737: Industrial Strength Marketing: How to Brand, Modernize, and Grow Your Manufacturing, Distribution, or Workforce Recruiting Business with James Soto
James Soto is a three-time Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company leader, keynote speaker, and recognized contributor to Fabtech, HubSpot, Modern Machine Shop, Mashable, and LinkedIn events, as well as the host of Industrial Strength Marketing on YouTube, where he shares marketing insights that help industrials make marketing the strength of their business.
As Founder and CEO of Industrial Marketing Agency, one of North America’s top marketing agencies, James has worked with major B2B and industrial brands such as Motion Industries, Schneider Electric, ABB Baldor, SKF, Coats, Hunter Fan, NIST, PAM Transport, ASME, and Manufacturing USA.
James is also a prolific visionary, responsible for branding and co-producing Manufacturing Day, the largest industrial sector promotion in US history; and now he is co-founder of Nashville Made, a community focused on making way for makers and manufacturers to thrive in Nashville’s urban core.
Born industrial. Raised digital. James shares his point of view as to why leaders, marketers, and sellers must make their way of living and marketing obsolete before generational, technology, market forces or the competition does.
Quotes
“When we really look at any kind of amazing technology product, that's really where manufacturing and the industrial supply chain come in.” - James Soto
“For the most part, in the manufacturing sector, marketing is either missing, mismanaged, or misunderstood, and this issue starts at the leadership level.” - James Soto
“Everything that goes into that process, from design to ultimately getting it to the end user, is really what the industrial sector does. Industrial marketers are involved in this process.” - James Soto
Takeaways
01:09 Industrial marketing is distinct from other forms of B2B marketing, focusing on the interdependency and scale of industrial products and services.
03:57 Industrial companies often struggle with mismanagement and misunderstanding of marketing, stemming from leadership issues and a history of directory-focused sales.
09:40 Manufacturing Day is a significant annual event that aims to change perceptions of manufacturing and attract the next generation of workers to the industry.
18:23 Industrial companies should focus on being of service and creating inspiring work to deliver value and connect with their audience.
26:11 Proactive marketing and brand awareness are crucial for industrial companies to stay competitive and adapt to changing market dynamics.
Resources
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:58 — 25.8MB) | Embed
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Filed in: Archive 3: 2018-2020 • Interview • Podcast
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