Manufacture Smarter Blog

7/21/2017 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
Most small to mid-sized manufacturers think they’re doing enough to help their business thrive, but the reality is—they aren’t. So, how can you tell if you’re doing your part to maximize your organization’s success.

7/7/2017 - BY: RON QUINKERT
Align Your Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan. Most businesses are formed because of an owner’s vision. But, what happens when that vision isn’t conveyed to the employees, and it doesn’t evolve into a carefully drafted mission statement and strategic plan? Unfortunately, this is a common problem—and it sets up the business to fail.

3/31/2017 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
You’ve made the decision to write a strategic plan. You’ve assembled your team, invested the time, done the analyses and have a document in the works. Congratulations! You’re on your way to vaulting your business ahead of the competition.

3/10/2017 - BY: DAVE NELSON
We’ve all seen the memorable customer service sayings: “The customer is always right,” and “A satisfied customer is the best strategy of all!” framed on conference room walls and posted in cubicles. These phrases are not mere decorations; they’re words to live by and should be applied both internally and externally throughout your entire organization.

2/3/2017 - BY: CHARLIE WESTRA
Superheroes hold a special place in our culture. Whether you fall into the Batman camp or see Superman as the consummate crusader, these caped characters all have a distinct persona, carefully crafted around a position of strength and superiority.

1/20/2017 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
What do most manufacturing sales reps normally do when they get a sales lead? A lot of them grab a sticky note and put it on their computer with the best intentions of following up—until the sticky note falls off, and it’s nowhere to be found. Then, the lead is history.

8/26/2016 - THE CENTER
Rising costs, changing demand, or new zoning requirements are a few of the reasons companies decide to relocate their operations. Be it anticipated or unexpected, moving  a manufacturing facility is a complex, costly, and often sensitive process that demands strategic planning, strong leadership, and careful communication for effective execution.

5/20/2016 - THE CENTER
New product development and innovation are critical to survival and growth in the manufacturing world. Bringing new products to market is important to the long-term health and success of your business. Relying on successes of the past is a quick path to extinction, and manufacturers must continually seek new ways to serve their customers.

4/1/2016 - THE CENTER
Manufacturers are continuously looking to diversify their customer base, expand into new markets, and grow business. Conducting market research is a crucial component of developing a strong growth strategy. 

12/4/2015 - THE CENTER
Every organization struggles with growing business. The on-boarding process can particularly challenge manufacturers when they obtain new clients. Learning how to integrate new processes, deadlines and demands from new customers is critical to client retention and “up-selling” efforts.