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2be at the RETTmobil for Ergo-Tec – lead generation between blue lights, the smell of burgers and exciting conversations

3 Min.

Some appointments start out very relaxed. And then there are appointments like the RETTmobil. Lots of traffic, full roads, lots of hustle and bustle – the journey there was definitely a tough one. But: we arrived, got our bearings, took a deep breath – and were right in the thick of things.

For Matthias, the assignment at the RETTmobil was even a bit of a home game. As a native of Fulda, he was of course very familiar with the region. The site itself was not unfamiliar territory either: the former airfield and military site has its very own character with its special atmosphere. And when everything takes place between huge exhibition tents inside and out, the whole thing takes on a very special exhibition vibe. Our mission? To actively make contacts for Ergo-Tec Medical, hold talks and tap into new potential for lead generation.

Who is Ergo-Tec?

Ergo-Tec Medical develops sophisticated solutions for everyday medical and ergonomic work. The focus is on products that make workstations more functional, efficient and user-friendly – especially where reliability and ergonomics are crucial. These solutions are aimed at exactly the right target group, particularly in the field of emergency services, medical facilities and specialized areas of application.

Networking instead of just exhibition stand brochures

While others strolled past the stand, Matthias had to actively engage in conversation, establish contacts, understand needs and see where real points of contact could be created.

And that is exactly what makes such assignments so exciting: from interesting technical discussions and spontaneous encounters to concrete exchange opportunities, everything was there. Particularly exciting: in addition to many national contacts, international connections were also made. Exactly the mix that makes a trade fair like RETTmobil so valuable.

And yes – between all the conversations, you shouldn’t forget the little highlights: Burgers from the grill right on the premises? Definitely a plus point.

For us, lead generation is not just about collecting business cards. It’s about getting to know the right people, having honest conversations and recognizing opportunities early on. Especially for companies like Ergo-Tec, which offer specialized solutions for a clearly defined target group, trade fairs like RETTmobil are a strong platform. In many cases, personal interaction still beats any automated contact channel.

And what happens next?

Now the exciting part begins: following up, deepening conversations, developing contacts and turning initial encounters into real opportunities. We will keep you up to date on what emerges from the discussions. AI in sales is no longer a topic for the future – it is a topic for implementation. And this is exactly where we come in: We bring AI to where it works – in real conversations, clear processes and measurable results. If you have the feeling that this is precisely the gap you are currently experiencing, it’s worth talking to us.

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

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

In an uncertain economic and business situation: why day-to-day business matters now

3 Min.

The current framework conditions are anything but stable. Geopolitical developments, a weakening domestic economy and rising costs mean that uncertainties are no longer just affecting individual companies, but entire industries. This situation is causing many to look for quick solutions or the one saving impulse from outside.

However, the honest answer is that there is rarely one lever that will turn everything around immediately. Artificial intelligence cannot be seen as a “miracle solution” here either. It is a strong supporter, an accelerator and a real help in many areas, but the decisive decisions remain the responsibility of companies.

Back to what works

Especially in such phases, it is worth consciously focusing on your own day-to-day business. Many companies already have functioning sales and marketing approaches that have delivered good results in the past. These should not be called into question, but rather used consistently and strengthened further.

In concrete terms, this means using existing sales channels more intensively, actively maintaining customer contacts and not just letting existing processes run, but optimizing them in a targeted manner. The combination of proven analog measures and digital channels continues to offer great potential here, which is often not yet fully exploited.

At the same time, it is worth using channels that have perhaps not yet been in focus. Social media in particular provides many initial points of contact that can be decisive for sales. What is important here is not so much perfection as continuity and authenticity. Those who are visible are seen – and those who are not seen are not noticed.

Make conscious decisions now

Many topics have been on the table for some time anyway: making processes more efficient, structuring sales more clearly or sharpening your own brand. In stable times, such decisions are often postponed, but this is precisely where the opportunity lies. If you act now, you will be in a better starting position when the general conditions change again.

This is precisely where we come in. We help to strengthen sales structures, align marketing measures sensibly and position your own brand clearly in the market. Our aim is not to generate short-term effects, but to build sustainable structures that enable companies to work independently in the long term. We integrate artificial intelligence where it simplifies processes and creates added value without unnecessarily complicating existing workflows.

Our view on this

Uncertain times cannot be avoided, but they can be managed. In our view, focusing on your own day-to-day business, combined with clear decisions and targeted measures in sales and marketing, is one of the most effective ways to regain stability and create new opportunities at the same time.

 

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

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

AI in sales: why the hybrid approach is unbeatable

< 1 Min.

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

Marketing & sales: where does AI help with automation?

2 Min.

Every marketing and sales department has its own strengths – but also its own construction sites. There are often problems at the interfaces in particular: information does not flow smoothly, processes take too long or responsibilities are unclear. This is precisely where artificial intelligence (AI) can provide support and significantly simplify processes.

AI in marketing: smart automation of standard tasks

In collaboration with AI specialists (e.g. from Rabbit Hole), we have already developed numerous solutions that take care of routine tasks. In the social media sector in particular, it quickly becomes clear how much time can be saved:

  • AI creates initial text drafts that only need to be adapted.
  • Graphics, image ideas and postings can be prepared automatically.
  • AI can even take over the technical post to a large extent.
  • This saves resources and gives editors the opportunity to concentrate on creative and strategic tasks

Better collaboration: linking marketing & sales through AI

It gets exciting when AI not only takes over individual tasks, but also links marketing and sales more closely together. After all, a well-coordinated workflow increases productivity and efficiency in both areas.

Possible fields of application:

  • Creation of publications (print & digital)
  • Planning and organization of events, seminars or webinars
  • Automated coordination of campaigns between sales and marketing

Conclusion: AI as a team player in the company

AI is not an end in itself, but a tool for making internal processes smarter. Used correctly, it ensures that marketing and sales no longer work side by side, but together – more efficiently, more productively and with clearly noticeable added value.

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

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

Innovation & sales: international success together

2 Min.

Success in innovation is primarily based on two pillars: the progress that the newly developed product brings with it and the sales channel that is used to consistently market the new product. The fact that many valuable innovation approaches in companies fall by the wayside is primarily due to the fact that sales and innovation do not communicate enough with each other.

Promoting synergies between development and sales

In order to pave the way here and to be able to transfer these into best-practice examples, we have set up our working group “Sales campaign in the innovation process“, we have brought together an exclusive group of participants from both the development and sales departments of various companies. Our basic topic:

How do we succeed – from the initial idea to the finished product – in making an innovation process as lean and targeted as possible through mutual communication and cooperation?

As part of a perspective event on October 23, 2024, the focus was primarily on the possibilities of such sales-innovation collaborations, especially from the perspective of globally operating companies. The questions we asked ourselves in this context covered a considerable range:

  • How can we – possibly from here – contribute to maximizing the promotion of innovation processes at other locations, including those abroad?
  • What processes need to be established there?
  • For example, how can the communication and social media channels there be opened up for this?
  • How can further progress be made within the company?

Successful results through joint solutions

The all-round positive: once again, all participants were able to benefit from the answers we came up with to these and other questions!

Curious now?

Our contact persons will be pleased to help you:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 (0)911 / 47 49 49 51
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

AI-supported sales training: passing on knowledge and optimizing skills

2 Min.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now being used in numerous areas to support sales. These include the design and production of sales materials and the use of versatile software tools that support sales staff in their customer relationship management (CRM) or in the area of project and schedule management.

AI in sales training: a new approach

A relatively new area of application for AI is its use in sales training. Here, AI is specifically designed to support sales staff in their core communicative tasks. How such AI-supported training can look in practice was the topic of an online event hosted by 2be_die markenmacher together with BWV Nordbayern-Thüringen on October 23. Chris Sander, Creative Leader at the Akkodis Group, and Max von Retorio were invited as experts. The presentations initially focused on how the content flow between sales and customers can be improved with the help of AI tools such as ChatGPT or Midjourney. These tools expand the possibilities of sales in the creation and management of content by efficiently generating texts and supporting creative processes. For many participants, this was an opportunity to build on existing knowledge and expand it with new approaches.

Retorio and Synthesia: innovative AI training solutions

It became particularly exciting when Max used practical examples to show how programs such as retorio can be used in combination with Synthesia. These tools make it possible to create avatars that analyze your own sales activities. Gestures, facial expressions and voice are scrutinized in order to make targeted improvements. These innovative training methods create real added value for sales staff, allowing them to receive practical and individual training. One highlight of the event was the demonstration of how companies can use AI software to preserve the knowledge and years of experience of proven sales staff and pass it on to the next generation. The programs can be used not only to train communication skills, but also to pass on tips and strategies from experienced colleagues to successors in the form of avatar coaching. This makes it possible to practise directly on potential customers in an interactive speech-and-response scenario.

Conclusion: AI as the key to sales optimization

The combination of proven sales methods and modern AI solutions offers companies a real competitive advantage. From content flow management to individual training with avatars – AI helps to pass on knowledge, expand skills and sustainably optimize sales. Events like this illustrate the potential of AI-supported training and how companies can benefit from it.

Curious now?

Our contact persons will be pleased to help you:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 (0)911 / 47 49 49 51
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Our Canva workshop: Graphics for sales!

2 Min.

Among the applications that have taken up the fight as “David” against the giant “Goliath” and won is the graphics software Canva. The advantages that Canva has over the top dog Adobe pay off, especially for small to medium-sized design projects. Canva offers decisive strengths for sales campaigns in particular, for example in terms of digitization and flexibility.

Efficiency and simplicity in the design process

Canva simplifies design work with a streamlined, intuitive user interface and AI-powered features that enable ideas to be realized quickly and professionally. The browser-based implementation also promotes teamwork, as multiple participants can work on projects in real time. Another advantage of Canva is the comparatively low subscription fee, which also makes it attractive for SMEs to use. Particularly in the B2B sector, but also in B2C, Canva achieves a higher visibility that is supported by targeted campaigns. Canva is therefore ideal for enabling high-quality brand development in sales without having to involve external designers.

Screenshot of Canva design templates for print products such as invitations, postcards and flyers

Fast and brand-compliant implementation of sales projects

Because Canva is easy to use, even non-graphic designers in sales can quickly create print-ready materials that adhere to corporate design guidelines. Canva supports this with AI-supported features that automatically adapt colors, logos and fonts to the brand design and thus strengthen the brand identity. The platform is particularly suitable for short-term campaigns in sales, as designs can be implemented and published in the shortest possible time. Thanks to Canva’s collaborative possibilities, teams can also work together across borders. The platform supports direct networking within the team, which is particularly helpful for employee retention within the company.

Canva user interface with creative templates for

Our Canva workshops for sales – success through knowledge transfer

Our workshop offers the perfect introduction to the use of Canva for sales teams. In just two half training days (training and coaching), we teach the basics and advanced techniques required to implement professional campaigns. This enables sales teams to implement a successful content strategy independently and efficiently.

Curious now?

Our contact persons will be pleased to help you:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 (0)911 / 47 49 49 51
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Accelerating the sales of the future with AI and performance marketing

2 Min.

The fact that the linking of sales work and AI tools is currently a hot topic was already evident from the lively participation in our first event and the feedback we received. This was more than just a good omen for a second event on the topic of “Accelerating digital sales with performance marketing and AI“, which was again held on October 9, 2024 in the co-working space “Oskar9” – and this time, too, with a high level of physical and mental participation. Achieving real progress in sales is always a highly relevant business topic, especially when the focus is on practice, as was the case here.

Successful kick-off event shows great interest

The combination of sales work and AI tools is currently a hotly debated topic, as the high level of participation and positive feedback at the first event showed. This response laid the foundation for a second event, which again focused on the topic of “Accelerating digital sales with performance marketing and AI”.

A real-life example was used to illustrate the sales activities of a manufacturer in the automotive industry with the use of performance marketing measures. The scope ranged from the acquisition of new customers via post and email to the design of search engine-optimized landing pages through to making appointments and sending out quotations.

Identify and use optimal sales channels

The decisive “competence” that performance marketing offers here is the identification of processes on the one hand and sales channels on the other, on which sales can develop optimally. Are we more likely to achieve our goal by using classic analog sales channels, or are social media channels, for example, particularly promising as a supplement or even as the main channel?

The subsequent discussion on the topic was equally focused on benefits and objectives. In particular, the additional AI tools that can be used today to enhance sales and increase turnover were discussed.

 

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be pleased to help you:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 (0)911 / 47 49 49 51
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Annual meeting 2024: ‘Rabbit Hole’ flying high!

3 Min.

As reported, 2be_die markenmacher has been a proud member of the internationally operating ‘Rabbit Hole’ group of companies since mid-2024. Rabbit Hole is characterised by an extensive, IT-based service portfolio that relies on the expertise of highly specialised professionals.

Session at the Rabbit Hole Annual Meeting 2024

Within this network, we focus on our core competences in the areas of sales campaigns and brand development. Close networking within the group of companies enables us to optimise the development of our sales strategies and thus drive the success of our brand forward.

Dinner with a great selection at the annual meeting in Belgrade

Increase sales success and visibility

At our 2024 annual meeting in the Serbian metropolis of Belgrade, it became clear that the ‘Together we are stronger’ concept works extremely well! There is increasing demand for Rabbit Hole’s services, which underlines the consistently high quality. The integration of our sales and brand development services also contributed significantly to our success.

Matthias Brinkmann and Anton Dollmayer stand in front of an illuminated stone gate in Belgrade.

Participants of the Rabbit Hole Annual Meeting 2024 in Belgrade having dinner together.

Matthias Brinkmann from 2be was on site in Belgrade together with Anton Dollmaier from AD IT Systems GmbH to promote intensive dialogue with our co-specialists and provide new impetus for further development. Since our relatively recent membership, we have been able to participate in several major projects and obtain the best feedback from our clients, which has significantly strengthened our visibility and position in the market.

Close-up of a collector's pin showing a tower with hearts and flowers, as well as brochures from 2be_die markenmacher.

 

Development and optimism for the future

Rabbit Hole’s annual meeting, which took place from 19 to 22 September at the Mama Shelter Belgrade hotel, was a complete success. In addition to the ongoing development of the group of companies, which now has 255 employees, it provided ample opportunity for intensive dialogue with our co-specialists. As a small souvenir, each participant received a pin with famous Nuremberg sights, our home town. This exchange not only contributed to the further development of our own expertise, but also gave us plenty of optimism for future sales opportunities and joint brand development. We are ready to further expand our network and increase the visibility of Rabbit Hole and 2be_die markenmacher!

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be pleased to help you:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 (0)911 / 47 49 49 51
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Classic vs. AI-driven PowerPoint presentation: a comparison

3 Min.

The way presentations are created has changed dramatically in recent years.
With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), new tools are now available that can significantly simplify and automate the process of creating presentations.
But how do these AI-driven presentations compare to traditional, manually created presentations?
We wanted to compare the pros and cons of both approaches, especially in the context of sales and branding.

Classic PowerPoint presentation

Strengths:

  1. Individuality and creativity: Classic PowerPoint presentations allow for a high degree of individuality.
    Each slide can be designed exactly according to the creator’s ideas, which is particularly important in order to present the brand uniquely and consistently.
  2. Control and precision: As each slide is created manually, the creator has full control over the design and content.
    This is particularly advantageous in sales, where every piece of information must be conveyed precisely and purposefully.
  3. Adaptability: Manual presentations can be flexibly adapted to different target groups and markets, which improves the visibility of the brand in different contexts.

Weaknesses:

  1. Time-consuming: The biggest disadvantage is the considerable amount of time required to create it.
    This can be a particular disadvantage in dynamic markets where rapid adjustments are required.
  2. Dependence on design skills: The quality of the presentation depends heavily on the design skills of the creator, which can lead to inconsistent results.

AI-driven PowerPoint presentation

Strengths:

  1. Efficiency and speed: AI-supported tools such as Tome, Beautiful.ai or Gamma can create appealing presentations in the shortest possible time.
    This not only saves time, but also makes it possible to react quickly to changes in the market and adapt the sales strategy accordingly.
  2. Automated design suggestions: These tools provide intelligent design suggestions based on proven templates to help create visually appealing and professional slides, even without in-depth design knowledge.
  3. Data integration: Some AI tools enable the automatic integration of real-time data and interactive elements, which makes the presentation more dynamic and appealing.
    This can increase the visibility and engagement of the target group.

Weaknesses:

  1. Lack of individuality: Despite the high level of efficiency, the design options are often limited, which can lead to presentations that appear less individual and therefore differentiate the brand less strongly.
  2. Dependence on technology: The quality of the presentation depends heavily on the reliability of the AI tools.
    Technical problems or limitations in functionality can impair the presentation.
  3. Cost: Many advanced AI tools are paid for and require subscriptions, which can be a hurdle for smaller companies in particular.

Comparison and conclusion

A direct comparison shows that classic PowerPoint presentations score points above all for their individuality and adaptability, but require a great deal of time.
AI-driven presentations, on the other hand, impress with their efficiency and the ability to achieve professional results quickly, which is particularly advantageous in a fast-paced sales environment.
For companies that value a strong brand individuality and are willing to invest in the creative process, the classic method certainly remains the better choice.
For those who need quick results and can rely on automated processes, AI-driven presentations offer clear advantages, especially when it comes to visibility and scalability in sales.
Overall, the choice between a classic and an AI-driven presentation is a question of priorities – be it creativity and control or efficiency and speed.
In the end, as is so often the case, it is a decision that can only be made on an individual basis: Both approaches have their justification and, depending on the context and objectives, can offer decisive advantages.
We hope that we have been able to make the decision a little easier with this article 🙂 Curious? Our contacts will be happy to help you: Katharina ZaunerKatharina Zauner +49 (0)911 / 47 49 49 53zauner@twobe.deLinkedIn