Marketing shouldn’t always sell
There’s been a recent push (most likely by the bean counters) to establish a direct ROI for marketing efforts. I can understand this thinking. Advertising and marketing are expensive. The adage of “half of all marketing spend is wasted, we just don’t know which half” makes sense, if you’re looking at waste in an immediate return sense. You spend $X on advertising and marketing this quarter and only get $Y...
What is the Reality of Selling? The way you do the things you do
Jeffrey, what’s the easiest way to make a sale?Jeffrey, what’s the best way to make a sale?Jeffrey, what’s the fastest way to make a sale? Same answer: there is none. There is no easy, best, fast way to make a sale. There are a million ways to make a sale but it’s not with a method or system. There are elements that get you there. Here are 13.5 strategies and principles (elements) that will help you get to the substitute for an easy,...
Is your dealership embracing technology?
I recently attended MODEX 2024, and this year’s show was highly anticipated by professionals across our industry. Automation, robotics, software solutions, artificial intelligence, and more were all on display providing a glimpse into the future of our industry. With connected smart automation solutions aimed at streaming supply chain operations it made me think of different areas where a lift truck dealership could streamline their...
Future Business Silos
You have been following your standard business silos for many, many years. Let’s see, what do we have now: New sales Used sales Parts Service Short-term rentals Rentals with maintenance Rent to own (maybe) Other revenues and consulting I am not going to get into the GP Margins, since today’s numbers are all screwed up because of the pandemic and material and chip shortages that in turn increased your cost and thus your margin dollars...
Q1 2024 Ends on a strong note with March producing 174 new Industrial Manufacturing planned projects
Industrial SalesLeads just released the March 2024 results for the new planned capital project spending report for the Industrial Manufacturing industry. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity, including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 174 new projects in the Industrial Manufacturing sector as compared to 150 in...
The five ways AI is changing service provision forever in 2024
Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence are increasingly becoming must-have options to assist the growing number of operations and processes in the service industry. Here, Mark Brewer, VP Service Industries at IFS, highlights his five industry predictions—all influenced by AI—for the upcoming year, and the opportunities these new trends open up for the delivery of service, ultimately leading to better customer experiences...
Dynamic forces in action: A look at the challenges and opportunities in warehousing today
As the nerve center for many material handling operations, warehouses provide an essential role. This month, Material Handling Wholesaler asked a few businesses in the industry about the latest trends in the dynamic environment of warehouse operations. Warehouse solutions At LD Systems, a company that helps warehouse operations find solutions, CEO Bob Sutphen said there have been three areas typically addressed recently. Those are...