Automation and digital transformation are the next revolution in productivity. This is driven by a severe shortage of skilled labor and supply chain disruption is capping growth for advanced manufacturing across the sectors we serve. Automation has the potential to improve output, introduce new capabilities, improve margin, and grow revenue—but the skilled labor gap is making this change an imperative.
6 min read
The Automation Imperative: Debunking Misconceptions in Advanced Manufacturing
By Michele Nichols on Thu, Aug 03, 2023
Topics: Business Insights Manufacturing Change Management Digital Transformation
5 min read
Marketing Budget Planning for 2024
By Michele Nichols on Fri, Jun 16, 2023
For many, it’s budgeting season as companies work through their strategic plans for the coming year. This means something different in every B2B industrial company we surveyed:
Topics: Business Insights Marketing Strategy Strategic Planning Marketing and Sales Alignment
3 min read
Effective AI and Automation Techniques in Marketing
By Mary Crowley on Wed, May 10, 2023
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation have become buzzwords in recent years, and for a valid reason. These advanced technologies are revolutionizing the way businesses approach their marketing strategies by enabling high levels of efficiency, increased personalization, and improved customer experiences. The marketing industry is now leveraging AI and Automation. We’ll explore the top 5 AI and Automation techniques that every marketer should be aware of.
Topics: Business Insights Marketing Automation
3 min read
Measuring Change: KPIs for Change Management
By Michele Nichols on Tue, Apr 25, 2023
Appropriate change management and internal communications are critical to the success of your change plan, whether that’s driven by:
- Digital transformation
- M&A integration
- Reorganization or business model change
Topics: Business Insights Internal Communication Change Management Digital Transformation
1 min read
Trends for Tech Startups and the Investment Community
By Michele Nichols on Thu, Feb 09, 2023
Topics: Business Insights Strategic Planning Tech
7 min read
SPIE Photonics West DEI Roundtable
By Michele Nichols on Mon, Feb 06, 2023
Lessons Learned from Students, Candidates, Employees & Employers
Introduction:
I was proud to be asked to lead this roundtable discussion on a topic that is critical to the growing field of photonics. That in no way makes me an expert in DEI. As a business owner who works with many of the market leaders in photonics, I am simply committed to doing the work.
I’m pleased to share the highlights from our active discussion on topics including:
- What’s the state of the industry today?
- What are some actions you can take to improve diversity in photonics, whether you’re a student, candidate, employee, or employer?
Topics: Business Insights employee engagement DEI
1 min read
Market Outlook for Advanced Manufacturing
By Mary Crowley on Thu, Nov 17, 2022
Supply chain disruption, workforce shortages, market volatility, margin pressure—what else is ahead for advanced manufacturing in the US for 2023? In this video, Michele Nichols, President of Launch Team, shares growth rates, opportunities, and trends, including winning strategies on how to create a competitive advantage in light of market forces. She also covers what advanced manufacturers can expect in the coming months and years.
Topics: Business Insights Market Research Manufacturing
3 min read
HubSpot's INBOUND 2022: 3 Smart Marketing Tips
By Mary Crowley on Wed, Oct 19, 2022
The HubSpot INBOUND conference is always a great opportunity for marketers to learn about the latest trends and strategies from fellow marketing professionals and leaders. This year's conference was no exception and as a HubSpot Platinum partner, we came away with new approaches to try, current best practices, and good reminders for us and our clients.
Topics: Business Insights Inbound Marketing Social Media
2 min read
Annual Planning: Company Retreat Ideas to Build a Cohesive and Actionable Plan
By Michele Nichols on Mon, Sep 19, 2022
Topics: Business Insights Strategic Planning Organizational Culture
1 min read
The Current State of Marketing Budgets: Our Survey Results
By Mary Crowley on Fri, Aug 12, 2022
How are your peers in the industry reacting to the market conditions this year? We recently conducted a survey on sales and marketing mid-year results and their approach to budgeting and planning for the coming year.
Topics: Business Insights Strategic Planning Marketing and Sales Alignment
3 min read
Rochester's Green Technology Movement
By Mary Crowley on Wed, Jun 29, 2022
New York’s Climate Act, the nation's most ambitious clean energy initiative to date, challenges industries and communities to reach 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040, 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality.
Experts predict cleantech will increase jobs, drive the development of new technologies, and strengthen both the regional and state economies. Already, investments in cleantech have created approximately 158,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector, just in the year 2020.
Topics: Business Insights Change and Innovation USA Tech Manufacturing Transformation
3 min read
Measuring the Value of Your Brand and Culture in B2B
By Mary Crowley on Mon, Feb 21, 2022
The organizational culture that you establish may be your most valuable asset and the key to your growth. Although culture and brand are both thought of as hard to define, measure, and manage, it’s important to understand the impact of brand equity on profit margin, customer acquisition, and customer retention. Being able to measure the value of your business culture will ultimately drive authenticity within your organization.