Let's Talk Supply Chain

The biggest challenge in industrial manufacturing is customer acquisition and retention. When it comes to marketing in the traditional world of Industrial manufacturing many companies see marketing as a cost center rather than an investment. This means marketing budgets are given low priority, especially during a recession when in reality marketing should be at the forefront of any strategy because it will set you apart from your competitors and keep your brand top of mind. In the long run, this ends up being more expensive, since companies need to start from ground zero when the market picks up. Only some companies are realising that marketing is the key to future success - especially when trying to get through a revenue plateau.

Christopher realised this was an issue and started helping more industrial companies with their marketing. His system focuses on creating momentum, producing value and building a community before launching a product or asking customers to buy. Consistency and the long play is what sets one marketing strategy apart from the rest, marketing should work hand in hand with sales to keep the leads flowing in. Sales should be encouraged to showcase their thought leadership online with the help of the marketing team and together the business will have a winning strategy.

Christopher is a big believer in social and uses social media such as Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn (3 hashtags!) as a platform to educate, entertain and build up a consistent brand image. As consumer behaviors keep shifting, more industrial companies will have no choice but to turn to more effective marketing in order to gain a competitive edge.

Christopher is also the leader in the profile rings you see on Linkedin, he gave back to the supply chain community by doing this for professionals for free to stand out, in a time of so much noise its efforts like these that will be the most rewarded

In this episode we discuss:

● [0.35] Industrial Manufacturing ● [4.46] Top challenges in the industry ● [11.59] Winning marketing strategy ● [16.35] How different platforms provide communication opportunities ● [23.00] The carbon footprint of manufacturing companies

Resources and links mentioned:

• Nesbit Marketing
• Christopher Nesbit

Kameel Gaines talks about her career journey; her business Rig on Wheels; driver recruitment; & the importance of elevating African American women in trucking.

[07.37] Kameel’s career journey, and how she found her way from educational sales to trucking recruitment.

“Trucking chose me!”

[10.38] Why Kameel founded her own business, Rig on Wheels, and why she always had an entrepreneurial mindset.

“I came from an entrepreneurial family, so I wasn’t afraid of it.

[13.42] A closer look at Rig on Wheels; what makes it different; and Kameel’s reputation for innovation and taking a driver-centric approach to business.

“We are very much an advocate of the professional driver. Innovation is very important because evolution is coming, it’s here! We want to make sure that our drivers are ready.”

“Recruitment is changing, and social media is the new CB radio! We need to meet drivers where they are.”

[16.54] Rig on Wheels’ upcoming 15-year anniversary, and Kameel’s laidback approach to the celebrations.

“I’m just excited that my team is excited!”

[18.10] Why Kameel launched the first-of-its-kind Rig on Wheels podcast; her passion for ongoing learning; and why she’s always looking to improve.

“I started educating myself, and looking at other peoples shows. And, instead of looking at them as a spectator, I was looking to learn... How can we do this better? We’re not looking for perfection, but we are looking for excellence.”

[21.46] Kameel’s perspective on the rise of supply chain media, and the innate inclusivity in helping professionals from all walks of life to engage, learn, and communicate in new ways.

“There are a lot of voices, and there’s a voice for everyone – that’s what’s great. Everybody identifies with someone.”

[26.29] Kameel’s previous role as co-chairwoman of the African American Women’s Trucking Association, and the importance of elevating the representation and success of African American women in trucking.

“Representation matters. You can’t be what you don’t see.”

[29.31] The role of mentors in Kameel’s career journey, and how she maintained those relationships over time.

[34.33] Kameel’s advice for the young women looking to follow in her footsteps.

“Open up your eyes to new possibilities, get out of your comfort zone – the world is your back yard.”

[36.47] The one (unexpected) career achievement that Kameel is most proud of.

[37.47] The future for Rig on Wheels.

You can connect with Kameel over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in trucking, check out 347: Women In Supply ChainTM, Seretha Willingham, 275: Women In Supply ChainTM, Amani Radman, or 205: Time To Make A Move, with Knichel Logistics.

Ryan Petersen talks about his entrepreneurial journey; the changes behind the scenes at Flexport; and what we can expect from them and the industry in 2024.

[06.30] Ryan’s incredible founder journey, and the ‘why’ behind building Flexport.

[09.17] How Ryan sold #logistics tech as an investment opportunity, bringing interest to the industry and raising over $2 billion worth of investment for Flexport to date.

[11.27] The role of the press in the ups and downs of Flexport’s history; Ryan’s approach to publicity; and his proactive approach to using marketing to bring transparency to the industry.

[14.47] From #acquisitions to internal re-structuring, a closer look at the big changes that have happened behind the scenes at Flexport over the last year.

[18.21] Why Flexport acquired Shopify Logistics, and how it fits into Ryan’s vision for the future – particularly when it comes to growth and data.

[25.45] The reason for the recent staff layoffs at Flexport, and why Ryan isn’t interested in bad press. [27.54] Why Flexport acquired technology from Convoy, and exactly how that #technology will enhance Flexport’s offering.

[33.52] From ongoing disruption on the Red Sea to #sustainability issues, what we can expect from the industry in 2024 and how it’s impacting business.

[41.33] How Flexport is successfully utilizing different forms of #ai; why that success has been a decade in the making; and how Ryan plans to use AI in the future.

[51.51] Flexport’s plans for 2024 with Ryan back in the role of CEO.

John Delligatti of SDI talks about data challenges, digital transformation, understanding KPI's and why SDI created its ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics

08.10] An introduction to John, his role at SDI, and a reminder of what SDI does and how they help their customers.

[10.04] Some of the main challenges in supply chain data and why, as an industry, we may be making more progress than we think. [

15.14] An overview of SDI’s Zeus technology, how it tackles some of the industry’s key challenges to give organizations power over their supply chains, and what makes it so different from other #technologies.

[25.38] Why the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook is for all supply chainers, not just data analysts.

[26.44] How a site manager should use the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook to enhance their job function and utilize the insights inside.

[30.04] The importance of determining and setting relevant and meaningful #KPIs, and how the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook can help organizations on that journey.

[36.02] How the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook can help organizations understand what’s important and act on those priorities.

[38.53] The problem with digital transformation, and how resources like the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook can help to bridge the gap, lay the groundwork for success, and equip businesses with knowledge they can understand and action.

[44.41] How a #procurement professional could use the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook to help train staff and reference best practices.

[46.26] The future for SDI.

Peter Cyr of OneRail talks about the final mile, its evolution, diversifying carrier networks, & how OneRail are helping customers to achieve 100% visibility.

[07.05] An introduction to Peter, his background, and the transition that led him to #logistics technology.

[08.44] An overview of OneRail, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[09.06] The evolution of the final mile, and the three core factors that have helped to lead the industry to where it is now.

[10.28] With research showing that most supply chain teams have only 6% visibility over their supply chains, the risks inherent in a lack of #visibility, and how the final mile is helping to move the needle.

[11.10] What the final mile looks like now, what customers are demanding from retailers, and how those demands are shaping operational #strategies.

[13.10] The different options available to customers, and why the big and bulky category is changing the last mile game.

[14.46] How organizations should be evaluating their #partnerships and the importance of bringing all groups together in one universal conversation.

[15.37] The changing landscape of capacity and demand, and how OneRail can help customers to flex.

[16.58] The importance of diversifying your carrier networks, and finding the right mix, when it comes to mitigating risk and gaining greater control and visibility over the final mile.

[18.51] A case study showing how OneRail helped a key client with their on-demand offering, developing a new SLA around a challenging one-hour delivery need.

[19.59] Peter’s advice for businesses looking to work on their final mile for 2024, and how OneRail works with customers to grow #sustainably together.

[21.52] What 2024 is going to bring for the final mile, and the #trends to look out for.

[22.57] The future for OneRail.

[23.53] The big topic that will be top of mind for supply chain professionals in 2024.