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Association Buzz • Product Review • Professional Development • Industry News • Reader Services • Manufacturers Listing • Articles
Professional Development Being a Fluid Power Professional means more than just knowing the technical aspects of your job. It's also knowing how to navigate the professional climate of your business and company. Here are some articles to help you become a master not only in the field but also in the workplace. |
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A Lesson in Strategy: Lead with a Vision By Kim Marcille In Yogi Berra’s 2007 commencement speech to the graduating class of St. Louis University, he said, “Be careful if you don’t know where you’re going in life, because you might not get there.” Yogi’s latest take on his own funny and famous quote from years ago certainly describes the unfortunate situation that many professionals and business owners find themselves in. While focusing on the tactical nature of doing business, the strategic vision is often lost, and in some cases it never gets established in the first place. We’re sure that we need to make the month. We’re sure that we have to pay the bills. We know that we have to keep our customers happy if we have any hope of survival. But in the end, will the business activities we engage in every day deliver the end result we wish for?...Read more of this story |
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Flip Your Thinking to Survive the Economic Downturn– 5 Ways to Remain a Company Asset By Pat Heydlauff Are you an asset or a liability to the survival of your company during this economic downturn? No matter who you are or what your job description is, you’ve probably thought “Am I the next to go?” You don’t have to be so worried about losing your job, if you flip your thinking. “Think survival! Employees and employers alike should be thinking about how to improve the long-term survival of their business,” said the CEO of a major privately held corporation. This thought process isn’t just top-down or bottom-up but needs to be inside- out thinking...Read more of this story |
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Prove You’re Worth Every Penny By Linda Bishop Greg perched on the edge of his chair, holding his breath. If he made this sale, he’d be sitting pretty for the rest of the quarter. His client Brenda shuffled through a stack of manila file folders. She pulled out one with Greg’s name on it and opened it. Greg’s proposal was inside. Brenda picked it up and said, “I read this and you met all our specifications.” The corners of Greg’s lips began to curl up in a smile. “But, we got another quote. The other price is twelve dollars and thirty-two cents cheaper, and I decided to go with that,” she said. Greg’s jaw dropped so far, his chin practically rested on his chest. “I can’t believe you chose someone else for such a piddly little amount,” he sputtered. “Not after we’ve been doing business together for years... Read more |
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Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late! 10 Things You Must Do Now By George Hedley Customers have stopped buying, companies are closing, layoffs are common, banks have stopped lending, consumer confidence is falling, and the list goes on. Many business owners hope things gets better before it’s too late and are struggling to stay afloat during these tough times. As a business owner, manager, or leader, your choice is simple. Do what you know you need to do and do it fast, or die a slow death. Most people are afraid to make tough decisions, try new ideas, or do business differently. So they continue to hope their outdated business strategies will keep working as they tread water or sink slowly and wait for something good to happen. Even if survival is your goal, past methods won’t work. Running your company the same way you always have will result in failure. The successful will make tough decisions. What difficult choices do you need to make right now to grow your business and make a profit?...Read more |
