Who I Am
I'm AJ Sweatt, a Business Development Executive and US Manufacturing Advocate. I publish opinion and analysis on US manufacturing, industry trends, and industrial marketing — drawing on experience working with hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses as well as multi-national corporations.
What I Write About
This site covers reshoring, manufacturing skills shortages, productivity, currency manipulation, RFQ marketplaces, and additive manufacturing. I also examine industrial marketing challenges — web site strategies, content, and social media — and why marketing capital equipment differs fundamentally from consumer marketing.
Browse posts by topic: My Opinion, Industry Trends, and Industrial Marketing (including Web Strategies, content, and Social Media).
Services I Offer
I help companies become more efficient and profitable with scalable communications, integrated marketing, and information-sharing strategies — customized, never cookie-cutter. My services include:
- Business Development — strategic growth for industrial and manufacturing companies.
- One-Day Assessment & Strategy — a focused evaluation of your current position and opportunities.
- Writing & Content — articles, white papers, and content strategy for industrial audiences.
- Speaking — presentations and panels for associations, conventions, local chapters, societies, company events, and trade shows.
Learn more: Services overview, Business Development, Speaking.
Speaking Engagements
I speak on industrial marketing, communications, supply chain trends, reshoring, and global manufacturing developments. I've presented before associations, conventions, local chapters, societies, company events, and trade shows, and I'm available for broadcast, online, and traditional media interviews on manufacturing topics.
Perspective & Approach
My writing is opinionated and candid — I challenge conventional wisdom when the evidence warrants it. In June 2011, I argued that social media may not suit all manufacturers. In January 2013, I conducted surveys on the value of RFQ marketplaces for buyers and suppliers of contract manufacturing. I've also drawn on historical voices — including Eisenhower's 1961 farewell address — to frame modern manufacturing challenges.
Recommended Resources
Manufacturing professionals may find value in these sites:
Connect
Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Read my full bio for more background.