Tim Walter

Every industry has its ups and downs. Slow periods can be tough, but they also present opportunities for strategic planning and improvement. Read more about navigating slow markets from our VP David Williams in the latest issue of the Hardwood Floors magazine: https://hubs.ly/Q02KcKfZ0

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Registration opens in 3 days!

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Are you chasing customers—or attracting them? The difference is in your marketing approach. Magnetic marketing is about more than just creating content. It’s about earning trust and building connections with your audience. When your message resonates, people don’t just listen—they lean in. Here’s the formula: → Simplify your message so it’s crystal clear. → Focus on your audience’s needs, not your product. → Deliver value consistently. The result? Marketing that works for you, not against you. What’s one way your business is building trust with your audience? Share your thoughts below! #Marketing #Messaging #Copywriting

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Avoid the Fast Track to Marketing Failure ⚠️ Warning: Inauthentic marketing can ruin your brand. Have you ever felt like a brand promised you one thing in advertising, but what you experienced with the company’s product and service was a disappointment?  Most business owners know this frustration from selecting a vendor who said all the right things to get their business but delivered on none of their promises.  Don’t be one of these brands or businesses. Customers quickly recognize when a brand promises one thing but does another. And they don’t forget. In this book I created with co-authors Mark Toft and Jay Sunny, Authenticity, we lay out the practical strategies business owners can use to avoid common marketing pitfalls that lead to inauthenticity. And explain the practical, no-nonsense actions you should take to tell a meaningful and memorable brand story.  Authenticity is for: Business owners who want to build trust and loyalty  Marketers looking for real-world strategies to connect authentically  Executives who want to lead with purpose 🔑 Key lesson: You can’t advertise your way out of problems you behave your way into. Ready to harness the power of Authenticity? Get your copy of to unlock the power of AUTHENTICITY! https://lnkd.in/eCgiJrs #BrandAuthenticity #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CustomerLoyalty #Entrepreneurship 

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Unlock new insights into manufacturing marketing with my latest post, "Why Manufacturing Marketing Strategy is More Than a Checklist." Explore how a strategic approach can push your marketing strategy beyond just ticking boxes. Read more at https://buff.ly/4ilmDeL. #ManufacturingMarketing #ManufacturingMarketingStrategy

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Have you listened to NEW Manufacturing Insights, the official podcast of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance, and Insight on Manufacturing magazine? I recently joined them to discuss how innovative marketing can work for manufacturing. We covered everything from creating engaging content to building a strong employer brand, using AI, and positioning yourself as a thought leader. Want to know how to keep top talent and boost your brand? Check it out! https://lnkd.in/gNMCK33j

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THIS is where things are happening and getting done! DICK'S Sporting Goods is elevating the consumer experience and expectations of a sporting goods store. If you have the opportunity to visit a Dick’s House of Sport, do it! You can get your Boost Oxygen there in-store, too. Pinstripes Media #dickssportinggoods #dsglife #dsgproud #pinstripesmedia #makingthingshappengettingthingsdonesince2004

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After over 25 years in the promotional products industry, I've spotted the one crucial factor for success: speed of execution. In this industry, extending deadlines is rarely an option. Slow execution triggers a chain reaction of negative consequences: it questions your reliability, makes your customer look bad in front of their clients, and disrupts partnership dynamics. Speed doesn't mean cutting corners. It means having efficient processes, a proactive mindset, and a dedicated team ready to tackle challenges head-on. It means anticipating potential roadblocks and having contingency plans in place. Think fast, execute faster.

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Inventing Joy: Navigating Challenges and Creativity in the Toy Industry In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we sit down with prolific inventor Richard Levy, who has brought over 50 imaginative ideas to life. From "space kids" dolls to tools that help kids try new foods, Richard shares his journey of creativity and resilience. We discuss the challenges inventors face, the ever-changing toy industry, and strategies for pitching fresh ideas to hesitant companies. Richard also opens up about personal struggles and finding hope through innovation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on turning passion into products.

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We've compiled a list of gifts to give based on Enneagram Types. There are nine enneagram/personality types. Read more: https://buff.ly/3xuNEKb #promotionalproducts #promoproducts #branding

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Fascinating presentations at Bathroom Manufacturers Association Marketing Meeting. Among the many takeouts, here are two headlines... Construction market in Q3 2024 was weaker than Q3 2023, but it is on an upward trajectory - Callum Budd MRA Research. While Sean Dwyer Door4 urged manufacturers to advertise for future demand, stating if you improve brand awareness you can increase prices and business revenue. Oh, and a quick update of the KBN website on the way home...

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I recently talked with someone much smarter than me. He shared insights about what moves the needle for big direct-to-consumer brands like Gartner Supply, King Arthur Baking, and Husqvarna. Creating products customers love isn’t about guessing what they need—it’s about listening to them. User-centric product development is the key. It’s all about focusing on: • Customer needs • Preferences • Continuous feedback loops By integrating customer insights into the development process, we can continuously refine and improve. A perfect example? The “bake mode” feature on King Arthur’s website. Simple, user-friendly, and it significantly  enhances the customer experience. Take Husqvarna. They target “prosumer” clients with premium content tailored to intermediate and advanced users. They know their audience isn’t made up of beginners, so they craft content that speaks directly to more experienced users. This approach builds trust and loyalty, making Husqvarna the go-to brand when these customers are ready to upgrade their equipment. Another personal example: we recently bought a bed from Thuma. The assembly was straightforward, with clear instructions on the box. This ease of use reinforced our positive perception of the brand. When you prioritize user-centric design, magic happens: • Products resonate with the audience • Loyalty is fostered • Engagement is driven It’s not just about building products. It’s about building relationships and solutions that truly matter. How do you ensure your products meet customer needs? #UserExperience #CustomerCentric #ProductDevelopment

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A collaborative effort. A home transformed. A community inspired. As we launch the Revinylize Recycling Collaborative in Louisville this week, we kick off with a game-changer – collaborating with numerous organizations and stakeholders (Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA), Westlake Royal Building Products, Westlake Dimex, Vinyl Sustainability Council, Mueller Roofing Distributors, Inc., Lastique International Corporation) to re-side a local non-profit’s vinyl-clad home with new, durable, sustainable materials. We recently joined forces to: ✅ Showcase vinyl siding’s benefits: durability, affordability and recyclability ✅ Spotlight a local non-profit’s incredible story ✅ Prove how powerful vinyl siding recycling can be for our planet and community Read about the big reveal in this new case study! https://buff.ly/4gDgk4x #revinylize #recycling #vinylsidingrecycling #sustainability

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🔮 What’s Ahead for 2025? The future of the digital, marketing, and creative industries is taking shape. Cella's 2025 Predictions explores the trends, challenges and opportunities you need to know to stay ahead. This mini eBook guides you to navigating what’s next, from AI advancements to talent strategies and emerging technologies. Read on to learn more! bit.ly/4iSq7FJ #2025Predictions #MarketingTrends #Cella #RandstadDigital

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Great brand messaging is specific. It clearly communicates the value your products and services deliver. 💰 There are a few spots remaining for my 2 week course on Brand Messaging: https://lnkd.in/gyhaG2ff. I will teach you a proven, step-by-step process to develop brand messaging that sells. Sign-up today. It's gonna be awesome!

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"There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full." Henry Kissinger Are you prepared for a crisis? Crisis communications is like a seatbelt – you don’t think much about it until you really need it. Whether it's a PR disaster, an unexpected outage, or a tweet gone rogue, handling these moments with grace can mean the difference between a minor bump in the road and a full-blown catastrophe. Chances: A well-executed crisis response can actually strengthen your reputation. It's the moment your team shows resilience, transparency, and leadership. Employees can become brand ambassadors, rallying around the company's message and values, while customers appreciate the honesty and humanity. Challenges: But let’s be real – it's not always smooth sailing. Misinformation spreads faster than the flu at an office party, and knee-jerk reactions can make things worse. Balancing speed with accuracy and keeping everyone (employees and customers) informed requires a mix of strategy, patience, and sometimes, a miracle. Trends to Watch: As real-time communication becomes the norm, employees and the public alike now expect immediate updates. Gone are the days of waiting for the "official statement." Speed is the new currency in crisis management, but this also brings the challenge of balancing rapid responses with accuracy. The rise of AI-powered monitoring tools is helping teams track real-time mentions and emerging issues faster than ever – though let’s be honest, no robot is going to fix a PR disaster for you! Additionally, there's a growing demand for empathy and transparency. People crave authenticity, so the best crisis responses now include honest, human communication that shows empathy and responsibility. More than ever, companies are realizing that prioritizing internal communication is essential. Employees should never hear about a crisis from an external source – keeping your team informed builds trust from within. For employees, crisis communication is critical – it fosters trust, keeps teams aligned, and ensures no one feels left in the dark. And for your company's reputation? Well, think of it as a house of cards that a single gust of poor communication could knock down. So, keep this in mind: During a crisis, stay calm, communicate effectively, and perhaps, add a touch of humor to lighten the mood. #Crisiscommunications #Reputationmanagement #Leadership #InternalComms #Transparency #commsplan #crisis #communications #corporatecommunications

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