Ready to level up? Let’s go: 3 insights, 2 quotes, 1 tip, and 1 challenge.
Aug 17, 2025 7:13 pm
Happy Sunday!
Welcome to the Leadership in Manufacturing Newsletter, trusted by over 2,400 professionals in the electronics manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution industries.
The Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast delivers practical, no-fluff leadership insights from real industry experts. Each episode features actionable strategies and honest conversations to help you grow your leadership skills and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
This is your go-to resource for building confidence, leading with impact, and staying future-ready.
Ready to level up? Start with 3 key insights, 2 powerful quotes, 1 practical tip, and 1 challenge to stretch your thinking.
This week’s bonus episode dives into why authentic storytelling wins over even the most technical buyers, and how it creates value for both the brand and the customer.
🔍 Three Insights on Authentic Storytelling in Manufacturing
I. Marketing in Manufacturing Is Unique
Long sales cycles, complex buying committees, and high-value equipment purchases require marketing to speak to multiple decision-makers, each with different priorities - across the entire buying journey.
II. Storytelling Builds Emotional Connection
Even in highly technical industries, emotion drives decisions. Sharing a customer’s journey in their own words builds trust faster than any sales pitch.
III. Customer Stories Are a Win–Win
When you elevate a customer’s success story, you boost their visibility while reinforcing your brand’s credibility, creating mutual value that lasts well beyond the campaign.
💬 Two Quotes to Reflect On
“Your product isn’t your only sales tool, your customer’s story is.”
– Jacob Baldwin, Director of Corporate Marketing, UNITED GRINDING North America
“Authenticity taps into the emotion behind every major purchase decision.”
– Jacob Baldwin, Director of Corporate Marketing, UNITED GRINDING North America
✅ One Actionable Tip For You
Audit Your Current Customer Stories
Look at the last 3–5 customer testimonials or case studies you’ve shared. Are they told from your perspective or the customer’s? Shift the focus to their challenges, wins, and emotions for greater impact.
❓One Challenge For You
Launch a Story-First Campaign
Choose one customer success story and build an entire mini-campaign around it, video, blog, social posts, and sales enablement. Make the customer the hero.
Leadership is a journey—not a destination.
Storytelling is leadership when it builds trust, connects people, and inspires action.
Thanks for being part of the community. Stay curious. Stay focused. Keep leading forward.
If there’s a topic you’d love to hear more about or a voice you think we should feature, I’d love to hear from you. Just reach out—I’m always open to fresh ideas.
I’m truly grateful to have you as part of the Leadership in Manufacturing community.
Until next time—keep learning, keep leading, and keep driving change where it matters most.
Sannah
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P.S. Found this newsletter valuable? Share it with a colleague or friend who’s ready to level up their leadership too—because great leaders grow together.