Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders
MakingChips LLC
Manufacturing is tough—but you don't have to go it alone. If you're leading a manufacturing business, you face constant pressure: staying competitive, adopting new tech, managing people, and driving growth. MakingChips helps you tackle those challenges head-on.
Since 2014, we've been equipping manufacturing leaders with the knowledge and inspiration they need to succeed. With hundreds of episodes and over a million downloads, MakingChips is a top resource for the metalworking nation—covering leadership, operations, technology, and workforce development.
If making chips is part of your daily grind, this is your podcast. Join hosts Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, and Paul Van Metre for real talk on the issues that matter most.
Since 2014, we've been equipping manufacturing leaders with the knowledge and inspiration they need to succeed. With hundreds of episodes and over a million downloads, MakingChips is a top resource for the metalworking nation—covering leadership, operations, technology, and workforce development.
If making chips is part of your daily grind, this is your podcast. Join hosts Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, and Paul Van Metre for real talk on the issues that matter most.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 17, 2014 • 22min
MC004: 11 Points To Consider DURING The Dreaded Recession
Do you go to the bar or do you take action? Jason and Jim will step you through 11 points to consider WHEN the recession hits the Metalworking Nation. Yes, this subject is a bummer, but MakingChips is going to Equip Manufacturing Leaders no matter the subject. Women in manufacturing Yoda says "No! Try not. Do or Do Not. There is no try" 1. Pay attention to your cash flow – like a hawk – know the numbers. 2. Talk to your staff and be honest about what is going on. 3. Be honest with your partners. 4. Know your core competency and stick to your business model. 5. Minimize purchasing and reduce expenses – can you insource any of your services? 6. Lower your overhead. 7. Minimize your labor costs (OT) – make strategic decisions sooner rather than later. 8. Realize your capacity level. 9. Negotiate with banks. 10. Negotiate with your landlord. 11. Capitalize on opportunities.
Dec 17, 2014 • 19min
MC003: 7 Points To Consider BEFORE The Dreaded Recession
This episode is about tactics for manufacturing companies WHEN the recession hits. That's right, I said WHEN, not IF. If there is one thing that nobody understands, it's our economy. There is little evidence of a recession proof economy, so we need to spend some time discussing how to better prepare. Are you ready for a recession? 1. Do you have a diversified customer base? 2. Maintain proper overhead (building ego). 3. Review your debt – did those decisions result in a return? 4. Strategic purchase of capital equipment a. Measure your ROI b. Invest in technology to stay productive and ahead of the competition c. Don't spend money just for a write off…have a strategic reason d. Should you pay cash or get a loan? 5. Does your company provide a critical part or service that is recession proof? 6. Is your customer base recession proof or vulnerable? 7. Is your product or process difficult to replicate or will your customers be looking to lower their costs?
Dec 17, 2014 • 25min
MC002: IMTS Hangover
IMTS started as The First National Machine Tool Builders Exposition in Cleveland in 1927. Post WWII, the show moved to Chicago in 1955. What is the IMTS hangover? What did you learn at IMTS that you can take back to your business? What is the best way to prepare for a show, such as IMTS?
Dec 17, 2014 • 25min
MC001: Social Media in Manufacturing
Do social media platforms, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others matter to the manufacturing industry? We will discuss WHY you should be on social media, WHAT platforms to consider, and HOW to get started. SEO Brand Awareness Thought Leadership Influencing a New Generation Social Media Platforms How often? What is the process? What should you do first? Social Media PPC Jim's eBook "Social Media in Manufacturing"
