As Supply Chain professionals we are continually evaluating options and alternatives for the transactional activities we have responsibility. We all know someone who seems to know everyone in industry. Network development is more than having lunch, sharing personal information or exchanging contact information. An effective networker works hard at reinforcing the value of the relationships and the relevance of being a perpetual learner.
This is accomplished by sharing information, market and industry trends as well as cutting edge technologies, which may be game changers in terms of how you and they do business. To be seen as a Subject Matter Expert or Source of Information, others may not be aware, is invaluable. We all know people who possess a broad range of interests. Being seen as a resource has a tangible value, being seen as a just a Supplier can lead to short term relationships and client turnover.
The challenge is to take the time to effectively network. If you’re not as effective as you would like to be, there is no better time to start. The Chinese have a saying I find spot on. “The 2 best times to plant a tree are 20 years ago the other is today.”
The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt
I thought I would pass along a recommendation of a book I feel has value for every Supply Chain and Operations professional working today. “The Goal” written by Dr. Goldratt in 1984 retains its relevance and is called “The 25 Most Influential Business Management Books” by Time Magazine and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos says “The Goal as one of the three books his top Amazon executives read.”*
Dr. Goldratt describes in this narrative, Alex Rogo a Production Manager who has 3 months to turn around a failing operation. The book describes the process of failures and successes as the “Theory of Constraints” is unveiled in this understandable straight-forward chronology. Learning the value of over and under capacity in the production (or any) process as well as the value of metrics are central to the theme of this valuable book. Taking the time to read or listen to this book is time well spent with many valuable and sustainable lessons.
Source of references – http://www.toc-goldratt.com/index.php