Powerful Positioning

By Duncan Murphy

Have you seen that title around a few times? It is our Convention theme and direction for the year. Steve Lippert, vice president of Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co., after seeing the Convention brochure, thought we should amend the theme to "Powerful Positioning and Still Standing." His suggestion put a smile on our faces, but it is reality—one that MHEDA offerings can ensure.

In my last column, I stressed the importance of fundamentals. Entities remain standing for the long term when they are built on a solid foundation, the fundamentals, if you will. Our 2009 Convention is designed to fortify your foundation.

The speakers will provide material for your building blocks, beginning with the Monday general session by Ross Shafer, who will talk about customer loyalty. This term is overused and, as most of us know, "loyalty" is a rather fragile condition. Ross will focus on "Customer Empathy," a process by which customers see we really are interested in their success. If you feel loyalty is a disappearing wisp of smoke, you can position yourself for your customers' long-term loyalty by employing Ross's ideas.

Powerful Insight is offered by Alan Beaulieu's presentation on economic trends. His brother, Brian, offered insight a year ago that, while alarming, gave us the ability to deal with the predicted market we ended up facing. We expect an equally enlightened presentation from Alan that will create the ability to prepare for, and not just react to, what is to come.

Powerful Networking is always a key function of MHEDA and our Convention. In Palm Desert, David Nour offers a plan to develop your professional relationships with colleagues, customers and your industry contacts. As he will show, it is an art and a science. You will get a specific chance to build contacts at our Networking Luncheon and roundtables.

Powerful Rejuvenation is a necessity for everybody. Ever had a tough day at work? If you are like me, they seem to come in clumps, and we need a little playful stress relief. What better way than enjoying Palm Desert? Convention can be your oasis with friends after tough days at work. It begins with the Sunday welcoming party and continues through the Tuesday night closing celebration.

As you read the rest of this issue of The MHEDA Journal, MHEDA education offerings and their value are highlighted throughout. As someone once said, "We have enough youth, how about a 'Fountain of Smart'?" Ranging from a dozen workshops at Convention on today's topics and including the myriad of MHEDA U calendar offerings, there are several Fountains of Smart from which everyone on your staff can drink. Take advantage of them!

Powerful Positioning in 2009 means snatching opportunities when they appear. As part of this year's Super Bowl hype, Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana was asked how he moved from seventh string to the star he became. His answer: preparation and being ready for the opportunity when it came.

In material handling, we cannot predict when or what might arise, but we can darn sure be prepared to take advantage of it. Use MHEDA to help your team to do so in 2009. See you in Palm Desert!

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The MHEDA Journal • Second Quarter 2009 • Volume 38, No. 2 • Contents are Copyright © Data Key Communications, Inc.
All rights reserved. • Nothing may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission of the publisher.