Kudos to Nook Industries. I mention them based on a an Engineering Exchange post regarding their Infinity 1 Roller Screw Actuator. Often members and suppliers toss out
product info on the Exchange which is great, but I often yearn out of curiosity for more detail, tools, video, case studies or other information on application fit. This type of info turns an ordinary product release into something much more useful. So after I saw a post on the product, I hit Curtis back with a note and within 20 minutes had a new member named appropriately Nook Industries join the EX and post back. Turns out there is a very clean landing page with some great resources to support the product.
And just a day prior, I was getting feedback from an active engineering manager on the EX and one item really stood out for me. He mentioned that if the supplier would participate directly in Groups or in the Forums, it would not only help getting qualified answers of course, but reflect positively to the companies reputation. To share technical knowledge and data will bring those companies thought leadership in their respective engineering spaces.
So this goes beyond just monitoring social media for comments (negative and positive) on brand and products – it means actively participating and listening with a technical (not direct sales-ey) approach- whats that word? Proactive.
On another conversation with a supplier, the reality is the OEM, machine builder or otherwise end user is more relying on suppliers to act as outsourced engineering arm. This is not a new trend. Downsizing and engineers wearing many hats provides another opportunity to help these folks where they may be in charge of engineering aspects that are beyond their core competency. Social media and educational networks provide a means to have a 1-on-1 relationship. If the words Twitter, Facebook or Linkedin have you confused or skeptical, just think of it as just another communication layer and now the outstanding opportunity to communicate directly is in place.
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