Running a modern machine shop can feel like playing a game of dodgeball. There are always new challenges coming toward you at high speed, and you need to catch or deflect each one while continuously delegating other critical tasks to the appropriate people.
But just like in dodgeball, the more people you have on your side, the easier it is to take a deep breath and focus on a solid strategy. Your trusted allies can be found within your shop (i.e., your employees) and outside your shop (i.e., a community of peers gained through joining a machine shop organization).
Ideally, you’ll have both: employees you can rely on to help with your shop’s day-to-day operations and a broader community to collectively take on the external forces that impact manufacturers across the US. Only then will you truly have the bandwidth to focus on growing your business.
The Impossible Job of a Modern Machine Shop Owner
Owning and operating a modern machine shop is more challenging than ever. Between rapidly advancing technologies, constant supply chain vulnerability, and a worsening skills gap, there are many pressing issues that machine shop owners must face.
You can’t solve these issues on your own. No one can!
Your shop’s success depends on high-level strategic thinking and problem-solving: anticipating the needs of your supply chain, finding ways to fill the open positions on your shop floor, and evolving with the latest business trends.
These big issues must be addressed and overcome—but you’re only one person. So what can you do to identify and implement effective solutions?
Surround yourself with the best team members and community to meet these challenges head-on.
Working Together Is the Key to Success
One of the first steps to overcoming the obstacles in front of you is to stop wearing too many hats. Giving up control isn’t always easy, but it’s crucial to delegate tasks to your capable employees so you can focus on high-value strategies to grow your business. Empowering your employees to do their jobs allows you to more effectively do yours.
Still, you won’t be able to solve all your problems independently—even with more time on your hands. The next critical step is joining forces with a larger community of people who have your back. That’s where a machine shop organization like NTMA comes in.
At NTMA, we connect shop owners with the resources they need to make the best decisions inside their shops and serve as advocates in Washington, D.C., speaking for small and medium-sized manufacturers among policymakers.
If you’re a machine shop owner who feels stretched too thin, you deserve a solid support system. Join NTMA today to gain instant access to tools, resources, and a community of peers who share your goals and aspirations.
