How can you successfully win over OEM customers?

Two OEMs win: How partnership-based sales really works

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2 Min.

Successful sales is not an individual sport but a team effort. Especially in economically challenging times, it becomes clear how important close cooperation between internal and external partners is. Together with a plant manufacturer from the medical technology sector, we have implemented exactly that: a sales campaign with a clear objective – to win two OEMs as new customers.

Our approach is not just to support, but to actively participate.

  • We visit relevant trade fairs throughout the year together with the customer
  • We take on classic sales work such as telephone calls and e-mail communication with decision-makers
  • We use AI where it speeds up processes and simplifies routines
  • And we ensure that all contact points – from website to LinkedIn – convey a clear and consistent brand message

One thing is particularly important: structure

Clear processes form the basis and are constantly adapted and improved during the ongoing sales process. Because in the end, it’s not just the strategy that counts, but the cooperation: trust, openness and the willingness to solve challenges together.

And that is exactly what pays off: The end result is two new, strong customer relationships – built up sustainably and with genuine enthusiasm on both sides.

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Visiting Odoo in Berlin – A Look Behind the Scenes of Our ERP System

A visit to Odoo in Berlin

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Berlin is always worth a trip – especially when you can combine several exciting events. That’s exactly what we did at the beginning of March: we combined our annual meet-up with the Rabbit Hole Group (March 5-7) with a visit to our ERP supplier Odoo combined with a visit to our ERP supplier Odoo.

A look behind the scenes at Odoo

The first surprise came as soon as we arrived: Odoo’s Berlin headquarters is not only in an impressive location – right next to the Wall Museum with a view of the Spree – but is also significantly larger than you might expect from an open source company. Around 200 employees now work there.

Surprise number two: the average age. It seems surprisingly young – barely over the mid-twenties. All the more exciting was the exchange with Pelin Öztürk, our Odoo account manager, who looked after us during the visit and gave us many insights into current developments.

Our conclusion

Whether customer and project management, accounting, sales or purchasing – Odoo remains a strong and versatile ERP system for us, which we use ourselves on a daily basis. However, an official partnership is out of the question for us as a brand agency. It is important to us to remain technologically neutral towards our customers.

If you have any questions about Odoo or the use of an ERP system, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can tell you from our own experience and, if necessary, put you in touch with the right contact person.

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Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Employer branding is once again becoming increasingly important. Why authenticity, corporate culture, and communication are crucial today

Strongly on the rise again: The employer brand

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The employer brand, often also referred to as an employer brand, is currently being talked about again. In view of the dynamic developments on the job market, it is becoming increasingly important. Companies are realizing this: If you want to attract the right employees today, you have to offer more than just a job advertisement.

This is no longer just about recruiting junior staff. It has become at least as important to attract experienced specialists and retain them in the long term. Particularly in times of high willingness to change jobs, the overall image of a company often determines whether talented people decide for or against an employer.

New opportunities in a turbulent labor market

Compared to the time before the coronavirus pandemic, the labor market has changed noticeably. Career paths are now much more flexible than they were a few years ago. Industry changes that used to be considered unusual are no longer a rarity.

New doors open up, especially if the topics are close and the qualifications are suitable – even in later career years. For example, specialists are moving into areas such as mobility and logistics or working at exciting interfaces between pharmaceuticals and medical technology. This is a great opportunity for companies: the talent pool is now more diverse than ever before.

Authenticity beats high gloss

While highly standardized brand appearances used to dominate, the communication of employer brands has also changed. Authenticity plays a much greater role today.

Perfekt inszenierte Imagekampagnen mit glatten Oberflächen wirken schnell austauschbar. Marken, die nur auf Hochglanz setzen, schaffen es immer seltener, nach außen wirklich durchzudringen. Gerade in sozialen Medien wird eine zu perfekte Außendarstellung schnell kritisch hinterfragt. Unternehmen sind deshalb gut beraten, echte Einblicke in ihre Unternehmenskultur zu geben. Mitarbeitende, Arbeitsalltag und gelebte Werte dürfen sichtbar sein – auch mit kleinen Ecken und Kanten. Genau das schafft Vertrauen.

The focus of many skilled workers has also shifted when it comes to choosing an employer. A good salary is of course still important – but it is no longer the only deciding factor.

More and more people are paying attention to how people treat each other in a company. Appreciation, team spirit, development opportunities and a positive working atmosphere play a key role. Companies that actively look after their employees and cultivate a strong internal culture have a clear advantage in the competition for talent.

Making strengths visible

However, all these qualities must also be communicated to the outside world. A strong employer brand is not created by chance – it is strategically developed and continuously maintained. Those who authentically show what the company stands for, which values are practiced and what employees really expect create trust and interest among potential applicants.

How do you achieve this? It’s simple: talk to us – we will help you to make your employer brand visible and tangible.

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Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Student Jette during her internship week at 2be_die markenmacher – portrait photo with the caption "Internship week at 2be."

My first internship at 2be_die markenmacher

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Hello 😊 I’m Jette and I’m in year 9 at Johannes Scharrer High School in Nuremberg. This year was something very special for me: my very first internship – and I was able to do it at 2be_die markenmacher! I was really excited to see what awaited me in a marketing and branding agency. And I can already say that it was much more varied than I had imagined.

I was able to get a taste of design right at the beginning. Together with Kati and Hanna, I learned how important colors, fonts and images are – and that there is a lot of planning behind a seemingly “simple” flyer.

My highlight:

I was allowed to design my own flyer! From the idea to the layout to the finished design – I got to see step by step how something like this is created. I’m really proud of my result and am already looking forward to showing it to my family at home.

Another highlight was that Matthias took me to a customer meeting. There I was able to see how an initial prospect can become an employee. I found it particularly exciting to see how much planning, structure and good communication there is behind such a process.

Kati, Jette and Hanna

My conclusion

During my internship, I not only learned a lot of new things in the field of design, but also gained exciting insights into marketing and communication. I was able to experience real work processes and understand how an initial idea develops into a concrete project. I was particularly impressed by how creative, versatile and varied the work in a marketing agency is.

A big thank you to the entire team at 2be_die markenmacher for allowing me to have this experience – and for taking the time for me.

Your Jette

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PS from 2be: Dear Jette, we were very pleased that you spent your internship week with us! 🙂 You really impressed us with your enthusiasm and self-confidence. We wish you continued success at school – and if you decide to take this path in a few years’ time, we will be happy to keep a place open for you at 2be.

Your 2be team

The historic brewery building is being transformed into a modern home for over 1,000 people.

Joseph Foundation, C3 and 2be: Partnership for success!

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2 Min.

Good partnerships thrive on inspiring each other – and that is exactly what is happening in the Maisel quarter. They make brands more visible, processes easier and projects better. And sometimes they simply ensure that you have a lot of fun together and that new ideas bubble up.

A great project that connects

The new quarter on the site of the former Maisel brewery will provide living space for more than 1,000 people: subsidized and privately financed housing, terraced houses, commercial space and space for social institutions. The developer is the Joseph Foundation and we as 2be_die markenmacher, together with the agency C3 to support the brand development and marketing.

Team members from the Joseph Foundation, C3 and 2be stand together at the Maisel-Viertel stand at the Franconian real estate fair. In the background: branded banners, popcorn machine and information material.

From the first workshop to a strong start at the trade fair

Since the kick-off workshop in November, our brand campaign presentation in December and the first public appearance in January, the project has been running at full speed. And the joint launch at the Franconian Real Estate Fair on January 25 and 26, 2026? A real exclamation mark. Now it’s all about getting people excited about condominiums, terraced houses and commercial premises together. And quite honestly, it feels really good.

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

We were at the Nuremberg Entrepreneurs' Congress & New Year's Reception 2026 and gained valuable insights from the worlds of politics and business.

Nuremberg Business Congress & New Year’s Reception 2026

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January 19, 2026 had long been circled in red for us – no wonder, after all, we were invited by the VR Bank to the Nuremberg Entrepreneur Congress & New Year’s Reception invited. An event that has been one of the most important formats for SMEs, innovation and regional economic power for years and traditionally brings together hundreds of decision-makers at NürnbergMesse.

And we can say: it was worth it.
In addition to many new contacts and some that we refreshed, there were plenty of inspiring perspectives directly from the stage. The congress is known for combining practical relevance with strategic foresight. The presentations and discussions provided exactly this mixture of “Ah, that’s right, you can do it that way” moments and tangible learnings.

The guests and speaker highlights included:

  • Markus Söder
  • Marcus König
  • Stefan Leitz
  • Bernd Krebs

The range of topics was broad: Company valuation, succession processes, innovation culture, economic resilience in SMEs – always with an eye on how to set up companies for the future in times of major change.

Fun fact about the trade fair: For years, the Nuremberg Business Congress has been a strategic start to the year where representatives from business, industry, politics and associations come together to exchange ideas. It is traditionally complemented by the New Year’s Reception, which deliberately focuses on networking.

“Showing strength in weak times” – a motto that remains

We were particularly impressed by the clear and honest contributions from Bernd Krebs on corporate culture and Josef Pickel on succession planning. Their common tenor: show courage when things get difficult – and keep your composure when uncertainty characterizes the market. An approach that not only suits us, but also the many medium-sized companies we work with on a daily basis.

Our conclusion

A strong start to a strong year. One thing is clear to us: 2026 will be a year full of creativity, joint projects and bold decisions.

Further impressions from the congress can be found on our Instagram channel: Nürnberger Unternehmer-Kongress

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Get organized now: Why the begin of the new year is the best time for your spring cleaning

“Spring cleaning” at the begin of the new year? Absolutely!

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Of course, the begin of the new year is well before the actual spring. But that’s exactly why it’s the perfect time for a little (or big) spring clean: in the office, on your desk and, above all, in your head. More freshness, more clarity, more transparency. Out with the old, in with inspiration. Sounds good? It is.

Honest, open and also unsparing

Our tip: The more honestly you approach your personal or corporate spring clean, the more effective it will be. Trust your own judgment and decide what is really relevant, effective, authentic and useful without glossing over, glossing over or dramatically condemning.

For example, we have rediscovered our 15-year-old brand wall. Old? Yes. Analog? Yes. But: extremely effective when it comes to making brands tangible and alive. Our Instagram recruitment campaign from last year, on the other hand, was completely different: super contemporary but ultimately unsuccessful. And that’s what counts. If it doesn’t work, it can go. A real highlight, however, was our return to trade fairs. For us, they have once again become the top location for personal sales work. Small recommendation cards + business cards = big effect. The result? Lots of appointments, lots of conversations, lots of new input. Effective. Approachable. Human.

Rethinking old things

And the best thing is that what didn’t work in 2025 can suddenly take off again in 2026.
So: try out the old in a new way. Boldly testing new things, staying authentic, remaining effective – that’s the motto!

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

We've moved! Discover our new offices at Nuremberg Seelevel, flexible coworking, prime location, and perfect public transport connections.

Successful move: Welcome to the new 2be office at Nuremberg Seelevel!

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3 Min.

It has now been a good four months (as of January 2026) since we at 2be_die Markenmacher took down our tents at Ostendstraße 181 and moved to Dr.-Carlo-Schmid-Straße 200 have pitched a new one. Our conclusion? We are more than happy and officially in Nuremberg Seelevel arrived!

Flexible working thanks to smart coworking concept

One of the main reasons for our positive conclusion is the well thought-out and ambitious coworking concept of workspaceIn GmbHour landlord. In addition to our two permanently rented offices, we can flexibly book additional workspaces or presentation rooms on a daily basis if required. Perfect for customer meetings, workshops or joint project work directly on site.

The best thing about it: this flexible model is ideal for our modern working day – whether office, home office or hybrid. Work where others relax. Our new office is located in the middle of a quiet residential area right next to Lake Wöhrder See. A real plus for creative breaks and fresh thoughts. We can also use the outdoor facilities, and one thing is already certain: barbecues in the garden will be a must in summer!

Easily accessible, even without a car

Not only we, but also our customers benefit from the excellent public transport connections. Bus route 49 and several streetcar lines stop virtually right outside the door. And as the icing on the cake: the gastronomic offerings in the area are really impressive. Not everything is perfect (yet): the parking situation and ease of finding the office entrance could be a little better. But don’t worry, we will remedy this and will soon provide clear information and a map on our website.

Fancy a visit?

We look forward to seeing you – come along, take a look at our new premises and let’s get projects moving together!

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Gesammelte Weihnachtspäckchen in der offiziellen Sammelstelle 2be.

Christmas parcel convoy 2025: a quarter of a century of solidarity in action

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The Christmas parcel convoy 2025 is behind us – with 151,576 lovingly packed Christmas parcels, the convoy set off for Eastern Europe at the end of November. It was the 25th trip since the campaign began in 2001.

Here in Nuremberg, we also helped out diligently. We at 2be have been an official contact point for the Christmas parcel convoy for many years – and in 2025, we once again collected numerous gifts. Many families, children, groups and individuals packed and dropped off parcels to show that sharing brings joy. Every single gift represents time, thought and a lot of heart.

This year, a total of 250 volunteers were on the road with 37 trucks, five coaches and several cars. The trip took them to Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania – including Albania for the first time. Ukraine remained part of the campaign despite the difficult situation. On site, the parcels were handed over directly to the children in schools, communities and social institutions – supported by local helpers. It is precisely these personal handovers that make the convoy so special.

More than just numbers

Of course, the figures are also impressive: Over two million Christmas parcels have been donated by children and families from Germany since 2001. But there is a story behind every number. Behind every parcel is a person who has thought of someone else. Or as Nadine Alder, honorary managing director of the convoy, puts it in a nutshell:

“Behind every parcel is a family, a child and a thought of sharing. The convoy shows how much togetherness is created when people stand up for each other.”

Encounters that last

What started out small 25 years ago is now one of the largest purely voluntary gift campaigns in Germany. Over the years, genuine friendships have developed in many regions of Eastern Europe. The helpers repeatedly report warm hospitality, gratitude – and moments that you never forget: when children open their parcels and everything else fades into the background for a moment.

We would like to thank everyone who took part again this year – especially all the supporters here in Nuremberg. The Christmas parcel convoy 2025 has shown: Together we can achieve more than we often think. 🎁✨

More pictures and first impressions from this year can be found on Facebook, Instagram and on the website:
weihnachtspaeckchenkonvoi.de
instagram.com/christmas-package-convoy
facebook.com/weihnachtspaeckchenkonvoi.de

 

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Why pure AI solutions fail in sales and how a hybrid model combining humans and AI has been proven to increase productivity and quality.

AI in sales: why the hybrid approach is unbeatable

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AI takes over sales – sounds like a successful model, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, no. Studies by Deloitte, Gartner and McKinsey are surprisingly unanimous: over 95 percent of companies did not see any measurable success once AI had completely taken over large parts of their sales tasks.

Why pure AI solutions fail

The reasons are actually obvious: AI can do a lot – but relationship management, flexibility and genuine trust-building are not among its strengths. However, it is precisely these factors that are crucial if sales work is to be successful. So does that mean: Hands off AI? Not at all! Even top salespeople only spend around a third of their time on actual sales activities. The rest? Administration, preparation, follow-up and data maintenance. And this is where AI really comes into its own.

Where AI really shines

When AI is used as targeted support, productivity increases noticeably – especially in relation to costs. Differences in quality between individual sales teams or employees can also be significantly reduced.

And not to forget: AI bots know no breaks and no end of work 😉

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn