It has become rather evident to most everyone (except maybe Home Manufacturing Business Ideas the government) that we are in hard economic times.
Whatever you call it, whether recession, inflation, or some other word, businesses are suffering and that can eventually mean that all people may suffer.
Much of the time survival and growth are a matter of how we think about things. I heard a story one time of two shoe salesmen that went to a foreign country. When the first guy got off the plane and walked around he noticed that nobody wore shoes. He promptly called the home office and said “This is a terrible idea. There is no opportunity here because nobody wears shoes!” The second salesman got off the plane and as he walked around he noticed the same thing, nobody wore shoes. He promptly called back to his home office and excitedly reported that this was a great idea and there was opportunity everywhere because nobody wore shoes.
I believe that every solid principle has its roots in the scripture. Even the wisest man How To Become An Electrician Australia who ever lived, Solomon said, as a man thinketh in his heart so is he…. Pro. 23:7
So, we need to think properly.
Some people say “think positive” and that is correct, but that is not all. We have to think “right” and then go and do something about it. Take . Again the Bible says in the book of James 2:20 that faith without works is dead. We could say faith, belief, and right thinking, but without action, effort, and work it is of no avail, no use, and worthless.
So we need to think right and work, but there is also a need for understanding, knowledge or truth. Jesus was talking in a little different light when he said you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free, but it still applies very well to being successful in any business or in life in general.
We need to know the facts and to have a good understanding of whatever we are doing, from growing a business, to sawing lumber, to raising children. If we are in an important endeavor we need to know the facts. We need to try to put away as much of our presuppositions as possible and examine the evidence to see what the real truth or facts are. If we have a positive attitude and a good work ethic, but believe the wrong things (the wrong facts) we will end up doing the wrong things. Again, it doesn’t matter if it is sawmilling, farming, raising children, or religion.
Often, and I suppose nearly always we think we know the facts. Because of our past experience we think we are doing something the best way. But technology can and often does change, and we have to continually examine the evidence to see what the facts are so we will know how to react. Wise farmers rotate …
Tag: survive
Can American Manufacturing Survive Global Trade?
If you live in North America, you have probably come in contact with the harsh reality that blue collar manufacturing and industrial jobs are becoming more scarce every day. The fact is, manufacturing within the United States of America has been in decline for years. It has only been in the last two decades that this decline has become painfully obvious. The global market, that is, trade with foreign nations, is fueled by cheap labor and economic conditions favorable to Define Consumer Service. growth. Many nations competing for their place in the American marketplace have modern economies that are literally in their infancy. China is the prime example. When a blue collar American worker loses their job to overseas competition, their first reaction is to blame China. The Chinese economy happens to be prime for growth, inexpensive manufacturing, and plenty of available labor. But the Chinese imports are really only the tip of the iceberg. American manufacturing and industrial factories are also in competition with Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mexico, Taiwan, India, etc. The lower costs of labor needed for industrial manufacturing are only one factor in the equation of demise for the American labor force.
Environmental awareness in the United States actually works against American companies in regard to overall expense. Environmental awareness is the right thing to do, however it comes with a price. The cost of waste disposal, operational permits, certifications, audits, and screenings are not free. American rules and regulations regarding environmental responsibility are more stringent than many other parts of the world. In North America, emissions into the atmosphere are also heavily regulated at levels unlike many other nations. These policies are designed for responsible industrial manufacturing, but they result in more costly operation with a trickle-down effect through he supply chain.
Liability is another aspect of doing business in the United States. Industrial accidents are at an all-time low, however accident victims are compensated more here than anywhere else. Liability insurance is at a record high with no signs of relief. This is a direct result of a record number of lawsuits Form Competition Examples and legal actions taken against companies. Many of the court battles are justified, but unfortunately many are simply attempts at working the legal system for easy money. Regardless of the outcome in the courtroom, the costs associated with litigation are staggering, hence much higher insurance rates.
Health insurance costs can also add to the expense of American industry. The United States has higher insurance costs per employee than most other civilized countries. The reasons for this are complex, but the result is not favorable for American manufacturing. Add in rising fuel prices, increased shipping costs, rising utility rates, and of course unaffordable property taxes, and we have a formula for failure.
American manufacturing needs to use lean manufacturing techniques, common sense management, and strategic marketing to grow their market share in relation to overseas companies. The American government must also be diligent in enforcement of fair trade with countries where …