For Manufacturers, Rollercoaster Looking Less Scary

Each month, Tony Uphoff, visionary CEO of Thomasnet.com, joins Cloud Wars Live for a recurring segment. “Uphoff on Industry” will explore the innovations, upheavals, and breakthroughs reshaping the world of manufacturing and industrial markets. In this episode, we’re discussing how this is going to impact your business big-time – but maybe you can pivot to something else and become more agile.Episode 14Going into our 12th week of the pandemic (seems like forever), 33 million Americans have lost their jobs – and there is more hardship to come. Tony says there are entire segments of industries going away overnight, but the rollercoaster ride – and the emotional impact of that – is maybe getting a little less scary.Convention centers aren’t opening up anytime soon. The core value of a trade show is connecting buyer and seller, meeting prospects, and spending time with customers. What can replace that experience? He gives an answer (hint: nobody needs to fly, and nobody gets too drunk the night before).The Grateful Dead is on Tony’s mind, and he quotes the lyrics by the late, great Robert Hunter. “Sometimes the light’s all shining on me. Other times I can barely see. Lately, occurs to me, what a long strange trip it’s been.” That’s the era we’re living in right now.Also in this episode:· 75% of critical medications are not made in this country· The best data analytics package is not going to give you the answer· Titles and certifications are meaningless· Bill McDermott, CEO of ServiceNow says, “We’re going to come out of this stronger.” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.