In this episode, we’re joined by Jack Ampuja, a specialist in supply-chain management, a dedicated educator and the President of Supply Chain Optimizers. Jack discusses the critical role of eCommerce logistics, the challenges businesses face in optimizing their supply chains and the importance of adopting digital strategies. He provides valuable advice for manufacturers, distributors and retailers looking to enhance their operational efficiency and navigate the complexities of eCommerce.

Key Takeaways:

(03:09) Challenges in logistics for eCommerce and the search for cost-effective delivery solutions.
(05:09) Comparison of B2B and B2C eCommerce adoption and the need for competitive pressure to drive B2B change.
(08:12) The interdisciplinary nature of eCommerce and the need for dedicated leadership.
(11:13) Challenges of scaling eCommerce operations and the necessity of reconfiguring systems for efficiency.
(15:08) Balancing direct-to-consumer sales with maintaining relationships with distributors.
(20:01) The importance of leveraging customer feedback to drive eCommerce adoption.
(23:23) Strategies for effective product marketing and cross-selling in eCommerce.
(25:37) The value of starting small in eCommerce and learning through gradual implementation.

Resources Mentioned:

Jack Ampuja - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-ampuja-a3b275/
Supply Chain Optimizers | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/supply-chain-optimizers/
Supply Chain Optimizers | Homepage - https://e-commerceoptimizers.com/

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#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this repurposed episode, originally a webinar, Michael Vax, Founder of CommerceIsDigital, a seasoned B2B eCommerce expert, joins us from sunny Barcelona. Michael, a legend in the B2B eCommerce world, lends his time and expertise to discuss the future of digital commerce and the intricacies of B2B transactions.

Key Takeaways:

(05:26) Michael’s B2B eCommerce consulting and training efforts.

(08:13) The distinct expectations of B2B buyers vs B2C consumers.

(10:25) Emphasis on B2B buyers' focus on job-related purchasing.

(15:04) Friction is necessary in B2B purchases and contrasts with B2C.

(19:08) Expectations for a digital buying process in B2B settings.

(21:06) Collaborative buying processes in B2B and stakeholder roles.

(22:22) Integration of sales support and expertise in digital buying.

(24:56) The utility of multiple shopping carts in organizational purchasing.

(26:46) Challenges in B2B product discovery due to complex product data.

(28:45) Importance of guided selling for complex B2B purchases.

(32:56) Potential of AI in enhancing B2B buyer experience and associated

Resources Mentioned:

Michael Vax -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvax/
CommerceIsDigital | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/commerceisdigital/
CommerceIsDigital | Website -
https://commerceisdigital.com/

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we’re joined by Robin Lieberman, Owner and President of MF Supply, a key supply chain partner and distributor serving manufacturers in New Jersey. Robin shares her experiences and insights on how strategic decisions in adopting eCommerce and marketing innovations have driven business growth and resilience during challenging times.

Key Takeaways:

(04:24) The challenging economic climate at the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019.
(05:03) Incremental growth through automation and local engagement.
(06:31) The strategy to distribute masks via eCommerce to support essential businesses during the pandemic.
(07:19) Expansion of product lines to include more emergency supplies like hand sanitizers and gloves.
(11:07) Details on the types of products MF Supply specializes in and their approach to customer service.
(17:41) Robin's strategy for providing quick and cost-effective solutions to common supply issues.
(23:17) The impact of marketplaces on traditional business models in the fastener industry.
(25:16) Strategic decisions behind the move to eCommerce for MF Supply.
(34:52) Future goals for enhancing MF Supply's digital presence and customer engagement strategies.

Resources Mentioned:

Robin Lieberman- https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlieberman/
MF Supply - https://www.mfsupply.com/
BE 2.0 (Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0): Turning Your Business into an Enduring Great Company - https://www.amazon.com/BE-2-0-Beyond-Entrepreneurship-Business/dp/0399564233

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we welcome Kevin Pearson, eCommerce Project Manager, and Sean Cummings, Director of eCommerce, both of UFP Industries. This recording is from a panel at B2B Online, repurposed for this episode. Kevin and Sean discuss the journey of adopting digital commerce within UFP Industries, driven by the demands of major customers like Home Depot and Lowe's. They share insights on overcoming internal resistance, the importance of internal marketing, and the steps taken to implement a successful B2B eCommerce platform.

Key Takeaways:

(01:08) Internal marketing for digital transformation in manufacturing or distribution is crucial.
(04:16) Current users of the new eCommerce site include independent retail customers and sales teams.
(05:06) Benefits of the new site include online ordering, order history, invoices and updated pricing.
(05:40) Home Depot and Lowe’s forced UFP into eCommerce, leading to strategic transformation.
(08:17) The discovery phase with Access Digital helped gather necessary information and plan the site.
(10:21) Stakeholder involvement and the agile approach to help keep everyone updated and engaged.
(12:27) Continuous internal selling and media blitz to maintain momentum post-launch.
(14:16) Quick pivots based on feedback to address user experience and interface issues.
(15:06) Empower project managers to be marketers and prepare for unknown challenges​​.

Resources Mentioned:

Kevin Pearson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-pearson-338b06260/
Sean Cummings - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancummingsil/
UFP Industries - https://www.ufpi.com/

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we’re joined by Giles Taylor, Founder, Owner, and President of Trans-Solutions, Inc., an expert in online marketing, supply chain and logistics. Giles accrued his experience from his maritime academy days to his leadership roles in various sectors. He offers an in-depth insight into the complexities and solutions in logistics and supply chain management.

Key Takeaways:

(03:51) Explanation of Transportation Management Software and its tiers.
(05:19) Adoption trends of TMS, highlighting affordability through SaaS solutions.
(06:08) Introducing a two-phase approach for evaluating and implementing TMS.
(08:44) Case study: A food retailer saves on logistics by changing shipping terms.
(10:13) Case study: A company reduces transportation costs by switching to rail.
(17:28) Disadvantages of shipping consolidation with a single carrier.
(20:02) Significant changes are predicted in supply chain through advanced AI and ML.
(25:16) Understanding true service delivery costs for supply chain optimization.
(29:56) Diversify information sources to enhance business decisions.

Resources Mentioned:

Trans-Solutions, Inc. - https://www.linkedin.com/company/trans-solutions-consulting/
Freight Rate Negotiation: Five Things Carriers Don’t Want You to Know - https://22211407.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22211407/5-Things-Carriers-Dont-Want-You-To-Know-fnl.pdf

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we’re joined by Simon Rakosi, CEO and Co-Founder of Butterfly.ai. Simon delves into the pivotal role of managerial relationships in employee engagement and turnover and the impact of AI and automation on the workforce and supply chain management.

Key Takeaways:

(02:08) Butterfly AI’s focus on real-time workforce insights.
(04:40) Human flexibility is a necessity in automation.
(06:35) Automation’s impact on onboarding costs and time.
(07:09) Butterfly AI improves client productivity and engagement.
(11:43) The importance of workforce management alongside technology.
(12:00) Equipping managers for employee engagement is crucial.
(14:19) Provide engaging jobs for workplace satisfaction.
(19:03) Managers directly impact employee satisfaction and company reputation
(24:02) The future role of AI and automation in supply chain.
(30:36) Invest in managers and promote from within to improve engagement.

Resources Mentioned:

Simon Rakosi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/srakosi/
Butterfly.ai- https://Butterfly.ai
Dark Matter: A Novel - Blake Crouch - https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Matter-Novel-Blake-Crouch/dp/1101904240

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we explore the world of B2B digital transformation with Andy Wagner, Executive Director of AAXIS. Andy shares novel insights on leveraging digital commerce platforms for operational efficiency, enhancing customer service and empowering sales teams in the B2B sector.

Key Takeaways:

(05:49) The role of efficient online platforms in cost-saving and operational efficiency.
(06:21) Essential tools for increasing eCommerce platform benefits.
(09:16) How CRM and commerce integration benefits account managers and customer service reps.
(11:32) Innovative approaches to integrating and automating order processes.
(13:34) MVP approach for implementing eCommerce projects without initial online selling.
(17:13) Reducing human error and enhancing operational processes with workflows.
(22:44) Utilizing eCommerce platforms for efficient quotation and proposal processes.
(24:25) Exploring upstream benefits of B2B eCommerce platforms for various departments.
(26:23) The impact of data consolidation on operational efficiency and decision-making.
(32:56) The critical role of user experience in B2B eCommerce success.
(40:08) Benefits of workflow engines in managing complex B2B processes.

Resources Mentioned:

Andy Wagner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-wagner/
AAXIS - https://aaxis.io/

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Mark Brohan, Senior Vice President of B2B and Market Research at Digital Commerce 360. Mark shares his insights into the evolution of B2B eCommerce, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation and the role of omnichannel strategies in meeting buyer expectations.

Key Takeaways:

(02:38) The role of journalistic researchers in tracking eCommerce trends.

(03:15) Evolving trends in B2B eCommerce with digital transformation.

(05:20) The lengthy and detailed buyer's research process in B2B transactions.

(07:19) The concept of unified commerce as a holistic approach to customer engagement.

(10:24) The fundamental eCommerce mission across different organization sizes.

(11:58) The importance of appropriate technology and strategy for B2B sellers.

(15:51) The current state and future potential of AI in eCommerce.

(22:37) Challenges faced by businesses in adopting composable eCommerce technologies.

(25:31) The urgency of having ready data and platforms for effective eCommerce engagement.

(29:49) The diversity of needs in B2B eCommerce, ruling out a one-size-fits-all solution.

(32:00) Advice for eCommerce growth: listen to customers and serve your niche effectively.

Resources Mentioned:

Mark Brohan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-brohan-86b53a93/
Digital Commerce 360 - https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce