Go Global, the Export Opportunity

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95% of consumers are outside of the United States.  Thus, there is VAST opportunity in export – and it isn’t as hard as you think.   Last week, I spoke at the Riverside County College of Foreign Trade’s Go Global event with Elizabeth Warren on export and global logistics.  There was a lot of excitement about the potential in export.  We talked about cultural differences and opportunities in China, Hong Kong, Africa and Europe, along with simplifying the complexities of global logistics, as the 80/20 boils down to starting with the best partners.  Have you considered exploring export?    …
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The Ladies of Logistics & Global Trends

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Thanks to Elizabeth Warren for hosting the informal Southern CA group, the Ladies of Logistics (LOL).  We had a fabulous time and made amazing connections.  Where else can you go and see every key connection related to trucking, the ports, freight forwarders, logistics, global trade and all related parties (such as education partners, the media etc.)?  I had great conversations with old friends and I met new colleagues. Business is more successful – and fun- when we come together to celebrate and connect. Where do you go to find out what’s happening with your industry?  When it comes to the…
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The Resilient Supply Chain: Are You Prepared for AI & Automation?

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Will artificial intelligence and automation impact your industry?  Most likely the answer is yes.  The only question is how. At the very minimum, you should be paying attention so you can make sure you are taking potential advancements into account in your strategy.   In the accounting industry, AI has the opportunity to transform and automate a significant number of jobs.   Manufacturing has already been impacted by automation. Of course, it is likely to continue to evolve and it has the potential to transform the logistics industry.  Here are a few potential applications:    Instructions – Artificial intelligence certainly seems…
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The Resilient Supply Chain: Can You Get Trucks?

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Are you able to find trucks?  This is quickly becoming a major question that needs to be answered.  Every driver has at least 12 options. Why will he/she take your load?  Are you attractive to carriers? That is the key question. After all, you can carry inventory so you are responsive (assuming you planned well and have the right inventory at the right place at the right time) but if you cannot deliver, it was all for naught. According to the Journal of Commerce, truck rates are up in the low double digits half way through the year.  And, they…
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The Resilient Supply Chain: Global Trade Unrest

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In today’s Amazonian environment, the customer experience is of paramount importance.      Nothing else matters if the customer isn’t happy. Thus, all the conversations going on about trade really just come back to the customer.  What is the best way to service your customers?         In manufacturing circles, there are many elements converging to strengthen manufacturing in the United States: There are lots and lots of customers in the U.S. and they all want products and services delivered rapidly (making it less conducive to producing half way around the world). Customers change their minds frequently and…
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Do You Give Back?

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We are all so busy that it can be hard to find time to give back.  Yet, the future of our profession, future leaders and our region is at stake.  Making this a priority during your day may not be as difficult as you think. Choose a way that works for you. Some people prefer to donate time.  Others prefer to donate money. And others donate expertise.  I started this journey because one of my colleagues, Ellen Kane, who has to be one of the most helpful people I know (and therefore there is no way to say no to…
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According to the Industry Week U.S. 500, Manufacturing is STRONG!

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According to the Industry Week U.S. 500 (America’s largest manufacturers), manufacturing is STRONG!  In fact, the author uses the words VERY STRONG – most likely the largest opportunity for manufacturing since the end of World War II.   Now that is saying something…. The economy is strong and is supplemented by a tax overhaul that supports manufacturers combined with a deregulation focus.  The key is to leverage the opportunity. Even though there are lots of worries about trade wars and skill shortages, thus far, manufacturing continues to outperform.  Get ready for agile and speedy manufacturers with high tech tools to outpace…
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The Importance of Continual Learning

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Recently, we updated our website.  It prompted a lot of thinking about many aspects of business.  One is the importance of continual learning.  As you’ll see on our Continual Learning webpage, it is a priority.  With that said, I’ve noticed that the most successful people (clients, colleagues, fellow Board members etc.) have continual learning in common.  There is definitely something behind this trend!  It reminds me of one of our LMA Advocate winners, Valerie Ladd – her continual learning is quite impressive.  She never stops learning – and all with a positive attitude to boot. When thinking about continual learning…
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Trans-Pacific Trade Delays – Are You Prepared?

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Thanks to Dave Porter for recently sharing: Vessel operations and capacity in the last 10 days have been severely impacted by two typhoons in Asia (Central & North China).  Major ports such as Shanghai have been shut down for 2-3 days which has caused a ripple effect such as roll overs and cargo backlog.   In essence, it is creating havoc – vessels are leaving before the entire operation is concluded (leaving many containers behind); port calls are being omitted and/or cancelled; and, heavy congestion and berthing delays are occurring.  If that wasn’t enough, rates are going up again 15-20% as…
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Miniature Office Golf & a Pathway to Know, Like & Trust

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I attended a ProVisors social of miniature office golf last week.  We had great fun (thanks to James Valmonte and Kit Mac Nee for arranging such a great social).  As you’ll see, there was much creativity in setting up golf holes in an office setting.  I liked the hazards – especially the water holes! Although I can hang in there with scramble golf, I didn’t fare as well with mini office golf.  But who can complain about winning a  booby prize? Regardless of golf skills, it was enjoyable.  It is also a great way to get to know colleagues better.  People do business,…
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