Gordon,Edward-113118C
Nov21

Gordon Report: Future shock has arrived

The 2024 election results indicate the U.S. economy was the number-one issue. A majority of voters felt that inflation and lower-paying jobs had left them behind. They believed that they lost jobs with good pay and benefits due to automation, immigrants, or unfair competition from foreign countries. Yet America’s economic growth is now the highest among higher-income nations—the stock market hovers around record highs. While U.S....

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Kate Zabriskie
Nov20

The Power of Clarity at Work

How goals, roles, and tasks transform teams Imagine a team starting a project with energy and optimism. Ideas are flying, everyone’s ready to contribute, and the excitement is high. But a few weeks in, the team is struggling, and the wind is out of their sails. People are frustrated, deadlines are slipping, and despite all the effort, they’re behind. Sound familiar? That’s the cost of confusion. When teams aren’t clear on goals,...

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Sales Leads November 2024
Nov20

Strong start to Q3 with 136 new Industrial Manufacturing Planned Industrial Projects

Industrial SalesLeads released its October 2024 report on planned capital project spending in the Industrial Manufacturing sector. The firm monitors planned industrial capital projects across North America, including facility expansions, new plant construction, and major equipment modernization initiatives. The latest research identified 136 new projects, an increase from 128 in September. The following are selected highlights of the...

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Garry Bartecki, CFO of employee-owned Illini Hi-Reach and Material Handling Wholesaler Bottom Line monthly columnist
Nov20

Think CASH in ’25

Last month, I suggested that dealers compare their 24 results against their peers’ accounting and cash flow budgets. I also stated that the month’s topic would be free cash flow, which we will discuss after a few additional topics that need to be on your radar for ’25. Take a look at the markets that are used for your product line. How are the Fair Market Value (FMV) and Forced Liquidation Value (FLV) stats coming along?...

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Walter J. McDonald
Nov20

Assessing Machinery Dealer Fundamentals – A Strategic Approach

Are you ready for 2025? Here is a 60-question assessment of how well your business has adopted those fundamental Best Practices essential to be competitive today. Enter a “Yes” or “No” for each question in the margin. Scoring is on the last page. DEALER OWNER AND EXECUTIVE ISSUES Have you considered your proper leadership role? Do you want to manage sales and customer relationships OR internal operations and financial administration?...

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Jason Pikoos (1)
Nov20

Enhancing AI Chatbot Interactions with Context-Rich Personas

Imagine having access to the expertise of a lawyer, accountant, or warehouse manager, wherever and whenever you like, for pennies. I’ll show you how. Last month’s issue laid the foundation for effectively prompting Generative AI-powered chatbots (such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini). This month, I’ll delve into customizing these interactions to suit your business needs better through the use of personas. What is a persona? Think of a...

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Chris Aiello
Nov20

Manufacturers and Dealers need to embrace a new set of opportunities in 2025

As another December has arrived and 2024 winds down, you may be reflecting on a year filled with growth, innovation, and evolving challenges that you are facing in the industry and your local market. The close of one year offers a unique opportunity to assess the past and set sights on the future. Looking ahead to 2025, it’s clear that the industry will continue to face rapid changes, from advancements in technology to shifts in...

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