Metalforming Matters

Guest Blogger: Jason Plavic Digital Marketing Strategist, Advance Ohio In the past ten years or so, we have seen a shift in how B2B buying decisions happen, who the decision makers are in the process, and where these decision makers are getting their information. Traditionally, marketing was always a linear path - people saw an ad, they were interested in the product, so they went to the store and bought it. What’s changed, is now customers are finding the information on their own. It is now the marketer’s job to pull that audience in by creating a personalized experience that resonates with the potential customers. The path to purchase is no longer linear - it is a collection of moments that influence a customer to purchase your product. There’s no question that everyone is online these days, including B2B audiences. Buyers are more empowered than ever before: B2B buyers review an average of 10.4 sources on average for any buying situation. More costly or complex purcha...

As the dust begins to settle from the 2016 elections, PMA will host an exclusive members-only webinar on Thursday, November 10 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern to help make sense of it all, allowing you to hear "what's next?" directly from Washington insiders right after the election. Your advocacy team in Washington, D.C. will review the election results, which races mattered most in Congress, which communications messaging worked the best and how the results affect manufacturing in America. Congress and the new Administration may tackle EPA, OSHA and NLRB regulations, take on tax reform and provide health care relief. Don't miss your chance to hear it first, directly from Washington, on how the elections will impact your business and the year ahead. To register for this webinar, visit   http://bit.ly/2eKViHd . 

If you are under 40 and have chosen a career in manufacturing, I am sure you have been asked the question – “Why?”  We know that manufacturing is an exciting industry full of opportunities for creativity, continually changing technology and a place where you can make a real impact.  However, it is not viewed as a glamourous job.  Everyone values high-tech jobs and thinks that Google and Apple are the only place to be. Every gen-xer and millennial loves technology. What would we do without all of our gadgets.  You stamp, form and roll the parts and pieces for all of the creature comforts we take for granted.  When someone asks why you work in manufacturing, have them take out their cell phone.  In their hand they hold the connection to everything they find important.  It connects them to family and friends and serves as a diary, a scrapbook and a personal assistant.  Explain that you made that!  Or maybe you made or assembled parts to t...