A Note to All Transportation and Logistics Professionals: We Need Each Other

Can we talk? 

This economy has significantly impacted a whole bunch of people. While people still respond to the “How are you doing question?” with the stock answers: “OK” or “Good,”  it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that just beneath the surface, some people are hurting. These people are not doing “OK”, “Fine” or even “Good.” They’re either out of a job, or if they have a job, fearful that they may be losing their job. Economically speaking, they’re standing at the precipice. Their debts are piling up, they may be losing their homes, and they have concerns that are burdening their hearts. You may be one of those people.

Recently I attended a faith based Conference that brought this reality home. The attendees were predominantly successful business leaders from North America in the second half of their lives (a.k.a. over 45 years old). Trust me; you’d think that this group, a group that has done well and invested wisely, would be able to ride out the downturn. That is why it was sobering to learn about the hardship that some of my friends are experiencing. One person commented (humorously and with a smile on his face) that before this economic downturn, he and his wife could live comfortably until 100; now he said the magical age was 83.

Here’s my point: I meet lots of people, and I don’t know anyone – not one single person - who hasn’t been personally affected by the severe global recession that we’re experiencing. And if you’re frustrated by the lack of answers about how much longer this will last, relax because:

First, unless you’re 80 years old, no one has ever seen or experienced anything like this.

Second, no one has any idea what it is going to take to fix the problem and no one is sure when things are going to get better.  

That’s why, now more than ever, we need each other. I’ve been writing this Blog for 15 months. While we’ve covered a wide range of topics, I don’t know that any of these topics have been more important than the message I’d like to share in this posting.

AS YOU GO THROUGH THESE TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES, YOU DON’T HAVE TO FACE THE FUTURE ALONE. YOU DON’T NEED TO BE THE LONE RANGER!

I hammer this point home in many of my speeches.  And it is a point that I affirmed when I was videotaped for another publication in December, 2008. In these tough economic times, you have a choice to make; you can choose to reach out for help or choose to go it alone. (I recently shared this video interview with members of the TranzAct community, and the response was overwhelming. If you’d like to see this five minute video, entitled “The Value of Community,” it is available at tranzact.com).

I’m told that this Blog gets read by 5,000 to 7,000 people each month. I would love to personally meet every one who reads this Blog, but I realize that this is unlikely to occur. While you can always respond to this or any other Blog, the truth is that many of you would prefer to remain anonymous.  I understand that. But if its pride, ego or fear that’s causing you to remain alone, let me ask you this: Given the times we live in, couldn’t you use a friend to share your burdens and concerns? As one of my mentors told me years ago: If you want to travel fast, go alone; if you want to go far, take someone with you.

For those of you who are still reluctant to reach out for some help, let me share the story about the unemployed logistics professional that was down on his luck. One day he prayed to God to win the lottery. Saturday came and went and he didn’t win. So the next week, and for six weeks thereafter he kept praying to win the lottery. Finally after eight weeks of praying and not winning, he cried out to God:  “Why aren’t you listening to me and answering my prayers?” Just then he heard a booming voice from the sky that could only be God: “Help me out. BUY A LOTTERY TICKET!”

Finally, during my talks I also emphasize the need for professionals to reach out and build a network. Afterwards, some attendees tell me that their networks aren’t nearly as developed as they need to be. I encourage them to remember the words of E.E.Cummings:  "It’s never too late to be what you might have been." 

You can start building your network today! If you are interested in beginning that process, on March 26, I will be involved in a NIT League sponsored Webinar about the need for Career Insurance. Here’s the neat thing, you don’t have to be a League member to join this webinar; it’s open for the transportation community. But you do need to register, which you can do by going to the NIT League registration page.

So go to the NIT League web site and get your “lottery ticket.” But if you’re one of those who are uncomfortable asking for help, and would like to would like to respond in private, you can always reach me at Mikeregan@tranzact.com.  

TranzAct Technologies, Inc.