As Mark Twain once so famously espoused: The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated. More contemporarily, it is not hard to see the parallels between Twain’s much-repeated quote and perception vs. reality in the world of manufacturing.
Telling Your Own Stories
There is another time-worn saying about speaking only when spoken to. And while that old school phrase was once promoted by parents to their offspring pre-“Dr. Spock,” it can also be compared to the theory of sticking one’s head in the sand; avoiding controversy and being silent in the face of conflict.
Today, more than ever, it is important – vital – for proponents of manufacturing to
spread the word of what the industry is today and where it is going in the future. This includes inwardly to employees and vendors and partners as well as externally to customers, potential customers and the media. The platforms available today are many and varied – from websites and e-blasts to in-person conversations.
Moreover, when it comes to the media, it’s important to think beyond the trades, those that directly cover your industry and specialized sector. It is beyond the trade media where the disconnect festers; where there is still not a keen understanding of how manufacturing has adapted and evolved, including in the area of advanced manufacturing. What were the challenges and what were the innovative solutions? Those stories are being developed every day.
An Industry Working Together
In any industry, quite often, positive messages and news of creative work product are not communicated for reasons of proprietary considerations. After all, who wants to lose a competitive advantage? Yet, in a few short weeks, competitors and collaborators alike will come together at imX in Las Vegas to do something earth shattering and counterintuitive: to look beyond spread sheets and customer orders and work together to promote and further manufacturing.
The so-named “Experience” will be just that. An opportunity for all to discuss challenges and solutions; learn and teach best practices; and discover (or rediscover) why the industry is well positioned now and for the future.
The key to it all, at imX and beyond, is communication. Breaking down silos to see the big picture; the forest through the trees; the “we” vs. “me.” To be sure, imX will serve as an incredibly important resource and platform; one like perhaps never before.
Don Tanner is a founding partner with Farmington Hills, Michigan-based
Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications. The firm is the official PR agency of imX.
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