Ready to supercharge your manufacturing business? The Advanced Services Partnership is your gateway to accelerated growth. Collaborate with industry leaders, learn about the latest advancements and receive expert guidance through our specialised Servitization Mentorship programme.
What is Servitization Mentorship? It is one of the vital support forms available to the members of the Advanced Services Partnership. Today, we’re talking to Sandra Benbow, one of our experienced Servitization Mentors. Sandra will share her insights on how manufacturers can use advanced services to unlock value and drive business growth.
What do you bring to the role?
I’m a business coach, ecosystem builder and innovation champion. Over the past 20 years, I’ve helped over 400 founders and leaders grow their businesses. For the last six years, I’ve focused on servitization, working with manufacturers worldwide. I also work with the United Nations as a Digital Innovation Expert, helping governments improve their tech and innovation systems. I love what I do—bringing people together, solving problems and making ideas happen. I bring that same energy and experience to mentoring.
How do you support your partners?
I’ve helped partners design customer value propositions and business models to create new services. Last year, I worked with a partner to launch a performance advisory service that brought in strong new revenue and profits. With another partner, early on in their servitization journey, I helped them map out stakeholders and put together an internal communications plan. This approach has increased awareness, improved understanding and built a servitization mindset across their business, which is essential at the beginning of a servitization journey.
What is the best part of mentoring?
I’ve spent 20 years mentoring students, start-ups, small businesses and senior leaders. Mentoring is a two-way street—you learn from each other. But the best part is seeing someone take your advice and succeed. That’s what makes it so rewarding.
My top tip for manufacturers
I’ve helped manufacturers turn free services into profitable revenue streams. Unfortunately, I have also seen many people leaving value on the table. Don’t make this mistake and undervalue your services.