As AI advances on a seemingly daily basis, wholesale distributors have a new tool to establish thought leadership, create marketing innovations, and deepen partnerships with manufacturers.

But how does this new tool work? And is it authentic?

On this week's episode, Kevin and Tom take a closer look at the impact of B2B AI on content creation, and the importance of authentic thought leadership in marketing. (Hint: it's all about the need for data-driven marketing strategies and the challenges of content authentication in the age of AI-generated content).

We also touch on the significance of brand integrity and the use of blockchain technology for content authentication.

The discussion also moves into the importance of security in Generative AI projects, emphasizing the need to prioritize security measures in AI initiatives.

If you're looking for insights to the current trends and challenges in the wholesale distribution and manufacturing industry—with a healthy dose of the importance of data, authenticity, and security in marketing and technology initiatives—this is an episode you won't want to miss!

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Do you know what a buying signal is? Could you read one if you saw one? And if you can recognize them, what do they tell you?

If you're a little lost, you're not alone. Buying signals refer to the various behaviors, content consumption, and social interactions that indicate a potential buyer's interest and engagement with a product or service. In this episode, we look at how finding them, and reading them correctly, is a key to understanding (and nurturing) the customer journey.

And ready or not, AI has become a powerful tool—and an influence—in wholesale distribution and manufacturing. Like an octopus, its tentacles have spread into every facet of business. This week, we look into the implications of the U.S. Homeland Security naming an AI Safety Security Advisory Board, highlighting the potential risks and benefits of tech giants influencing government decisions.

Furthermore, we explored the surge in AI-related lawsuits, particularly focusing on content creators and media organizations suing AI models for using their content without permission. This issue raises complex legal and ethical questions that may eventually reach the Supreme Court.

The landscape of technology is constantly evolving for wholesale distributors. Listen to this week's episode to help stay informed about the developments that affect your business the most.

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Let's face it: when it comes to the tech adoption curve, wholesale distributors and manufacturers can be a little behind (Are you? Hint: if you don't know what "adoption curve" means, you are).

On this episode, we dive into the critical role that digital resources play in driving both growth and customer engagement. From providing valuable digital content, to the challenges of balancing self-service experiences with the need for personalized interactions, we'll help you assess your own digital landscape...and show you how it directly impacts your ROI.

In addition, we take a deep dive into the news that affects wholesalers the most: the impact of inflation on the economy, the potential of the industrial metaverse for businesses of all sizes, and a new look at the building blocks for AI in your business.

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AI may be the most recent technology game-changer for wholesale distribution and manufacturing, but it's by no means the only one. In this week's episode, we're joined by guest Lin Chase, Ph.D., a 35-year veteran of enterprise technology and artificial intelligence and University Administrator. Together, we discuss the evolving landscape of technology in the manufacturing and distribution industry. We also dive into the reasons behind the surge in investment in Mexico's manufacturing infrastructure, as well as the importance of semantic planning in data management and how it can reshape B2B commerce (and just what the heck is "semantic planning" anyway?).

We also explore the potential applications of virtual reality and augmented reality in training and safety measures within manufacturing settings, as well as the need for strategic data planning and the integration of AI for future growth and efficiency. We cover a lot, so grab a cup of coffee and get ready for some incredible insights!

And don't forget - you can join the conversation each Friday on LinkedIn. Follow us and we'll shoot you out an invite!

Join the conversation each week on LinkedIn Live.

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A monster acquisition is reshaping wholesale distribution and manufacturing: Home Depot's acquisition of SRS distribution, a move that expands their reach to tradesmen and building materials across 47 states. What's the real magic behind this move? It emphasizes the importance of meeting buyers where they are and adapting to their preferences. In this episode, we dive into this development and talk about how you can adapt in the same way. (Spoiler: it's about combining B2C simplicity with B2B depth in e-commerce and marketing strategies).

The other major story this week was a tragic one: the major bridge collapse on the East Coast. The human toll was awful, and the disaster compounds with disruptions for inbound and outbound traffic for ships. How will this disaster—combined with the rebound of durable goods orders in February—impact the economy?

We also highlight the importance of understanding the changing buyer journey and how AI can enhance the customer experience. Additionally, we discussed the role of AI in manufacturing and cybersecurity, particularly Microsoft's Copilot in aiding cybersecurity officers.

We cover a lot this week, so don't miss out! Remember to follow us on all the social platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

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In this week's episode, Kevin and Tom are joined by Scott Costa, Publisher of the Electrical Distributor magazine (tED). Scott gives his unique insight to the importance of data-driven decisions in B2B marketing and the false allure of solely relying on intent data, emphasizing the need to focus on creating demand earlier in the process rather than just capturing existing intent.

We also delve into the significance of resiliency in supply chains, particularly in the context of manufacturing and distribution: how can businesses adapt and innovate to navigate supply chain challenges effectively? Additionally, we explore the evolving landscape of e-commerce and marketing, touching on the complexities of B2B intent data and the considerations surrounding data maturity in organizations.

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These are tumultuous times in wholesale distribution: U.S. small business sentiment fell in February to the lowest level since May due to continued concerns around inflation. In addition, the consumer price index, a broad measure of goods and services costs, increased 0.4% for the month and 3.2% from a year ago. Combine this with strikes at East Coast ports and shipping restrictions through the Panama Canal, and you've got a messy situation.

But when it comes to those all-important buyers, this economic data hardly matters: they're more concerned with the customer journey. In fact, 86% of B2B retailer buyers said they're willing to switch suppliers if another B2B web store offers a better experience, according to new survey data from Sana Commerce.

So what are wholesale distributors and manufacturers supposed to do with this? Where do you focus your attention and resources? How do you look at this data and see its relevance to your business? This week, Kevin and Tom look behind the headlines to bring you deep analysis and insight into these topics and more - it's an episode to help you make heads or tails of a constantly changing wholesale marketplace!

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According to Reuters, U.S. wholesale inventories fell more than initially thought in January of 2024, which could negatively impact economic growth estimates for the first quarter. Inventories dropped 0.3% instead of dipping 0.1% as estimated last month. At January's sales pace it would take wholesalers 1.36 months to clear shelves, up from 1.34 months in December.

So what does this mean for wholesale manufacturers and distributors? How does it affect your bottom line when it takes longer to turn over your inventory, or longer to get inventory in your warehouse? And what can you do to mitigate the risk and the cost,

On this week's episode, Tom and Kevin and joined by Mike Mortensen, CEO of ARG Industrial, to get deep insights to these issues and more. We also take a look at how risk is becoming the "new normal" for the global ocean shipping industry that handles 80% of global trade, as well as how developments in generative AI could create more rapid change in the workplace and the economy than previous waves of tech advances.

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