The air is out. No prospect of prospects. How we look to the future again. I've spoken to several companies over the past few days and weeks. And it's also a huge issue for us in the trade association. Declining sales, a lack of staff, excessive bureaucracy, increased wage and energy costs, higher inflation and interest rates. More and more and even greater pressure and workload for companies and managers. Yes, we are all confronted with crisis situations time and again. Privately and professionally. But at the moment I have the feeling that someone has pulled the plug. No more juice.
Hopelessness and a lack of prospects are spreading.
Every crisis is ultimately perceived as an unbearable burden. And we can no longer avoid it. What is normal one moment is turned completely upside down the next. But can we see a tiny spark of hope at the end of the long, black tunnel? I suspect the answer to my question today is overwhelmingly "no". All entrepreneurs and managers are obviously feeling the same way. Catastrophic mood everywhere. The end of the line has been reached.
So what can we do?
First of all, a fundamental statement:
YOU are not alone! NOBODY has to bear this crushing burden alone.
I can say for myself: the exchange with other entrepreneurs in the trade association at eye level, the togetherness (currently peppered with a lot of black humor (!)) strengthens hope a little. It is allowing the delicate seedling of trust to slowly grow again, to find a way out, a plan B, C or D. There may still be some very difficult situations to overcome. After all, overcoming times of crisis is no walk in the park. But once again: we are not obliged to run this marathon all alone, without a support team, without a team of supporters along the way. Because crises can also produce something positive. A crisis situation gives us the chance to slow down in the hamster wheel, perhaps even to pause completely.
Allow yourself to think outside the box and ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the current company goal still fit?
- What needs to be reconsidered when it comes to employee management?
- Is the company still an attractive partner for customers, suppliers and the team?
- Which adjustments can / must / should be made?
- What do I need as an entrepreneur or manager to be able to achieve a good work-life balance myself?
Use the swarm intelligence of your team. The swarm intelligence of your companions. Because a team produces better results than lone wolves. Let's take advantage of the networking opportunities at Surface Technology, the trade fair for surface technology in Stuttgart.
Because I am convinced that there is a way out.
What might this look like at the moment? I have no idea (yet). But I do know that it's easier together. Together, the burden is less heavy for each individual. Together, viable ideas can be developed and implemented. In small mini-steps. But continuously.
My motto is: Achieve more together.
The surface technology sector is small. A niche. There are many familiar faces and names. Almost like a family. People know each other. Small but mighty! What people outside the industry don't see and possibly don't know: Surface treatment is an indispensable production step in the manufacture of an infinite number of technical and decorative surfaces. And often a bottleneck in the production process. The small and medium-sized companies in the electroplating industry are the vital engine and indispensable pillar of the economy in the DACH region.
In order to remain part of this extremely important engine and to slowly develop a taste for entrepreneurship again despite the many challenges, I would like to make you an offer today:
Let's get together and exchange ideas in a small, exclusive circle of entrepreneurs:
- Thinking outside the box together
- Others have new, fresh ideas and can see their own blind spots crystal clear and expose them. Because they have a different perspective, an outside view of our problem situation. Because, as we all know, four eyes see more than two
- Allow yourself to stand shoulder to shoulder with others.
- Let's put what we have in common above everything that divides us
- Let's regain hope together.
Let's not let the current sluggish economic situation get us down. From high energy prices, increased inflation, cautious purchasing behavior. From the shortage of skilled workers, war, climate crisis.
Are you in?
If you are interested, please send me a message to:
Or feel free to talk to me about it at the trade fair in Stuttgart.
In any case, I wish all exhibiting companies and visitors a successful trade fair with lots of interesting discussions and opportunities!
