Master B2B Friday 15

Can research analysts be relevant in the age of AI?

The stock market has punished the shares of research firms Gartner and Forrester because of the possible impact of AI on their revenues. But it's not so clear that AI can replace everything research analysts do. Former analyst Andy Hoar walks through what analysts actually do in their roles, and which parts of their jobs will be - and won't be - impacted by AI.

How brands can protect themselves from unauthorized distributors

Brands have failed to rein in unauthorized distributors who re-sell their products on marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. Is there nothing they can do to protect themselves?
We speak with attorney Jon Groza from the firm KJK about how manufacturers and brands can maintain control of where their product is sold.
More about Jon Groza
Master B2B Forum
Master B2B Nexus

Report from the field: Amazon Accelerate conference

This week Brian Beck attended the Amazon Accelerate seller conference and came back to share the key themes that he took away from the event:1) AI AI AI (and also AI)2) Fulfillment is now a strategic pillar for the company3) Will they commercialize their analytics capabilities?4) 1p vs 3p is now a war

Has the Composable Commerce approach run its course?

This week, Andy & Brian look at whether there is a future in so-called "composable commerce" or if both tech providers and buyers need to adapt.  Should retailers be in the business of building tech?  And do tech providers need to re-think their approach and offer solutions that offer a mix of pre-built modules and flexibility?  Or is this all the wrong way of thinking about it?

Do Managers Have Too Many Direct Reports in B2B?

This week, Andy & Brian look at whether the current trend of flattening organizations will actually be good for businesses.  They discuss concerns that managers will find it impossible to oversee a team of 15 on their own, and what happens when junior employees are not able to spend sufficient time with their managers.  Who will do the development? (Obviously it'll be ChatGPT.)

Why Do 95% of AI Projects Fail?

This week, Andy and Brian talk through a recent MIT report that found 95% of AI projects fail.  They discuss the barriers to success - specifically that the challenges aren't technical, they're strategic and cultural.
And they walk through the 3 "un's" - these projects are often undefined, unfocused and unmeasured.  Finally, they discuss the best practices they've learned working on their own AI initiatives.

Is AI Changing the Role of the Systems Integrator?

Andy & Brian speak with American Eagle's Tim Ahlenius about how systems integrators are adapting to the new world of AI.  They discuss the need for systems thinking - understanding how different systems fit together and how changing one piece affects the whole - and how AI can help speed up parts of implementation projects, while requiring a different set of skills to ensure success.
American Eagle

One B2B Executive's Journey Into the Gig Economy

This week, Andy & Brian speak with former Grainger, Caterpillar, and Rexel executive John Pehler about how he has transitioned from being a full-time Chief Digital Officer in B2B companies to building a series of part-time gigs into a career.  

Has the Gig Economy Come for B2B eCommerce Jobs?

This week on the Friday 15, Andy & Brian talk about the changing structure of the workforce and how gig roles will become increasingly prominent in B2B eCommerce, and how people will change their approach to working and build careers where they’re doing multiple jobs on a gig basis.
Then they share how they’re embracing this change in their own careers.
Notes:Master B2B Nexus
Master B2B Forum
The WSJ article about CEOs cutting jobs.

The key to finding digital executive roles in the age of AI

This week on the podcast, Andy & Brian speak with Ed Fenton, the Vice President of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation at wholesale distributor Graybar, about what it’s like for senior executives to search for a job in the age of AI. 
Ed talks through six key lessons he learned from his own six month job search.