Go Agile with a Product Innovation Platform

Disruption is afoot in the manufacturing industry. But you already know that, whether you focus on consumer products or industrial applications. You also know that customer demands are shifting, production tools and techniques are evolving, and products are getting smarter. You know quite a bit, it seems. But do you know how to stay ahead…

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Robots in the Workforce: Automation is a New Era for Engineers

Since the dawn of manufacturing, designers and engineers have repeatedly run up against limitations to making things. Their ability to execute and capacity to afford bringing their ideas to market were once constrained by the manufacturing facility they had to find—either local or offshore—to build the things they wanted to build. But in a new…

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6 Simple Ways Your Business Can Stay Relevant in Today’s Fast-Paced World

Many businesses have unique and solid products, strong business plans, and truly want to remain relevant in a quickly changing world. There are several factors that many businesses minimize or ignore that can have a significant impact on their success. With rapid technological advances, more opportunities to advertise, and a decreasing consumer patience level, there…

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The Unexpected Journeys of R&D: A Parable

This is a story about Randy and Dave (R&D). Today, Randy runs a small startup that has about two months’ worth of cash left, and he’s more than a little nervous. Dave works for a huge, famous worldwide company that is doing the same thing today as it did when your grandpa was a client,…

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The 3 Most Powerful Words for Startups

If you understand them, you can help any size company succeed. In my last article, I spoke about a growing and costly language gap between big businesses and startups and why bridging it is critical. The reason is simple. Large and small businesses need each other. Startups need large businesses because they have the systems, brand awareness, distribution and expertise…

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Change Things Up with Fred’s Rule

There is always a way to go if you look for it. ~Ernest A. Fitzgerald I enjoy playing doubles tennis two or three times a week. It is great exercise and a wonderful way to meet new people and challenge yourself. However, this column is not about me. It is really about Fred. Fred and…

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4 Tactics to Put You Ahead of the Competition

Owning your own company is a great opportunity for gaining flexibility in your career, achieving more profits and working for something you believe in. This often gives way to becoming the victim of a rival company as well, especially in smaller niche markets and local areas. While few legal options exist that would abolish the…

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10 Predictions for the Most Disruptive Tech Trends

Disruptive technology surpasses an existing market, where a new technology replaces the old by making the old outdated. New technologies emerge each day, challenging the existing ones, and can have important ramifications for your business. Below are some predictions for the most disruptive tech trends that can impact your business: 1. Autonomous vehicles These are…

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6 Outdated Practices That Are Slowing Your Business Down

To be profitable as a business, you should always be attempting to evolve with the times. Not doing so can lead to major inefficiencies and losing your competitive advantage to more savvy competitors. Below are six outdated practices that could be slowing your company down. Keeping Everyone in the Office One in five Americans now…

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Why You Should Avoid Entrepreneurship

It is a ride many people dream about and most wish they had never gotten on. This article was written for visionaries and masochists alike. During a particularly tough business cycle, I asked my friend and mentor Rick Voirin about whether it was the right time for me to change the direction of one of…

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