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    <title>Alicia Branham: Marketing Matters</title>
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      <![CDATA[With over 23 years of experience in marketing and design, Alicia Branham provides actionable strategies for growing your brand, increasing social media engagement, and navigating the commercial and industrial flow control industry.]]>
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      <title>Your Sales Team Isn’t Posting and It’s Costing You Millions</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This isn't something to brush off or circle back to when things “slow down.” It’s not a marketing problem sitting neatly in someone else’s department.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/107220</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 12:19:06 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/107220-your-sales-team-isnt-posting-and-its-costing-you-millions</link>
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      <title>AI Is Moving Faster Than Your Security Policies</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[AI is evolving faster than the policies, security systems, and safeguards designed to manage it. The smartest companies won’t ignore AI, they also won’t hand over the keys to their business until the technology proves it can be trusted with them.]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/107171</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/107171-ai-is-moving-faster-than-your-security-policies</link>
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      <title>Why conservative branding and hesitant messaging may be limiting distributor growth more than market conditions</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[Being visible invites judgment. Once your company is seen, it can be critiqued, compared, misunderstood, or challenged. In industries where reputation matters and tradition runs deep, that exposure feels risky.]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/107127</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/107127-why-conservative-branding-and-hesitant-messaging-may-be-limiting-distributor-growth-more-than-market-conditions</link>
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      <title>Seven signs you’ve outgrown DIY marketing</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[There are clear warning signs that your business has outgrown DIY marketing. Here are seven ways to know when DIY marketing is no longer serving your business — and may hold it back.]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/107063</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/107063-seven-signs-youve-outgrown-diy-marketing</link>
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    <item>
      <title>New year, new strategies: How to kickstart your marketing goals</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>A strong marketing strategy is the bridge between where your business stands today and where you want it to go. Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to increase brand visibility, a rep firm aiming to secure more partnerships, or a distributor working to grow market share, success starts with clear, actionable goals and a structured roadmap.</p>]]>
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      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106979</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106979-new-year-new-strategies-how-to-kickstart-your-marketing-goals</link>
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    <item>
      <title>What it really means to ‘be the brand’ in a blue-collar industry</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this space, your brand isn’t your logo — it’s your people. It’s how your reps walk into a meeting. How your project manager answers a callback. How your techs wrap up a jobsite and drive away. It’s what customers and partners say about you when you’re not in the room.</p>]]>
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      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106935</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106935-what-it-really-means-to-be-the-brand-in-a-blue-collar-industry</link>
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      <title>Train for growth: Why your team is the key to modern marketing success</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Whether your team needs training on your latest CRM system, new quoting software, or how to confidently represent your company on social media — the principle is the same. People can’t perform at their best without clarity, direction, and alignment. Every process, from managing leads to creating customer-facing content, is only as strong as the training behind it.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106916</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106916-train-for-growth-why-your-team-is-the-key-to-modern-marketing-success</link>
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      <title>Budget planning season: Why savvy marketing starts now</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In manufacturing and the PHCP/PVF trade, decisions made this quarter significantly shape business strategy for the next twelve months. They determine whether marketing remains reactionary and fragmented or becomes proactive and profitable. Waiting until January puts you a step behind.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106852</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106852-budget-planning-season-why-savvy-marketing-starts-now</link>
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      <title>Your CRM isn't broken, your people just never use it </title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p style="box-sizing: inherit; word-break: break-word; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Blaming the system is convenient. “It’s not intuitive.” “It doesn’t fit our workflow.” “It’s outdated.” Sound familiar? These are the exact excuses teams use to justify why nobody logs in, updates data, or follows through. But the truth is that even the simplest CRM, used daily, will outperform a fancy platform left untouched.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106801</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106801-your-crm-isnt-broken-your-people-just-never-use-it</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Why early AI adoption will define the next generation of PHCP/PVF business leaders</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>The new generation of contractors, engineers, estimators, and procurement officers is digital natives. They expect information to be available, clear, and accessible online—not buried in a PDF. With AI, you can produce content that speaks to this new buyer: FAQs, how-to articles, responsive website content, comparison charts, and more.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106727</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106727-why-early-ai-adoption-will-define-the-next-generation-of-phcp-pvf-business-leaders</link>
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    <item>
      <title>From jobsite to newsfeed: How mundane moments turn into social media gold</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Social media seeks authentic, real-time content. Many businesses miss this because on-site workers often overlook the value of their perspective.</p><br>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106658</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106658-from-jobsite-to-newsfeed-how-mundane-moments-turn-into-social-media-gold</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Creative strategies for a tariff-tough economy</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>History shows us that companies that maintain visibility, build trust, and communicate effectively during downturns are the ones that come out ahead when the market stabilizes. Tariff-driven price hikes and supply chain issues are not just obstacles—they’re opportunities to double down on creativity and strategic thinking.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106588</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106588-creative-strategies-for-a-tariff-tough-economy</link>
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      <title>How to market your business when you can’t afford a marketing department</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>We discuss how to market effectively, even without an in-house team. Learn how to maximize every dollar and effort, whether you’re a team of 20 or a solo representative juggling 15 product lines.</p><br>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106558</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106558-how-to-market-your-business-when-you-cant-afford-a-marketing-department</link>
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    <item>
      <title>How to train your sales team to think like marketers</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In the PHCP/PVF industry, the traditional sales approach is built on relationships, technical expertise and in-person networking. While these fundamentals remain crucial, today’s digital-first buyers expect more. They research products, compare solutions online, and often form opinions long before speaking with a sales rep.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106486</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:13:45 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106486-how-to-train-your-sales-team-to-think-like-marketers</link>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sales in the digital age: Why modern practices are essential for PHCP-PVF success</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This article will explore why these modern practices matter, the challenges in implementing them, and actionable steps to make them a part of your sales culture.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106412</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106412-sales-in-the-digital-age-why-modern-practices-are-essential-for-phcp-pvf-success</link>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The power of relationships in the PVF/HVAC industry</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>The importance of relationships in the PVF and HVAC industries is essential, and there are practical tips for building and maintaining them. Networking at trade shows and utilizing personalized marketing can help foster trust and loyalty, setting your business apart in a competitive market. Ready to enhance your partnerships? Let’s get started.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106345</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106345-the-power-of-relationships-in-the-pvf-hvac-industry</link>
      <enclosure url="https://www.supplyht.com/ext/resources/Issues/2025/02-February/Columns/01-SHT-0225-Marketing-Matters-Column-GettyImages-478011447.webp?t=1739756682" type="image/jpeg" length="134554"/>
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    <item>
      <title>Breaking bad habits in the PHCP-PVF industries</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This article emphasizes the overlooked importance of marketing and design in the PVF and HVAC industries, urging a mindset shift to seize opportunities and enhance brand image for future success.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106290</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106290-breaking-bad-habits-in-the-phcp-pvf-industries</link>
      <enclosure url="https://www.supplyht.com/ext/resources/Issues/2025/01-January/Columns/01-SHT-Marketing-Matters-Column-GettyImages-1531581332.webp?t=1736374437" type="image/jpeg" length="86323"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The benefits of 3D modeling your business’ product showcase</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Transform your product imagery with 3D modeling! Say goodbye to the challenges of traditional photography for industrial items. Enjoy unmatched control, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, allowing you to create stunning visuals quickly. Elevate your marketing and engage customers like never before!</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106252</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106252-the-benefits-of-3d-modeling-your-business-product-showcase</link>
      <enclosure url="https://www.supplyht.com/ext/resources/Issues/2024/12-December/Columns/01-SHT-Marketing-Matters-column-GettyImages-2148063382.webp?t=1733695079" type="image/jpeg" length="85060"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Navigating digital transformation challenges in the PVF Industry</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Digital transformation in the PVF industry involves automation, IoT for real-time monitoring, and cloud-based solutions to enhance efficiency and responsiveness to market changes. Success requires a strategic approach that assesses readiness, invests in the right technologies, and prepares the workforce for effective tool use.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106206</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106206-navigating-digital-transformation-challenges-in-the-pvf-industry</link>
      <enclosure url="https://www.supplyht.com/ext/resources/Issues/2024/11-November/Columns/SHT-1124-Marketing-Matters-column-video-screenshot.webp?t=1731372199" type="image/jpeg" length="115342"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mastering budget planning in PVF and HVAC</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This guide will help you navigate the budgeting process, from understanding the current market landscape, to setting aside funds for a robust marketing plan that will elevate your visual appearance and online messaging. Let’s dive in and make your budget work for you!</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106135</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106135-mastering-budget-planning-in-pvf-and-hvac</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Being the leader your business needs to grow</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Leadership is a dynamic role that requires vision, direction, and the ability to inspire. Your team looks to you as a model of excellence. This article explores understanding leadership expectations, personal and professional growth strategies, leading by example, and balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities.</p><br>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/106039</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106039-being-the-leader-your-business-needs-to-grow</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Benefits of outsourcing creative talent</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Outsourcing allows businesses to delegate non-core functions to specialized professionals. The benefits of outsourcing creative talent and leveraging their expertise can enhance marketing efforts, improve efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/105999</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105999-benefits-of-outsourcing-creative-talent</link>
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      <title>Mastering social media marketing for maximum impact</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This article discusses the importance of consistency in social media marketing, explores engaging content types, and provides strategies for maintaining an effective posting schedule.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/105963</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105963-mastering-social-media-marketing-for-maximum-impact</link>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why your business needs a CRM</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Let’s dive into the specifics of how a CRM system can bring this level of excitement and efficiency to your business operations. </p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/105912</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105912-why-your-business-needs-a-crm</link>
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    <item>
      <title>A comprehensive guide to evaluate your social media strategy</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this article, I will delve into some advanced tactics and insights for elevating your social media strategy, ensuring your content not only reaches the right viewers, but also engages your target demographic.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/105881</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105881-a-comprehensive-guide-to-evaluate-your-social-media-strategy</link>
      <enclosure url="https://www.supplyht.com/ext/resources/Issues/2024/05-May/Columns/SHT-0524-Marketing-Feat-Slide1-1170x658.webp?t=1745621268" type="image/jpeg" length="59292"/>
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    <item>
      <title>7 key strategies to manage your online reputation</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Reputation management is crucial in the PVF and HVAC markets. Businesses need to be aware of how they are perceived by customers and competitors. This article provides a guide on managing online reputation effectively.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/105846</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105846-7-key-strategies-to-manage-your-online-reputation</link>
      <enclosure url="https://www.supplyht.com/ext/resources/Issues/2024/04-April/Columns/SHT-0424-Marketing-Feat-Slide1-1170x658.webp?t=1712915282" type="image/jpeg" length="67809"/>
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    <item>
      <title>The indispensable art of email marketing: Connecting with your audience</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Email marketing is a powerful tool for businesses to reach their customers directly. In this article, I'll explain why it's important, how to use it to grow your audience, and which tools to use.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/105794</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105794-the-indispensable-art-of-email-marketing-connecting-with-your-audience</link>
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      <title>The importance of building your personal brand on LinkedIn</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Imagine walking down a bustling street lined with shops. Each storefront is vying for attention, but only the most compelling ones draw you in. Your LinkedIn profile is your digital storefront. When potential clients or partners stroll through the virtual corridor of LinkedIn, you want your profile to stand out.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/105704</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105704-the-importance-of-building-your-personal-brand-on-linkedin</link>
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      <title>Five social media trends for 2024</title>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Read about the top five social media trends for 2024 and explore how they are set to change the way we do business.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <guid>http://www.supplyht.com/articles/105659</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105659-five-social-media-trends-for-2024</link>
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