Change - The Old and The New

Today is the day of a new era, regardless if you voted for Barrack Obama or John McCain. This is about change; about thinking of how we can do things differently and better. So how can we think about things differently as it relates to the economy? First let's look at some of the business news highlights today that includes:

• Intel consolidates manufacturing and cuts jobs – AP
• Toyota has higher annual sales than GM - AP
• Apple's profits during the holidays higher than forecast - AP

The Apple article continues "investors seemed happy to focus on the results rather than the forecast". My favorite is an article from BusinessWeekOnline today that states CVC Caremark is hiring people in their 50's and 60's because that is when "you're in your prime"! This is change! As consumers many of us want higher quality products and lower prices. Did we take notice and adjust our behavior based on the Apple forecast, even as Mr Jobs made his medical announcement or do we see a product with perceived value that would be a good gift for the holidays? Count me in that second crowd, since I too purchased an iPhone and I am delighted. Forget the forecast! Let's all pull together and make and purchase what we, as consumers deem to be quality products and services for the best price. Let's combine proven methodologies with new technologies and find that blend to help us as individuals. Let’s help us as the best country in a global economy thrive. We can do it now that we have a new year. Let's get started!

HoHo - Happy Optimistic - It's About Attitude

Let's change our attitude!

Today's economic climate is turbulent to say the least. Every day we hear about company layoffs, increasing unemployment rates and foreclosure rates with a myriad of other activities that seem depressing. Now is an important time to keep that happy optimistic attitude and help build the economy. Think - feel - do. Think positive, feel positive and do positive.

For nonbelievers, here is a recent fun example. I went to the ISM - Atlanta December Holiday Event a few days ago. It was fun to talk with other members, and the speaker, Steve Cohn was terrific. In an indirect way, he had a similar message about creating better relationships. We also had a few door prizes including framed pictures of Augusta National Golf Club. As the winning ticket was drawn, Don Mahone, who was sitting at my table started to get up and claim his prize. People throughout the room looked at him smiling since the winning number was not even announced yet! By no surprise to me, Don's ticket number was called out. He has the HoHo attitude (although he did not know to call it that!). Happy Optimistic or Think - feel -do. Many contemporary authors are writing books best sellers on positive thinking and the importance of optimism.

Think - feel - do. If we think these are tough economic times, we feel it, we will act accordingly. I propose for those people still employed and in their house, to instead think - feel - do that the economy is on the cusp of rebound. Let's think HoHo and bring the economy back to where we want it to be. Maybe a change of attitude will help those people who aren't so lucky. Don had the HoHo attitude and won a beautiful picture. It seemed to be destiny. What is yours?

Happy Holidays!
HoHo!
Deb

Supply Chain News - June 28, 2008

Like many other Supply Chain professionals, I have a few favorite websites bookmarked to stay updated on the latest news. This week, Supply Chain Digest has a great article "The Supply Chain Perfect Storm" describing several "fronts" that may be surprising or reafirming. http://www.scdigest.com/assets/FirstThoughts/08-06-26.php?cid=1772&ctype=content

• How is the increase in the price of oil changing your world both professionally and personally?
• Have you changed your driving habits including considering changing jobs, car pooling or telecommunting?
• Has your company increased the price of products or services because of fuel costs? Have you thought of a fuel surcharge?

Remember starting July 1, 2008 the standard mileage rate increases from .505 to .585.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=184163,00.html.

As Supply Chain Professionals, we need to blaze the path to help others be more productive and contribute to long term ecomonic growth. What are you doing to be a leader?

Deb