The concept of digital transformation, let alone AI, as a future driver for your organization is probably a folly unless … You have a leader, and leadership team, which believes in change. There are two key words in the above sentence … “leadership” and “change.” Leadership infers vision, an ability to perceive “need,” an entrepreneurial mentality that desires growth, … [Read more...] about Embrace Change to Adopt AI and Improve Profits in the Industrial Channel
Update – AD Enters Leadership Training Arena; Association Competition?
We wrote the below article for our other CMG Trends Publications (Electrical and HVACRtrends) that we wanted to update with new news. AD News: AD’s Center for Independent Distributor Leadership Launches Second Cohort of Leadership Experience Program. In November of 2024 AD announced the continuation of this program. The points in our original article are confirmed as we move … [Read more...] about Update – AD Enters Leadership Training Arena; Association Competition?
CRM … Today’s Marketing Backbone
Marketing for distribution today requires more nuance than ever before. It is no longer solely counter days, events (especially golf!), flyers, short-term promotions and logoed items. It's more about strategy, analysis, targeting customers, determining messaging, tailoring offers to selected audiences, promoting your value proposition and more. Further, giving a flyer to … [Read more...] about CRM … Today’s Marketing Backbone
Are / Can Industrial Distributors Be Demand Generators?
Recently I visited a manufacturer client who asked me about “the channel”. Specifically, they wanted to know: “What drives distributor product selection, what is the food chain, what’s the value of each?” “Are distributors proactive in creating opportunities and selling our types of products?” In all transparency, this is a manufacturer who is owned by a PE firm and … [Read more...] about Are / Can Industrial Distributors Be Demand Generators?
Why Industrial Product Launches Fail
We're finally through 2024 and some of the manufacturers in your planning meetings likely discussed their new product launch plans (and maybe a distributor shared their approach to new product introductions.) During the planning process some manufacturers communicate to their distributors about their upcoming product launches. Why do we say "some"? Because many are skeptical … [Read more...] about Why Industrial Product Launches Fail
