Over 80 percent of senior executives feel partnerships are important to business growth, but methods of sourcing and maintaining effective long-term partnerships remain elusive. According to the recent Grow from the Right Intro study sponsored by Powerlinx, nearly half (45 percent) of senior executives find it challenging to keep their partnerships active and mutually rewarding, and 42 percent struggle to build an ongoing win-win relationship. READ MORE

Innovation in the supply chain is helping top companies around the world decrease lead times, minimize risk, cut costs and drive growth. To create this type of supply chain innovation in an era of rapidly changing markets, geographic shifts and expanding capabilities brought on by new technologies, successful businesses are increasingly turning to collaboration with other industry members – and sometimes even with competitors. READ MORE

In a race to innovate through new technology, manufacturers around the world are aiming to drive profitable growth and product development through strategic partnerships. 89 percent of manufacturers agreed that partnerships, not in-house efforts, will characterize the future of innovation, according to a recent survey of manufacturing leaders by KPMG. READ MORE

Business leaders are increasingly seeking the expertise of advisors to help them grow their business, but cost and other factors remain a large barrier to entry. 94 percent of small business leaders believe their need for an outside advisor will increase or stay the same in the next two years according to a recent study conducted by LIMRA. READ MORE

Mitigating supply chain risk is a leading concern among global business leaders today and one that needs to be addressed on a larger scale. While 76 percent of business leaders consider operations risk management as important or very important to addressing supply chain risk issues, only 37 percent of non-leading companies make risk management a strategic imperative according to Accenture’s recent Global Operations Megatrends study. READ MORE

Supply chain security is a primary concern for senior executives. 70 percent of global business leaders report they constantly monitor and evaluate suppliers according to a recent survey by Accenture. READ MORE

As we previously reported, nearly half of business leaders believe their company is not very good at building successful partnerships. It seems existing methods for sourcing new partnerships are not as effective as business leaders would like them to be. READ MORE

Cross-border and digital expansion followed by product diversification are the primary objectives of business over the coming quarter according to an analysis of nearly 10,000 firms across 145 countries on the Powerlinx platform. READ MORE

In the business world, it is very easy to get comfortable with just being good. Being good at what you do means all is well, things are moving the way they are supposed to, and everything is under control. The financial equivalent of treading water however does not equate to success, but stagnation. In nature, as in business, it is always better to be proactive then reactive when striving for business excellence.
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Whether you’ve created a business based around manufacturing, production or retailing, chances are you will have to deal extensively with suppliers for raw materials, semi-processed components, or final goods. Ways to find a supplier could be a savvy and beneficial business move in terms of growth, even if you already have one. Here are some of the most important things to consider when figuring out how to find a supplier. READ MORE