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A young businessman sits in a badly damaged car, staring at his smartphone, while the vehicle around him is completely wrecked. The image symbolizes companies that fail to take action despite declining demand and looming market problems.

When inquiries suddenly stop coming in: Why active sales are more important now than ever before

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3 Min.

Many companies are familiar with this situation: for years, business almost ran itself. Demand was high, customers came through recommendations, existing networks or long-standing market positions. Sales often meant one thing above all: processing incoming inquiries, preparing offers and handling projects.

But what happens when market conditions change?

The market has changed – and now?

Rising costs, economic uncertainty, reluctance to invest and changing customer requirements are currently causing a noticeable shift in framework conditions in many sectors. Projects are being postponed, budgets cut and decisions delayed much longer than just a few years ago. Suddenly there are no inquiries, the pipeline is getting emptier, capacity utilization is falling and it is precisely at this point that it becomes clear how dependent many companies were on a market that had provided a tailwind for years.

What we are currently observing frequently:
Instead of taking active action, people first analyze. And then analyzed again.

Working groups are set up, strategy meetings are scheduled, market reports are produced and presentations are prepared. Of course, analyses are important, they help to understand developments and make well-founded decisions, but there comes a point when further discussions no longer provide any additional insight.

While the causes are still being discussed internally, competitors are already winning new customers, tapping into new markets and expanding their visibility.

Hope is not a sales strategy

Many people secretly hope that the market will pick up again and everything will return to the way it used to be, but markets don’t work on hope. Anyone who relies on the fact that the next inquiry will come at some point loses valuable time. Time in which competitors actively build up new contacts, sharpen their positioning and make targeted investments in sales and marketing. It is often during difficult market phases that the greatest opportunities arise for companies that are prepared to break new ground.

If there are no inquiries, you don’t need any more PowerPoint presentations. It needs action.

These include, among others:

  • Clear sales strategies and defined target groups
  • Actively approaching new customers instead of passively waiting
  • Systematic lead generation
  • Visibility on LinkedIn, website and relevant channels
  • Digital sales processes and CRM structures
  • Consistent follow-up of existing contacts
  • Marketing and sales as a joint unit

Sales does not begin with the offer. Sales begins with visibility, positioning and the ability to reach potential customers in the first place. Those who act today will gain market share tomorrow. Particularly in the SME sector, we see time and again that companies with clear processes, a strong brand and an active sales strategy can grow even in difficult times.

Not because the framework conditions are better than others, but because they react more quickly.

Young businessman sits in a badly damaged car and looks at his smartphone while the vehicle around him is completely destroyed. The image symbolizes companies that are not taking action despite falling demand and impending market problems.

Many companies only recognize the crisis when the order situation has already collapsed. Instead of actively taking countermeasures, they often continue to analyze while the market has long since written new rules.


 

Stop watching – get behind the wheel

If the order situation is declining, the pipeline is emptying and uncertainty is growing, now is not the time to discuss the situation for the tenth time, now is the time to turn the wheel. Stop watching your car drive towards the wall, take the wheel and change course – now.

After all, markets have no sympathy for companies that are waiting for things to go back to the way they used to be. We will of course support you in successfully shaping this change with clear sales strategies, sustainable lead generation, digitalized processes, marketing with measurable results and the targeted use of AI in sales.

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

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

Canva Workshop: Effective designs for more visibility and sales

Our Canva workshop: Graphics for sales!

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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

Matthias Brinkmann and Anton Dollmayer on their way to the annual meeting in Belgrade

Annual meeting 2024: ‘Rabbit Hole’ flying high!

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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

On the Pixabay homepage, users can choose from over 70,000 free pieces of music and sound effects from various artists. The platform offers a user-friendly search function to find the right music for videos, podcasts and more.

Free or AI-generated music – which is better for my project?

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4 Min.

If you only have a small budget for your projects and can’t spend a larger budget on self-composed music or licenses, you fortunately have a large selection of different options for obtaining suitable music these days.
The question“Should we use free or AI-generated music for our current project?” was recently posed by one of our customers.
Together with him, and based on our experience in the field of audio and AI, we were able to give him a well-founded recommendation.
We are happy to share our findings with you here to help you make your decision.

Free music using Pixabay as an example

Pixabay offers a variety of free music tracks and sound effects created by different artists.

Pro:

  • Created by real artists, therefore clear legal situation.
  • Over 90,000 free sound effects available.

Contra:

  • Long search times to find suitable music.
  • Different license conditions, not always suitable for commercial use.

AI-generated music using the example of Suno

Suno is an innovative AI music generator that creates unique pieces of music in a matter of seconds.

Pro:

  • Quickly create unique pieces of music.
  • Possibility to customize genre, style, mood and instruments.
  • Flexible and customizable for different projects.

Contra:

  • Commercial use requires a paid subscription.
  • Requires practice and precise input for optimum results.
  • Unclear legal situation with AI-generated content, as this can change constantly.

How does the generation of songs by AI actually work?

Let’s go through the example using the Suno platform: First we create an account, then you can describe the song you have in mind in the song description (left in the picture), similar to all AI programs: the more precisely described, the better.
Then 2 variants of songs are created for the description entered. Both instrumentals and vocals with lyrics can be generated, which doesn’t sound too bad in our opinion, especially if you need a song as background music, the creations are very suitable.

Conclusion

Both options offer advantages and challenges.
Free music from platforms like Pixabay can be a good choice for projects with clear licensing requirements and no pressing timelines.
AI-generated music from providers such as Suno, on the other hand, offers high flexibility and fast results, but requires a better understanding of the technology and may require additional costs for commercial usage rights.
It is important to always check the terms of use and license requirements to ensure that the music can be used legally.
Especially in the AI sector, the legal requirements and terms of use change quite frequently at the moment, so special attention should be paid to this.
Regardless of whether you choose free or AI-generated music, always consider the aspects of visibility, brand development and the requirements of your own project.

Further aspects

  • Digitization helper: AI-generated music can change your digital routine more efficiently.
  • Innovative strength: utilize the possibilities of AI helpersto realize creative and innovative projects.
  • Helping people to help themselves: Both options offer support in the implementation of creative ideas, be it through broad music libraries or through the adaptability of AI tools.

For the best results in your project, you should decide for yourself and choose the most suitable music option carefully, but also keep all legal aspects in mind. Curious to find out more? Our contacts will be happy to help you: Katharina ZaunerKatharina Zauner +49 (0)911 / 47 49 49 53zauner@twobe.deLinkedIn

Sources

Find qualified personnel through targeted networkingAlex – Stock.Adobe.com (423408046)

Personalkampagne auf maximalen Erfolg getrimmt – Linkedin trifft odoo als Bewerberdatenbank

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5 Min.

Finding qualified personnel is one of the most important tasks facing German companies in their own country today – regardless of the industry in which they operate. The urgency with which the battle for competent, motivated and, above all, capable heads is being waged has recently increased almost exponentially. For many companies, the need to find suitable applicants for vacancies is so great that their own economic survival depends on it in the short to medium term.

Recruiting: bundling success factors

Parallel to the increasing relevance of personnel acquisition, the importance of HR in the respective companies has grown. The central challenge of recruiting is to establish and consistently follow a process that focuses on broad acceptance and high visibility, on maximum transparency and the greatest possible efficiency. Only when all success factors are bundled and brought to bear on the market is it possible to acquire the personnel that is actually needed.

Promote employee search through targeted networking

Together with our customers and partners, we at 2be die markenmacher have developed, refined and supported such a process in many ways over the past 15 years. We have long since become so well versed that – when realistic parameters and goals are set – we can claim that it works regardless of the industry, the size of the company, and the range of products and services.

Here are a few of our findings “in a nutshell.”

1. use LinkedIn as a launch pad

An essential component for the successful establishment of a recruiting process is the use of tried and tested tools with a sufficiently coordinated range of functions. Our starting point is always the business network LinkedIn, which has long ranked far ahead of all business networks. We help our clients (or take full ownership of the process) to directly reach out to suitable potential candidates via LinkedIn. The cover letters we develop for this are equally targeted, but are also aimed at a large number of potential applicants.

2. concretize employee search

It is important that this process is already qualitatively and quantitatively tracked, documented and thus permanently optimized. How many addressees can/would we like to reach with it? How many responses result from each cover letter (absolute or percentage) and how many of them are qualified or usable? How many of the qualified responses eventually result in actual interviews, which in turn result in how many applicants to the advertised positions? And last but not least: Did the selected candidates actually succeed in their respective positions in the end (by successfully passing the probationary period, for example)?

Recruitment dashboard - All applicants who have applied via the website come in here and can be managed accordingly

Recruitment dashboard – All applicants who have applied via the website come in here and can be managed accordingly

3. use professional tools

One of the essential tools that we also use for personnel recruiting – often in joint coordination and use with our customers – is Odoo. One of the many advantages of this CRM software is that we can record there all the details of the identified people, applicants and continue to use them as needed. In direct interaction with LinkedIn, Odoo (e.g. via a landing page) actually offers an excellent combination of modules that we can use optimally in collaboration with our customers to get the best possible results. This extends to access to the calendar, where, for example, appointments for job interviews can be booked in.

Odoo Dashboard

Odoo Dashboard – The complete process is controlled from this center

4. involve employees in the process

However, the precise use of functional tools is not sufficient unless internal/external commitment from the company side is sufficiently guaranteed. Odoo also only works if all parties involved in the recruiting process play along. I.e. show their full commitment. This ranges from the selection of the “right” target group to the willingness of department heads, for example, to communicate directly with the selected applicants.

Overview of all open jobs with respective status

Overview of all open jobs with respective status

5. evaluate feedback

Important at the end of any recruiting process is the evaluation of the entire process, especially in relation to the use of financial resources. What were we able to achieve in filling the position with the use of our budget? Has it been enough, can it possibly even be reduced, or do we need to invest even more in further attempts?

Miro with Recruitment Review: At regular intervals, the current status is documented and evaluated.

Miro with Recruitment Review: At regular intervals, the current status is documented and evaluated.

After the recruiting measure is before the recruiting measure. Means: Of course we keep all information stored (via Odoo) in the system. This allows us to benefit from the pool of previous contacts or applicants for upcoming search assignments and additionally improves our LinkedIn presence.

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

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

Sources:
GRIMM Gastronomy Supplies GmbH
What is “Customer Relationship Management (CRM)”?
Odoo

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