A manufacturing consultant's Christmas carol

By B.J Richards As Christmas approaches, you may be wondering what’s on your favourite client’s wish list. If you’re working in the manufacturing industry, you probably already know they're not dreaming of sugarplums -- no, this practical bunch is more likely to fill their letters to Santa with warm boots, long underwear, and maybe the occasional high-end hoover (if they’re feeling a bit flashy). Unfortunately, just knowing someone is practically minded doesn’t necessarily make giving them things they’ll love any easier. After all, you still need to know what their needs are and what products would serve them best. Well, have no fear, for you have us, the Secret Santas of Source! We’ve just completed a thorough review of consulting in the manufacturing industry, and we know exactly what your clients are dreaming of this year. For starters, they want their consulting services to come with some guarantees – accountability means a lot to them, and if you can offer well-crafted risk-reward pricing, you’ll make some of their fondest Christmas wishes come true. They’d also love more help with implementation, but they’re not entirely convinced you do it any better than they can do it in house – a situation that surely presents an excellent opportunity for the ambitious elf. And just because manufacturing clients are practical doesn’t mean they don’t care about the human touch – when asked what sets the best firms apart, they placed excellent people skills at the very top of the list (it never hurts to be jolly). The full details are in our new report, but until you’ve had a chance to take a look (we understand you may currently have a full schedule of assembling bicycles and Barbie dream houses), here’s a little carol to help you remember some of the highlights and make sure you're loading your sleigh with the things your manufacturing clients will not only love now but enjoy for many Christmases to come.

The Twelve Days of Christmas (Manufacturing Edition)

On the first day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me a promise of accountability.

On the second day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me a bunch of hard truths.

On the third day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me a sympathetic ear.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me risk-reward pricing.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me knowledge gained working overseas.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me implementation skills.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me challenging questions.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me technology insights.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me concrete ideas.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me tips for ops improvements.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me personable people.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my consultant gave to me strong process knowledge.