. 

Being the manufacturer creates an environment of flexibility to accommodate and respond quickly.

With the menu analogy, if a customer requests changes to their meal, how quickly can the kitchen react? 

Hold the pickles and tomatoes? No problem. 

Add onions and cucumbers which are already in stock? Absolutely. 

Being agile and flexible separates you from the competition. 

Providing added value to your products and services creates that unique customer service that they cannot find elsewhere. 

Related Article: Hey Manufacturer, What’s on Your Menu? Perhaps a Plate of eCommerce?

Control Your Brand 

Additionally, “Manufacturer Direct” with eCommerce allows you to control your brand. 

Especially with fighting against cheap knock-offs for foreign competition. 

Dealing “Manufacturer Direct” also helps build your authority and trust. 

Authority and trust certainly play as constant buzzwords that every business speaker and consultant preach. 

However, building trust just can not be overstated. 

Building your business reputation with eCommerce takes time, energy, as well as intentional effort. 

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

Wrapping It Up 

Thank you for reading this post. 

For additional information to help you on your eCommerce journey, please click links below: 

/by

Options for Selling “Manufacturer Direct”…..to NOT Consider

“Manufacturer Direct”! It certainly has a nice ring to it, right?

As a manufacturer looking to diversify, many exciting options exist for you to consider. 

Especially when it comes to selling direct to end-users or consumers. 

However, today we are going to discuss a couple of options to NOT consider. 

As an eCommerce evangelist, let’s take a look at two paths to avoid. At all costs. 

Related Article: 3 Step Approach To Scaling eCommerce for Manufacturers

Options for Selling “Manufacturer Direct” (NOT!)

no more cold calls

Prior to the internet or eCommerce, a manufacturer wanting to sell direct to end-users required heavy investment in a printed catalog strategy. Otherwise, they needed to open physical retail locations. Yes, brick & mortar. 

Hmmm…print or brick & mortar? 

Yuck!

Either option sounds about as appealing as…..A root canal without novocaine…Bamboo shoots under fingernails…Swimming with piranhas…Dipped in honey and jumping into a mound of fire ants…..Replaying the scene in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” with tarantulas crawling on your back…..

Ok, I think you get the point. 

Printed Catalogs? 

Seriously, why am I even typing about this?

Let’s not spend our time discussing all of the negatives surrounding a print catalog strategy such as the enormous cost of printing, postage fees, finding addresses of actual buyers, as well as all of the trees killed in the process. 

Therefore, I promise not to belabor the point to death on the colossal waste of time, money, energy, and resources involved in printing catalogs. 

Additionally, find a mistake after the final print of a catalog? Tough. You will have to wait until the next run. 

I definitely will not mention the fact that eventually 100% of the printed catalogs find themselves in the garbage. In fact, 99%, find their way to the garbage without a single reading. 

Also, can you imagine calling a vendor who you eagerly want to place an order with, and the response goes “we just dropped a catalog in the mail. Give us a call next week when it arrives to place an order.” WHAT?!?! 

In conclusion, you have my word that I absolutely promise not to continue on and on and on about why printing catalogs belongs in a conversation at least 30 years ago. 

Next. 

The Retail Apocalypse 

So with that, you also have my promise not to hammer the list of reasons why opening a retail store for manufacturers seems like a poor investment as well. 

As retail stores continue to close by the dozens or even hundreds, opening a retail store certainly looks as an unwise business strategy. 

Ok, who are we kidding? It’s a horrible idea! 

Especially since the “Retail Apocalypse” is upon us. 

An expected 75,000 retail stores will close by 2026 according to a report by investment firm UBS. 

Opening a retail store requires heavy overhead with vast capital investment. Staffing issues. Inventory management. Additional utility expenses. Crazy retail hours. High rent. Theft and shoplifters. Store fixtures. Fees, licenses, and permits. Additional business insurance for liability (what if someone slips on your slippery floor). Lastly, lots of expensive marketing and advertising to attract human beings with credit cards in hand to walk through the door. 

I also promise not to mention the crazy seasonal demands during peak seasons and holidays. 

Finally, you have my word that I will not go on and on over what a colossal waste of resources, time, money, and energy that opening a retail store requires. 

eCommerce Comfort Zone

Phew! Thankfully that rant is behind me and I am back in my eCommerce comfort zone. 

Next week we will explore all of the tremendous benefits that “Manufacturer Direct” with eCommerce offers for you and your customers. 

Wrapping It Up 

Thank you for reading this post. 

For additional information to help you on your eCommerce journey, please click links below: 

/by

“GET REAL” Marketing for Manufacturers with MFG Out Loud

Guess what? There is a new Sheriff in town amongst the world of podcasts for manufacturers. MFG Out Loud!

Actually, I should say, sheriffs. Allison DeFord and Ray Ziganto are the Hosts with the Mosts!

This outstanding podcast targets those of us who simply cannot get enough info about manufacturing.

In particular, marketing for manufacturers.

The podcast that tees up courageous sales and marketing conversations for today’s manufacturers who want to GET REAL — expertise, exchange, as well as exposure in just 30 minutes a week.
 
Click here to go to MFG Out Loud.
 

You can also click on these links to listen:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mfg-outloud/id1503172461

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmN8A61qp0alVDOWqj8hlng

 

Hosted by Ray Ziganto (Manufacturing Unicorn at Linara International) and Allison DeFord (Trailblazer at Felt Marketing).

So, what do you get when you combine a Unicorn with a Trailblazer?

The chemistry between Ray and Allison is PURE GOLD.

With vast experience as well as an unapologetic passion for helping manufacturers, these kindred spirits deliver a “tell it like it is” approach.

Let’s learn a little bit more about these dynamic hosts.

Allison DeFord (aka, the MFG Out Loud Trailblazer)

Founder and Trailblazer, Felt Marketing

Allison and her award-winning team at Felt Marketing are on a mission to strengthen the heart and soul of manufacturing for generations. Helping legacy brands modernize in a digital world and profit for nearly 30 years.

She uses her platform to amplify the voice of women in manufacturing as well as breaking down stereotypes and inspiring future generations.

Fueled by Starbucks, she never settles for lukewarm and admittedly geeks out over gears, tools, wood, as well as really nice pens.

Click here to connect with Allison on LinkedIn.

Ray Ziganto (aka, the MFG Out Loud Unicorn)

MFG Outloud

Founder and President, Linara International

Dubbed the ‘Unicorn,’ Ray has worked on both sides of the manufacturing fence for more than 30-years. As a former CEO he also knows first-hand what it takes to run a successful organization. In addition, as a consultant to countless small to mid-sized manufacturers he understands the limitations and barriers to change and growth.

As the President of Linara International, he helps manufacturers as well as tech innovators compete globally by anticipating and managing the organizational change associated with technology innovation.

Where others see chaos, Ray sees opportunity.

Click here to connect with Ray on LinkedIn

Killer Episodes at MFG Out Loud

 

On episode #14, the one & only Ben Baker discusses “Leading Your Team in the New Normal” as well as avoiding silos with this fantastic episode:

Episode #14 – Leading Your Team in the New Normal

On episode #16, dear friend and the “Host with the Most” of Manufacturing Happy Hour fame, Chris Luecke shares his wisdom and insights with this fantastic interview:

Episode #16 – MFG Happy Hour: Harnessing Smart Manufacturing

 

Also, our dear friend Damon Pistulka from Exit Your Way discusses powerful results with drastically cutting lead times from 10 weeks down to 2:

Episode #18 – Show Me the Money

 

Hey, Want do you know? We also ended up on an episode:

Wrapping It Up

Thank you for reading this post.

We wish you massive success on your eCommerce journey.

For additional information, please check out these helpful articles:

 

/by

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:

/by

Univ. of Nebraska MEP eCommerce Workshop Presented by B2Btail

The University of Nebraska MEP and B2Btail teamed up to present the “Manufacturing eCommerce Success” workshop which features Falconer Electronics as a case study. 

This exciting program takes place on November 5th at 10:00 est. 

Click here to register: Manufacturing eCommerce Success Workshop 

Nebraska MEP eCommerce Workshop 

Nebraska MEP

Sense of Urgency 

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

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:  

In addition, the program features B2B Experts such as…

Related Article: US Manufacturers Digitizing at Twice the Rate of Other Businesses

Nebraska MEP Mission 

Nebraska MEP

Transforming Nebraska manufacturers through continuous improvement, innovation, sustainable practice as well as technology acceleration services.

Nebraska MEP is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. Residing within the U.S. Department of Commerce, MEP was created in 1988 with the intent of enhancing the productivity as well as the technological performance of U.S. manufacturers. Today, the MEP program consists of 51 centers in every state as well as Puerto Rico with over 400 service locations as well as 1,300 technical experts working together to advance and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.

Nebraska MEP is headquartered on the University of Nebraska’s flagship campus in Lincoln. University service providers as well as facilities are split between the Lincoln and Omaha campuses. Additional staff are also housed in central Nebraska. 

Central Community College—with campuses in Grand Island, Hastings, as well as Columbus—services a 25-county region in central Nebraska which includes the manufacturing dense tri-cities. The Central Community College region, combined with the Lincoln as well as Omaha MSAs, represents 32 of Nebraska’s 93 counties and collectively account for nearly 70% of the state’s manufacturing base. 

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) is the lead economic development agency for the state. As the previous cooperative agreement holder with NIST, DED is uniquely positioned to augment Nebraska MEP’s efforts statewide. DED has six field offices across Nebraska in addition to their main office in Lincoln.

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:

 

/by

The Reshoring Initiative Stresses the “Return-Manufacturing-Home” Message

The Reshoring Initiative!

If you are a U.S. Manufacturer, the words “Reshoring Initiative” brings music to your ears. 

For example, reshoring certainly looks to play a critical role moving forward following COVID-19 pandemic. 

Especially since most companies encountered significant supply chain disruptions during this challenging period. 

Well, the team at the Reshoring Initiative welcomes this exciting trend and opportunity for U.S. manufacturers. 

For information on the Reshoring Intiative click on these links: Reshoring Initiative Background and Accompishments and Goals.

In addition, to learn more about the Reshoring Initiative check out this video: 

About The Reshoring Initiative 

With reshoring gaining momentum throughout the country, this initiative certainly supports an extremely valuable and worthy cause. 

Many companies have already repatriated some of their manufacturing efforts. The Reshoring Initiative is continuing to spread the “return-manufacturing-home” message to help other manufacturers realize America offers tremendous advantages to produce quality goods: 

The mission of the Reshoring Initiative® is to bring good, well-paying manufacturing jobs back to the United States by assisting companies to more accurately assess their total cost of offshoring, and shift collective thinking from offshoring is cheaper to local reduces the total cost of ownership. We are a nonprofit organization and offer a number of free tools to advance our mission.

Reshoring Initiative Founder Harry Moser 

Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative and former president of machine tool maker GF Agie Charmilles, grew up experiencing manufacturing glory.

However times changed. Watching many American manufacturing plants close due to decades of offshoring, Moser decided to take a stand. 

Not wanting to see any more U.S. manufacturing jobs disappear, Moser found it critical to start an industry-led initiative to prove offshoring is not always the best economical decision for companies.

In fact, American companies considering sending their manufacturing offshore often don’t consider all of the costs, e.g. inventory carrying costs, travel costs to check on suppliers, intellectual property risks and opportunity costs from product pipelines being too long.

The Reshoring Initiative, founded in early 2010, takes action by helping manufacturers realize that local production, in some cases, reduces their total cost of ownership of purchased parts and tooling.

The Initiative also trains suppliers on how to effectively meet the needs of their local customers, giving the suppliers the tools to sell against lower priced offshore competitors.

Why Reshore?

There are many reasons for American manufacturers to reevaluate offshoring and consider reshoring. Companies are increasingly recognizing that costs, risks as well as strategic impacts previously ignored are large enough to overcome the shrinking emerging market wage advantages.

They are seeing the benefits of proximity as well as producing in the market. 

Especially when the home market in the United States still serves as the world’s largest.

The top reasons that companies reshore include:

  • Lead time
  • Higher product quality as well as consistency
  • Rising offshore wages
  • Skilled workforce
  • Local tax incentives
  • Image of being Made in USA
  • Lower inventory levels as well as better turns
  • Also better responsiveness to changing customer demands
  • Minimal intellectual property as well as regulatory compliance risks
  • Improved innovation as well as product differentiation

Why Reshoring Makes Sense for America

Reshoring is the fastest and most efficient way to strengthen the U.S. economy because it:

  • Helps balance the trade and budget deficits
  • Reduces unemployment by creating productive jobs
  • Additionally reduces income inequality
  • Furthermore, motivates skilled workforce recruitment by demonstrating that manufacturing is a growth career
  • Also helps maintain the broad industrial capability required for national defense

Stop by the Reshoring Initiative today to learn about this extremely exciting trend: https://www.reshorenow.org/

Wrapping It Up 

Finally, thank you for reading our blog post on the Reshoring Initiative. 

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

/by

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

/by

OHIO MEP (CIFT) Teams Up with B2Btail for eCommerce Workshop

The Ohio MEP (CIFT) teamed up with B2Btail.com to offer an exciting eCommerce virtual workshop for manufacturers which features a case study with Falconer Electronics. 

CIFT, the Center for Innovative Food Technology is part of the vibrant Ohio MEP system. MEPs, Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, serve U.S. manufacturers as an incredibly valuable resource and trusted guide. 

The Ohio MEP supports this valuable industry by providing the products, services, as well as assistance that are dedicated to the productivity, growth, and global competitiveness of Ohio manufacturers.  Ohio’s exports alone now exceed $48 billion a year and are continuing to grow.  Ranked third in the nation, Ohio leads all Midwest states in manufacturing. 

CIFT offers this eCommerce program on December 2nd at 1:00 EST.

Please click here to register: Manufacturing eCommerce Strategies Webinar

Manufacturing eCommerce Strategies with CIFT 

CIFT - B2Btail Webinar

 

 

Sense of Urgency for Manufacturers 

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

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:  

In addition, the program features B2B Experts such as…

CIFT = Center for Innovative Food Technology 

Since 1995, CIFT, The Center for Innovative Food Technology has provided a unique blend of business solutions, innovation as well as technical expertise. In particular to the food processing, agricultural and manufacturing sectors.  These services are designed to enhance the economic performance of the industries as well as create new jobs.

CIFT has worked with hundreds of food companies, equipment suppliers, service providers, university researchers, governmental agencies, legislators, general manufacturers as well as many more.  As a result, many new technologies have emerged, industry best practices have been established, and novel business approaches have been discovered.  Through an industry-driven methodology, businesses have benefited throughout Ohio as well as beyond. 

Wrapping It Up 

Finally, thank you for reading out post. 

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

/by

Illinois MEP (IMEC) Taps B2Btail for Manufacturing eCommerce Webinar Series

IMEC, the Illinois MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership), teamed up with B2Btail.com to offer an exciting eCommerce virtual workshop for manufacturers which features a case study with Falconer Electronics. 

This exciting program takes place on January 26th at 11:30 CST. 

Click here for registration: DRIVE BIG CHANGE: Manufacturing E-Commerce Success Webinar

 

Sense of Urgency for Manufacturers 

With a new sense of urgency for entrepreneurs and manufacturers to create a strong digital presence, please join us for a discussion on the necessary steps to implement a highly effective eCommerce strategy for your business. In particular, we tackle how custom manufacturers can join the exploding eCommerce market.

  • Receive an eCommerce Checklist for manufacturers
  • Capturing 1st page rankings on Google
  • Creating effective landing pages that convert into RFQ’s & sales
  • Targeting customers with Google Ads & Google Shopping
  • Taking advantage of online marketplaces including Amazon & Alibaba
  • Explore a step by step eCommerce success story with Falconer Electronics and Voice Express 

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:  

In addition, the program features B2B Experts such as…

IMEC Delivers Powerful Results for Illinois Manufacturers 

With more than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide, IMEC delivers the local expertise to not only plan and strategize, but to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of client improvements. In fact, IMEC assists more than 700 companies each year with successful improvement and innovation projects.

As a result, IMEC has demonstrated a return on investment that exceeds 19:1. This is made possible as organizations become more effective and efficient – and together with IMEC – excel toward enterprise excellence.

IMEC continues this exciting eCommerce webinar series on Feb 9 

  • Tuesday, February 9 – Allison DeFord FELT Marketing –  “Let’s develop a scalable marketing system that connects with your ideal eCommerce customer”
  • Friday, February 12 – Josh Curcio protocol 80 – “Inbound Marketing: A Modern Approach to Lead Generation and eCommerce Sales”
  • Tuesday, February 16 –  Jeff Long True Focus Media – “7 things your website should do to automate marketing, get more eCommerce sales and boost SEO”
  • Friday, February 19 – Ray Ziganto – “Manufacturers Going Global with eCommerce”
  • Tuesday, February 23 –  Damon Pistulka Exit Your Way – “Monitoring & Measuring eCommerce Success for Manufacturers”

IMEC eCommerce Series 2

  • Tuesday, March 9 – Brian Beck Enceiba – “Building an Explosive Amazon Program for Manufacturers”
  • Friday, March 12 – Jeffry Graham – “Digital Business Transformation with eCommerce”
  • Friday, March 16 –   Ira Bowman Bowman Digital Media – “Digital Marketing Deep Dive for Manufacturing eCommerce Success”
  • Tuesday, March 19 –   Greg Mischio Winbound –  “Improve Your Marketing by Creating a “Digital Twin” of your Sales Team”
  • Friday, March 23 – Steve Melito Thunderbolt Business Services – “Solving the Case Study Conundrum for Manufacturers Pursuing eCommerce Success”
  • Friday, March 26 –  Kate Anderson Alibaba – “Manufacturers Going Global with Alibaba.com”

Related Articles: 

 

/by