PodcasterNews.com Business and Politics

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Martin Frischknecht Schmidt Technology

Ken Rayment — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:07:31 -0400

SCHMIDT Technology Corporation is located in Cranberry Twp., PA in Southwestern Pennsylvania. We have provided the North American market with SCHMIDT quality presses and with unmatched technical know-how support since 1992. We service the country through an extensive network of manufacturer's representatives, a traveling show room (the "SCHMIDT ExPress"), and a staff of trained and experienced engineers.

We are a subsidiary of SCHMIDT Technology, a family led, medium sized enterprise located in the Black Forest area of Germany. Over 400 highly qualified employees are working for the company worldwide. SCHMIDT Technology stands for stability and continuity in all its fields of business.

Descending from a rich tradition of Black Forest watchmaking art and the keen sense of precision of the people living here, SCHMIDT Technology has developed into a technology leader recognized worldwide. What began around 60 years ago with the innovative development of technically refined writing instruments has evolved into a company with three different divisions:

* Writing instrument technology
* Presses
* Sensors

The success speaks for itself: Today products and services from SCHMIDT Technology are exported to over 80 countries worldwide. The safety and quality of SCHMIDT Technology products make them unique on the global market and thus sought after for decades. The international orientation of the company and the combination of creative and intelligent solutions, together with economical and efficient manufacturing in Germany lay the groundwork for the successful and future-oriented position of the enterprise.

Because of this, SCHMIDT Technology is valued internationally as a solid, dependable and competent partner.

Schmidt Technology

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

The Engaging Brand: Show 246 - Lessons From Fast Company Founder

Anna Farmery — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:17:11 -0400

An interview with Alan Webber the founder of Fast Company and who has just written a fabulous new business book called Rules of Thumb.

On this podcast we talk about

How Alan Webber saw the Fast Company experience
How there are teachers everywhere in the world
Learn to see the world through the eyes of the consumer
What business can learn from the film industry
Creating a company of friends
How you need to reframe the picture for the consumer
The importance of relational thinking

Don't forget to subcribe to the show in iTunes

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Chris Zimmerman Twin Engines

Ken Rayment — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Best Solutions for Small and Mid-Market

TwinEngines builds applications that fit, designs web solutions that increase sales, and integrates both to business systems with a focus on small and mid-market companies. We deliver the strategy first, and then implement solutions to unique business problems that companies face in ecommerce and sales, manufacturing and logistics, and repair and warranty. Our focus on small and mid-market companies provides businesses with the best value. TwinEngines, a Microsoft Gold Partner, leverages leading-edge technology to build Windows .Net and Web solutions. Our engineering, manufacturing and eBusiness backgrounds coupled with our experience with small and mid-market companies results in quality, integrated solutions at the best value. From its inception, the company has focused its passion, experience, and resources on problem-solving, and business-building solutions for companies who participate in the manufacturing value chain. TwinEngines first started helping small and mid-market companies in 1995. A privately held company, TwinEngines has increased businesses' efficiency and profits without outside funding. TwinEngines is uniquely suited to understand and create the best fit and best value solutions for our customers who participate in the manufacturing value chain.

Twin Engines

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

The Engaging Brand: Show #245 - How to make work optional

Anna Farmery — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:48:12 -0400

n interview with Frank Armstrong of Investor Solutions who has written about the retiremenet challenge and talks us through how to gain financial independence. His site Sink Swim is a wealth of tools to help you plan for your future. In this interview we talk about

What is the retirement challenge?
How to calculate what you need to make work optional
Why people don't think about retirement
The need for companies to educate their employees
How engagement comes from financial independence
How to plan for retirement
How do you pick a retirement expert to trust
How do you define risk
Has the global rescession affected our risk

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter.

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Craig McCoy Stanley Vidmar

Ken Rayment — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Industry Report Craig McCoy Stanley Vidmar

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Daniel Zimmerman Eriez

Ken Rayment — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

ERIEZ is world leader in magnetic, vibratory, inspection and flotation technology for the process and metalworking industries. The company designs and manufactures equipment to move, remove or concentrate material; feed, screen or convey materials; and inspect product through metal detection and x-ray technology

Eriez

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Ahn Vuong AV-Tech Machine Tool

Ken Rayment — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In 1976, Twinhorn established operating principles that have earned the company a reputation for dependable machine performance and quality. We are devoted to being the price performance leader by providing our worldwide customer base with premium products that use only the finest material, machinery and technical expertise, including stress-relieved Meehanite castings in all major machine components. We believe the customer is number one, and know how important it is for you to keep your equipment up and running. We keep our warehouse fully stocked with parts and have an advanced order fulfillment system to insure your parts get shipped out immediately.

AV-Tech Machine Tool

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

The Engaging Brand: Show #244 - Make Your Customers Stick

Anna Farmery — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:07:27 -0400

An interview with Jim Champy, one of the leading modern management and business thinkers. Also worth checking out a previous podcast interview I did with Jim on How to Gain Competitive Advantage. We talk about concepts in his new business book Inspire!

Why Jim feels it is great news for business that the web has given control to customers.
How successful business models are often a case of back to the future
How old fashioned values are returning
3 concepts: customer collaboration, big risk and 'cheap luxury'
How creating an emotional connection is often based on 'old values' such as simplicity
How brand premium can be created through removing complexity.
The need for fearlessness and seeing business risk as an everyday part of business
If risk is critical how will the financial meltdown affect small business
How lay offs encourage entrepreneurship
Create a crusade to engage customers - a marketing campaign is not enough.
The need for truthful marketing

“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Patrick Aubry Posalux

Ken Rayment — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 11:53:46 -0400

Industry Report Patrick Aubry Posalux

The Engaging Brand: Show #243 - Creating an Innocent Brand Pt2

Anna Farmery — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:41:36 -0400

The first part about building the innocent brand was published earlier this week and this second part of the podcast interview covers the social media aspects of brand building

How did Innocent Drinks approach social media?
How do Innocent approach customer feedback from social media?
How did corporate social responsibility become part of the brand strategy?
Why social media is an important part of the customer relationship.
How does Innocent maintain the fun vibe during the recession?
The relationship between creativity and cash
The Simon Cowell trick to management! (Didn't see that one coming :))
What did he think of the Walkers advertising campaign

Don't forget to try GoToMeeting for your 30 day free trial!

The Engaging Brand: Show #242 - Creating an Innocent Brand Pt1

Anna Farmery — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:44:52 -0400

Richard Reed of Innocent Drinks a truly inspirational entrepreneur, speaks about branding and social media.

How does the brand stay innocent as the business grows?
Are there difficulties internally with a brand called innocent?
How has the company nurtured the 'talkability' factor of the brand - do they have a gossip marketing strategy?
Is Innocent a brand, a business or a dream?
How does the lifestyle element of the brand, help the brand?
How an entrepreneurial spirit is helped by creating the dream rather than just making money.
How is the web changing the way Innocent looks at value?

Don't forget to try GoToMeeting for your 30 day free trial!

The Engaging Brand: Show #241- The Story of the Playboy Brand Pt2

Anna Farmery — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:49:44 -0400

Today is the second part of the interview with Susan Gunelius about her research into a new book about the growth of the Playboy brand (The book is not out until Septemeber so don't tell anyone about the podcast!) and how Hugh Hefner created such a powerful global brand and marketing success. You can listen to the first part of the Engaging Brand podcast here.

In the second part we talk about

The irony of Hugh Hefners daughter taking over at Playboy
How Playboy was not about the exploitation of women.
Is there a time and place for brands?
Is there a disposable brand or business lifecycle?
Has the brand come to an end - and now its success lies in iconic brand status?
What happens when Hugh Hefner is no longer part of Playboy?
The importance of understanding the environment the brand has to perform in.
Is Playboy an example of just because a brand can extend - it shouldn't go too far?
The marketing opportunity for Playboy with women.
What lifestyle brands offer business

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show #240 - The Story of the Playboy Brand Pt1

Anna Farmery — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:38:51 -0400

Anna Farmery talks to Susan Gunelius about the Playboy story and how Hugh Hefner created the brand. Susan has written a new marketing book - not out until September - which outlines the impressive brand story.

The Engaging Brand podcast is sponsored by Gotomeeting and you can check out the latest information at www.theengagingbrand.com

The Engaging Brand: Show #239 - Growing Business Dominance of India

Anna Farmery — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:01:55 -0400

Nirmalya Kumar is Professor of Marketing, Director of Centre for Marketing, and Co-Director for Aditya V. Birla India Centre at London Business School. Nirmalya has just written a business book on India as a global powerhouse and talks us through his perspectives on how India is growing.

Sponsored by Gotomeeting. Find out more about Anna's work at The Engaging Brand Blog

The Engaging Brand: Show 238 - Making Money on a Global Scale

Anna Farmery — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:33:31 -0400

Today I talk Omar Khan of Sensei International, a global leadership development and consulting firm that operates all over the world. Omar has just co-written a book called The Global Consultant - How to make seven figures across borders. You can also read Omar's blog called The Global Consultant. I ask Omar

You can intellectually learn about the world but you must emotionally experience the world as well.
What is the difference between emotional connection and research?
How your aim must be to have a virtual presence and as Peter Drucker said "Presence does not rely on physical proximity"
How problems are global when human dynamics are involved.
Should you message transcend borders or be tailored - and tips on how to create the right message.
How you uild momentum after an event?
What is the diffference between energised confidence and arrogance?

You can listen to my previous discussions with Omar on Global Leadership or Liberating Passion within Business.

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show #237 - Marketing Online Tips and Trends

Anna Farmery — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:06:40 -0400

Today I talk with Sabrina Parsons, CEO of Palo Alto Software and blogger at Mummy CEO. Sabrina has a wealth of knowledge on advertising, marketing, and business development. If you have any specific questions for her then you can email her directly at sabrina@paloalto.com. I talk to her about

Is there such a thing as marketing online?
Have the marketing principles changed over time?
What are the trends with online advertising?
Why is the level of consumer analytics so important?
Why small companies are challenging larger companies?
Is there a difference between marketing and advertising?
Is marketing owned by the brand or the consumer?
How to stay focused when so many new marketing tools are appearing?
Which trend do you see in advertising that companies need to address?
The link between customer service and social media.

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show 236 - How to turn your life around

Anna Farmery — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:41:19 -0400

Today I talk with Loren Slocum an accomplished inspirational speaker and business coach, We talk aout her new book Life Tuneups: Your Personal Plan to find Balance, Discover Your Passion, and Step Into Greatness. You can see Loren in action at www.Lobella.com.

Loren’s book looks at how people can change their lives in fundamentally positive ways, not through drastic, painful sacrifice or expensive remedies, but through small, inexpensive, permanent life adjustments. So you know me...not one not to miss out on an opportunity so we talk about

How can we cope with stress and negative news.
What is a personal tune up!
How do you bounce back from adversity?
How do you start to look forward?
How to work out what is important to you?
Are there routines that we can build into our lives to stop us from falling into a rut?
How the first person you need to surround yourself with...is a positive you!
How negative people can be a good thing!

Don't forget to subcribe to the show in iTunes or on the Blubrry site.

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter or check out my new site Buzz Networker which looks at how social networking can help your brand.

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show #235 - Customer Experience For Profit

Anna Farmery — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:57:53 -0400

Today I talk with Linda Ireland who is co-owner of Aveus LLC and has 20 years experience in developing businesses - known as the "build this or fix that" person!. She writes about customer expereince for profit here. She has recently written a book called Domino which is how customer experiences can tip everything in your business toward better financial performance.

What is the purpose of a business?
How putting the cutomer at the core of your strategy links to increasing profitability.
What is a customer experience - can it be defined as it is so personalised?
How customer experiences are often not WITH you, often in this global world they are outside the direct contact with your brand
Is globalisation good or not good for brands in terms of communication with social media?
Customer experiences are not one off events they are linear and often a layering of experiences.
How customers are influenced by outside factors and people - how you need to create a virtual reality for customers?
How a purchase is more than buying it is a commitment from the customer
The secret to driving revenue growth
The secret to driving profit growth

Don't forget to subcribe to the show in iTunes or on the Blubrry site.

The Engaging Brand: Show #234 - Is Management in Crisis

Anna Farmery — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:51:28 -0400

Today I talk with Nick McCormick who is a delivery manager for an IT services company and who has written a great little book on tips and practical advice for managers called Lead Well and Prosper. What I loved about this book was the realism...he talks about moving from mediocre to great!! Nick and I discuss

Is management as a skill in crisis?
The importance of managers having a realistic look at their own development and skill level.
Why is management so difficult?
Tips on moving from reading about management to becoming a better manager.
How change is uncomfortable.
How to make time for development in your busy schedule.
How power does not come from a title
What would be the best tip that Nick could give to improve your management skill?
How it is not difficult to stand out as a good manager as there is so many mediocre ones out there!

Don't forget to subcribe to the show in iTunes or on the Blubrry site.

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Dewayne Kangas Time Savers

Ken Rayment — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:47:59 -0400

The World's Largest Manufacturer of Widebelt Sanders For over fifty years, Timesavers, Inc. has been providing widebelt abrasive finishing machines for surfacing wood, metal, plastics, and a wide range of other materials.

Time Savers

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

The Engaging Brand: Show #233 Digital Body Language for Marketing and Sales

Anna Farmery — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:18:31 -0400

Today I talk with Steven Woods who is the CTO of Eloqua a computer software company. He has just written a book called Digital Body Language to help us understand consumer behavior on the web and how we can read their 'body language' to improve our sales and social media techniques.

What is digital body language?
How a company is joining the sales process further down stream. Does the customer needs a sales person less?
If the customer is more in control is there any point in reading the digital body langauge!
How do we know what to track and the buying process of the consumer?
Are all customers rational in their buying process?
How the asset has changed from a sales list to an understanding of the customer behavior and the strength of the relationship.
How the website can track where the customer is in their buying process.
How you can use different social media tools at the different parts of the consumer buying process.
The importance of understanding the metrics and how we should be developing data management skills within our team

Don't forget to subcribe to the show in iTunes or on the Blubrry site.

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Erik Nieves Motoman

Ken Rayment — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Motoman delivers innovative robotic automation solutions for virtually every industry and robotic application, including arc welding, assembly, clean room, coating, dispensing, material cutting (laser, plasma, waterjet), material handling (diecast, machine loading, packaging, palletizing, part transfer, press tending), material removal (deburring, polishing, sanding) and spot welding. Our product line includes more than 175 distinct robot models and 40 fully integrated pre-engineered "World" solutions that are complete application specific work cells, including robot, process equipment and safety equipment. Motoman is a subsidiary company of Yaskawa Electric Corporation, the world leader in robotics, and operates in North and South America. Combined with our sister and partner companies, we can support robotic solutions throughout the world. Our proven track record of delivering industry leading quality, innovation and customer satisfaction can help you exceed your robotic automation goals.

Motoman

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Bobby Williams Starrett

Ken Rayment — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Precision Tools & Gages, Granite Surface Plates, Gage Blocks, Precision Ground Flat Stock & Drill Rod, Vision Systems, Optical Measuring Projectors, Band Saw Blades, Power Tool Accessories, Jobsite & Workshop Tools, M1 Lubricant

Starrett

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Simon Cosham Starrett

Ken Rayment — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Starrett

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

The Engaging Brand: Show #232 - Taking Risks and Adapting to Change

Anna Farmery — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:52:59 -0400

Today I talk with Stuart Avery Gold who is a best selling author and who has written the business parable books called Ping. We all know how much I love the business parable format and enjoyed discussing with him

Why business parables are so successful
How we are all on an heroic journey - we just need to realise it!
The importance of choice in our life.
The difference between the fear of success and the fear of failure.
How we need 'goal models' in our life.
How happiness is a skill
How we should aim to become someone not something
How we figure out what is right for our life
The fine line between feeling comfortable and feeling in a rut.
Does age affect the way you look at change and risk?
Is it more diffiult to decide what your dream is or how to achieve it?

Don't forget to subcribe to the show in iTunes or on the Blubrry site.

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter !

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Michael Knicker Q-Plus Labs

Ken Rayment — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Q-PLUS is a premier full service precision dimensional measurement and inspection laboratory providing a wide array of quality measurement services and solutions that include:

SERVICES
Dimensional Inspection Reverse Engineering Calibration Consulting Training

PRODUCTS
Gages & Fixtures Measuring Equipment

Q-Plus Labs

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Carlo Algera Metris

Ken Rayment — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Metris offers a complete range of metrology solutions including Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), Optical CMMs, 3D laser scanners, X-ray and CT, Laser Radar, iGPS / iSpace systems, and metrology software for 3D inspection and reverse engineering. Metris systems are employed in aerospace, automotive and other engineering industries.

Metris

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

The Engaging Brand: Show #231 - The Truth Behind Blogging

Anna Farmery — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:12:13 -0400

Today I talk with Stephane Grenier the nationally known founder and CEO of LandlordMax Software Inc., a longtime builder and promoter of numerous blogs (including his own, FollowSteph.com), a seminar speaker for "Website Promotion and Traffic Generation", and the author of the critically acclaimed ebook, How to Generate Traffic to Your Website.We talk about his latest book Blog Blazers in which 40 of the top bloggers share their social media secrets. We discuss

Why write a book about blogging - isn't that traditional vs new media?
Difference between niche and general blogging
Is there a standard success formula for blogging?
Importance of having an opinion on your blog
The difference between having an opinion and being opinionated.
Can you make money blogging?
Why most blogs fail within 3 months
How overnight blogging success takes time....
The balance of needing to cope with loneliness as a blogger yet be an extrovert at the same time.

Don't forget to subcribe to the show in iTunes or on the Blubrry site.

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Kevin Duhamel Gorbel

Ken Rayment — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Gorbel has over 30 years experience providing overhead handling solutions to customers in a wide range of industries. We have a comprehensive line of Crane Technology products, including work station bridge cranes, patented track cranes, I-beam jib cranes, gantries, and work station jib cranes. We also have an exciting line of Ergonomic Lifting products, featuring our G-Force® Intelligent Lifting Device and our Easy Arm® Intelligent Lifting Arm.

Gorbel

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Simon Barton Alpha Workholding Solutions

Ken Rayment — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:00:28 -0400

Alpha Workholding is the premier American manufacturer of Permanent Electro magnetic workholding and material handling products. Alpha Workholding is dedicated to developing workholding and material handling solutions that make manufacturers more efficient and more competitive. Through Alpha Workholding’s expertise in building custom magnetic workholding fixtures, Alpha develops new standard products that benefit simple everyday applications. Alpha Workholding Solutions specializes in the design, manufacture and application sales of Permanent & Permanent-Electro Magnetic workholding equipment.

Based in Wisconsin with manufacturing in Wisconsin and North Carolina, the company occupies over 20,000 square feet of Office/Manufacturing space and boasts not only the best manufacturing facilities, but also the employment of the very best professionals within their respective fields. Our Company prides itself in being the industry leader in Innovation. Alpha Workholding Solutions is always striving for ways to make Magnetic Technology more user-friendly.

Alpha Workholding Solutions

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Paul Hieronymus Metronics - Innovative Metrology

Ken Rayment — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

METRONICS® leads the industry in the development of world-class metrology software and geometric digital readouts. The Quadra-Chek® product line provides unmatched support for single-axis and multi-axis dimensional measurement of 2-D and 3-D parts on new and existing tool platforms. Quadra-Chek digital readouts and PC-based products integrate innovative user interface conventions and state-of-the-art ergonomics with powerful data import, export and analysis tools. Quadra-Chek products are supported by an international team of field engineers.

Metronics - Innovative Metrology

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

The Engaging Brand: Show #230 - Ultimate Lesson of True Leadership Pt2

Anna Farmery — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:17:15 -0400

This is the second part of the interview with the wonderful Steve Farber who is one of my favourite business authors and who has just written a new book called Greater Than Yourself- (see the site for interviews and free resources on the concept of helping others become greater than yourself). Check out the first part of the interview before listening to our conversation about

How we can change the world by encouraging others to develop the greater than yourself concept
The importance of reflection time
How to use downtime for your own self development
The importance of storytelling and how reading books can help your storytelling ability.
How leaders can learn to rely on their subconscious knowledge when facing business problems
The importance of being willing to take on experiences
How complex films are created
How a leader needs to live inside their business story
How in your own life it is important to develop the characters around you

Don't forget to subcribe to the show in iTunes or on the Blubrry site as the second part includes a fascinating insight into the development of an author and of storytelling.

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter !

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show #229 - Ultimate Lesson of True Leadership Pt1

Anna Farmery — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:02:32 -0400

Today I interview one of our old friends of the show - the wonderful Steve Farber who is one of my favourite business authors and has just written a new book called Greater Than Yourself. Check out the site for interviews and free resources on the concept of helping others become greater than yourself. This is the first part of the interview and we cover

What do we mean by helping people become greater than yourself?
Is a recessionary time a good time in business to be thinking about others, what about looking after your own development!
What can we give people if we can't give money?
How coaching is like parenting - with many of the same problems!
How to find the right person to invest your time in.
The importance of self development

Don't forget to subcribe to the show in iTunes or on the Blubrry site as the second part includes a fascinating insight into the development of an author and of storytelling.

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter !

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Dennis Salazar - Salazar Packaging

Ken Rayment — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

New online store, www.GlobeGuardProducts.com, enables small and medium size companies to obtain high quality, competitively priced, sustainable packaging materials. Product offering includes Globe Guard® corrugated boxes, mailers, box sealing tapes, labels, and packaging papers.

Salazar Packaging, inc.

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Eric Golden Equipois Inc.

Ken Rayment — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:18:32 -0400

Equipois designs and manufactures revolutionary technologies that allow tools, parts, materials and other payloads to be maneuvered as if weightless, but with full range of motion. The company's patented zeroGR systems are designed to support a range of manufacturing, heavy industrial, bioresearch, medical and other applications in order to reduce workplace injuries and associated costs while increasing productivity.

Equipois Inc.

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

The Engaging Brand: Show #228 Essential Wisdom Of The Greatest Entrepreneurs

Anna Farmery — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:25:11 -0400

Today's epsiode is an interview with Todd Buchholz, former White House director of economic policy, who has written one of my favourite books of 2009 - Lasting Lessons From the Corner Office.

This book looks at the business lives of entrepreneurs such as Estee Lauder, Walt Disney, A.P Giannini ( Bank of America), David Sarnoff (RCA) , Ray Kroc (MacDonalds), Akio Morita (Sony) and more, who have changed the world we live in forever. This book is a fascinating insight into the minds and lives of entrepreneurs and I ask Todd

What did it take to be a successful entrepreneur?
Are entrepreneurs led by a gut instinct?
How Giannini knew the importance of knowing your customers business even more than your own!
The importance of strong values
We discuss the idea of advertising and how it was seen a "bad thing" - driving down profits
The amazing "bouncebackability" of the entrepreneurs
Have we lost that intense passion from the business world?
Tips and tricks from Estee Lauder on how to gain customers

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Jerry Kroetch Scotchman Metal Fabrication Solutions

Ken Rayment — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 09:53:56 -0400

Industry Report Jerry Kroetch Scotchman Metal Fabrication Solutions

Scotchman Metal Fabrication Solutions

This Podcast brought to you by:

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

The Engaging Brand: Show #227 - Leadership Tips in a Changing Volatile World

Anna Farmery — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:45:19 -0400

Today I speak with Alexander Grashow of Cambridge Leadership who has just co written a new book called The Practice of Adaptive Leadership, which gives tools and tactics for leading in an ever changing world. The book looks at both individual and corporate development techniques. We talk about

What kind of leadership is required in this changing world?
How we need to engage people above and below the neck?
How people are afraid of loss not change.
How social systems are defined by the people in them
How to approach an organisation when the leaders don't want to change
How leadership is a verb not a job
Is the idea of risk the same at both the individual level as well as the business level?
How leadership is about challenging expectations.
How to deal with the blockers!
What you need to solve a business problem
How to orchestrate conflict!
What are the basic needs of an individual?
Three areas which Alex challenges you to do ; Take more risk, extend your authority and display your incompetence

The Engaging Brand: Show #226 - Emotional triggers and why customers really buy Pt 2

Anna Farmery — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:22:22 -0400

This is the second part of my conversation with Linda Goodman and Michelle Helin about their research into emotional triggers that helo you understand why customers buy. If you haven't listened to Part 1 then click this link to find out more about the emotional triggers and why customers really buy.

I have just read their new book Why Customers Really Buy and in this second part of the interview we talk about

How you can benchmark emotional conversations and the emotional triggers of your customers.
Examples and case studies of how emotional triggers have helped companies engage with their customers.
Is there a way of triggering positive emotions in customers in these difficult times?
Is there a need to review emotional triggers over time?

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter !

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show #225 - Emotional triggers and why customers really buy

Anna Farmery — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:09:27 -0400

Today I talk with Linda Goodman and Michelle Helin about their research into emotional triggers hat drive sales. I have just read their new book Why Customers Really Buy and wanted to explore how to understand more about

How does the context around the customer affect how they receive communication
Can you build rapport when you are not face to face?
How to recognise emotion in your customer
Are negative emotional triggers better than positive emotional triggers for engaging with the customers emotion?
How do you gain insight into consumer behaviour?
How to phrase questions to find out what is really important to the customer.

This is the first part of the interview, the second part will be available either later today or tomorrow - enjoy!

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter !

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

Better Process Podcast: Industry Report Andreas Schlagintweit Sonplas

Ken Rayment — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:09:44 -0400

Line Of Business: Custom-Built Machines

Strengths: Complete Solutions: * engineering * design * assembly * comissioning * service Year Of Foundation: 1993 Employees: 132

Sonplas

A New Sponsor has joined the Better Process Podcast!

R. Scott Wolff, CIC, CRIS is a Premier Risk Management, LLC partner in which he provides insurance and risk management consulting services to public, private and not-for-profit organizations throughout the US. In his capacity as an insurance consultant he does not accept commissions or fees from insurance companies, agents or brokers. Scott is able to help his clients save time and money on their insurance and risk management programs while obtaining better overall coverage. Scott’s background, experience (27+ years) and insurance education make him uniquely qualified as an insurance professional. He has worked for insurance carriers in the roles of a multi-line claim and loss representative, underwriter, production underwriter, and marketing specialist in addition to owning and operating two insurance brokerage firms. His articles on tips and strategies have been published in a variety of media. He has been a keynote speaker and involved in a number of panel discussions regarding insurance related topics. Scott is also the author of "Executive's Guide to Risk Management & Insurance - Reduce The Risk Boost Your Bottom Line."

http://www.premierriskmgt.com

Join us in our appreciation for these companies who have donated to Action-Works an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit who brings Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to our youth:

Stratom
equipois
Interface Financial Corp
SMGlobal
Sum2
Western Electronics
Salazar Packaging
RFID Revolution

The Engaging Brand: Show #224 - Internal Branding and Employee Engagement

Anna Farmery — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:24:39 -0400

Today I talk Tim McCleary, an expert on internal branding and employee engagement. Tim was previously a Global Brand and Design Director at GE and is now principal of The Involvement Group. We discuss

Findings from the latest internal branding and employee engagement conference
How has employee engagement evolved over the last few years
Is employee engagement a fad or does it have real business benefits?
How developing employee programs has a benefit to the leadership team
Does internal branding relate to all functions across the company?
Why should we spend time and money on engaging employees - after all they are paid to do their job aren't they!!
Examples of how to link the external brand to individual employees
What can we do tomorrow to take internal engagement forward?
How employee engagement is not a soft management skill
The link between employee engagement and bottom line profitability

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter !

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show #223 Tips on Business Writing that Engages People

Anna Farmery — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:28:53 -0500

Today I talk with Susan Gunelius,CEO of Keysplash Creative who is an expert and author on business communications. You can find her books here.

Has business writing changed over the last decade?
Has business writing itself become more informal or is it that business people have brought their personal style to the commercial world?
How words are now important but it is harder for those words to stand out from the crowd.
Tips on how to develop your writing skills
How creating the message is like building a house!
Is it about the words you use or how you construct the message?
The importance of writing as though to your best friend.
Which marketing trigger words work?
How do you develop your writing style?
Where does creativity come from - is it from the tools, the person or the message?

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter !

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show #222 - Obama Leadership and Community Lessons

Anna Farmery — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:58:18 -0500

Today I talk Barry Libert of Mzinga who is a pioneer in using communities, web 2.0 technologies to help businesses grow. He has just written a book on Winning Business Lessons of the Obama Campaign and we talk about

Insights into the leadership style of Barack Obama
How Obama copes with pressure
The need to perfect your leadership style
The importance of empathy and personal leadership
How to keep in touch with how people are feeling
The importance of creating a talented team
How to create an engaged community that will sell the message for you
Did the internet cause change or was it a way of demonstrating change?
How the community communication was about building relationships not a pure communication tool
How Obama used mobile technology
The idea of customer managed relationships
The importance of bridging between the past and the future in your communications

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter !

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show #221 - Free Market Madness

Anna Farmery — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:15:33 -0500

Today I talk with Peter Ubel about Free Market Madness, his new business book which looks at both the economics and the behaviourial aspects of free markets. I ask Peter

Whether free markets are still great in concept, despite the flaws.
What are the illogical forces that affect human behaviours
The importance of helping people with the choices they face.
How rational sides can win over the irrational sides of our personality
Is there a danger of the economic crisis preventing free markets in the future?
What do you need to develop to be able to prioritise better?
The ability to draw motivation from each other
Scarcity, novelty and price - the 3 factors that affect consumer purchasing decisions.
How regular small gains are better than one big gains.
Which promotional sales strategies work better - small and often or big and infrequent?
The importance of unpredictability in consumer happiness

The Engaging Brand: Show #220 - 10 Golden Rules of B2B Social Media Marketing Pt2

Anna Farmery — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 11:40:10 -0500

This is the second part of the interview with Jay Berkowitz of Ten Golden Rules Internet Marketing company and if you haven't listened to his podcast of the same name it is well worth checking out - here is the link to the Ten Golden Internet Marketing podcast.

This podcast is in response to a listener asking "Is social media relevant in a B2B marketing context?" For the first 4 social media rules then listen to Part 1 of The Engaging Brand podcast - Show 219.

Today we talk about the next 6 rules which are

How podcasting or podcast sponsorship can help your business.
Promoting your products and services strategy. Jay mentions David Meerman Scott - here is a link to an interview I did with David on New Rules of Marketing and PR. I also had a conversation with David on Creating Breakthrough Ideas for your consumers
How to use search marketing
Web optimised public relations
Subscription marketing
Ratings and reviews and how it can help build business

During the discussion we wondered whether marketing is different B2B and B2C? Here are my thoughts - would love to hear your thoughts.

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter !

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show #219 - 10 Golden Rules of B2B Social Media Marketing Pt1

Anna Farmery — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:46:45 -0500

Today I interview Jay Berkowitz of Ten Golden Rules Internet Marketing company and if you haven't listened to his podcast of the same name it is well worth checking out - here is the link to the Ten Golden Internet Marketing podcast.

This podcast is in response to a listener asking "Is social media relevant in a B2B marketing context?" Jay gives us 10 golden rules and this podcast is the first 4 rules...watch out tomorrow for Part 2!

Today we talk about

Is social media relevant to B2B marketing?
The importance of great social media content.
How to generate revenue from your business blog
The marketing concept of microselling and how it can generate business for you. Jay uses Woot as an example of this marketing strategy.
Customer service as the new marketing

In part 2 we talk about product promotion, search marketing, web optimised public relations, podcasting, subscription marketing and the important role of ratings/reviews. If you don't want to miss out you can subscribe to the show which is described below.

During our discussion we wondered whether marketing is different B2B and B2C? Here are my thoughts - would love to hear your thoughts.

The Engaging Brand: Show #218 - Its Not What You Sell...

Anna Farmery — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:45:25 -0500

Today I interview Roy Spence about his new book, Its Not What You Sell, It's What You Stand For which looks at how successful companies are driven by a strong sense of purpose. Roy has worked with some of the major global brands and shares some great business anecdotes with us on this episode of The Engaging Brand podcast. We talk about

What the company stands for is more important than what it sells

How you keep the business purpose alive

Importance of repetition in creating a strong business purpose

Are consumers totally price orientated?

The 'art' of discovering your business purpose

The need to have both doer's and dreamer's in your leadership team

How advertising is like an uninvited guest

The importance of design consistency

Does a purpose relate to a commodity business?

The importance of marketing for business -2 - business companies

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter !

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show #217 - Why good leaders make bad decisions

Anna Farmery — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:38:28 -0500

Today is a wonderful interview with Sydney Finkelstein who has just written a fantastic business book called Think Again. This is a follow up to Why Smart Executives Fail. Sydney is the Steven Roth Professor of Management at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business and Director of Tuck Executive Program. If you want to boost your career this is a great podcast interview as we talk about

The key to effective decision making
How do we check our sub conscious thinking patterns?
Is a good decision impossible!
How to choose the right people to help you make the right decision.
How to free up your sub conscious minds
Can you be in a job too long?
How to make the right decision rather than an emotional decision when downsizing or making redundancies
The difference between reducing costs and retaining value
The emotional effect of decision making
How do you recognise the difference between good and bad self interest?
How do I build safeguards to ensure that my own self interest doesn't become a negative aspect of my career?
How do you differentiate between intuition and a preformed judgment?

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or join me on twitter !

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Engaging Brand: Show #216 - Face the Fear and Do it Anyway Pt2

Anna Farmery — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 13:13:58 -0500

Today is the second part of the interview with the truly inspirational eco-adventurer and writer Roz Savage who has - wait for it! - rowed the Atlantic Ocean and who is now rowing the Pacific Ocean. You can follow her journey over at Roz Rows the Pacific. if you haven't heard the first part of the interview then podcast 215 is here. Today we dig deeper into the emotinal aspects and Roz talks to us about

How isolation affects the human mind
How you react to isolation as a human being
The importance of how you feel about yourself
Recognising the importance of the negative talk in your brain
How you need to be your own best friend
Which are harder - physical barriers or emotional barriers?
How to prepare for the emotional side of life
What would Roz's motivational tip be?

Remember if you want to back Roz's environmental journey then visit the Roz Savage website.

If you have feedback for me on the show or topics that you would like me to cover then e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com or hop over to Facebook group for The Engaging Brand. or the new room set up on Friendfeed

Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 30 days use Promo Code Podcast”