As manufacturers ourselves, we understand that it’s second nature to get wrapped up in the day-to-day grind of production. Collaborating and engaging with your local network often takes a back seat in our fast-paced line of work.
However, stepping outside the four walls of your company and interacting with peers in one’s manufacturing network can be highly beneficial. Whether attending a SoCal NTMA meetup to chat through best practices with fellow industry professionals or simply commiserating about a challenge you’re facing over a beer with someone else in your role, there’s so much to gain by simply putting yourself out there.
No matter if you’re going to a meetup for the first time or making these collaboration efforts a part of your routine, SoCal NTMA is here to provide you with the resources to join the dynamic Southern California manufacturing community.
Why Many Manufacturers Are Hesitant to Collaborate
The benefits of collaborating with one’s peers are evident to the SoCal NTMA team, but we understand that many manufacturers may be apprehensive. Here are the main reasons manufacturing professionals are hesitant to partake in collaboration efforts:
“I don’t have time.”
In the hustle and bustle of daily operations, it’s easy to become buried in the tasks at hand. Some may feel they don’t have the time to step away from their business and engage with the broader community. But when professionals allow their shop to become an island, focusing simply on the machines and people in front of them, they can feel stuck.
There’s always work to be done—that’s one of the many joys and challenges of our industry—but it’s important for professionals to take the time to focus on themselves and their business goals, learn from their peers, and unearth best practices they otherwise may not have discovered.
“Why would I hang out with my competitor?”
There may be a reluctance to collaborate with competitors out of fear of sharing trade secrets or losing a competitive edge. However, breaking bread with competitors can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. You’ve probably heard the adage, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Sometimes, the best resources for growth and innovation are the companies you consider your direct competition – they’ve likely dealt with challenges similar to the ones you’ve faced one way or another. Who knows, maybe you’ll pick up a new best practice.
The Importance of Collaborating with Your Manufacturing Network
Participating in your NTMA community isn’t just about rubbing elbows with the hotshots of Southern California manufacturing. It’s not about donning nametags and shaking hands with dozens of people whose names you’ll forget by the end of the evening.
It’s about forming partnerships and connecting with like-minded professionals who know what it’s like to be in your shoes. Here are some of the benefits of collaborating with your manufacturing network:
Learning from Others
We’d like to clarify that NTMA isn’t just for owners or CEOs; it’s for everyone in the manufacturing community. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a next-in-line leader, or an up-and-coming individual in Southern California manufacturing, there’s much to gain from engaging with peers. Conversations during events can offer insights into best practices, vendor recommendations, staffing issues, and more. Learning from others who have “been there, done that” can be invaluable in navigating our challenging, nuanced industry.
Many SoCal NTMA members cite that one of the main lessons they’ve learned from collaborating with their peers involves best practices in implementing technology. They may have adopted a great technology but struggled with implementation. Seeking collaboration with experts who have worked through this tool can ensure that innovative technologies are effectively integrated into your operations for maximum impact.
Building Trust
Collaboration starts with trust. By engaging with others in the community through industry conferences or SoCal NTMA meetups, we have the chance to build trust. This trust forms the foundation for meaningful relationships and opens doors to supportive partnerships and shared success.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of success in the manufacturing community. By stepping outside the four walls of your company, you open yourself up to a world of opportunities for learning, growth, and innovation.
Join SoCal NTMA or leverage your existing membership to reap the rewards of our vibrant and supportive manufacturing community!
