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6 min read

The Automation Imperative: Debunking Misconceptions in Advanced Manufacturing

By Michele Nichols on Thu, Aug 03, 2023

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.

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:

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

Last week we attended Photonics West 2023 in San Francisco, for the latest in optics, lasers, imaging, and sensing technology. We had the opportunity to sit on the start-up panel, where entrepreneurs pitched their optics and photonics businesses.
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.

Topics: Business Insights Marketing Strategy Internal Communication Marketing Metrics Client Relations Branding and Identity