Why visiting Polycon 2009 is more important than ever

Business is tough. The traditional markets for our Mastercast engineered composites are in the doldrums. So what it the owner to do?

The owner is that vital contact to key customers and key suppliers alike. He or she is also the visionary, the strategist, chief business development officer.

There are many untapped markets out there where Mastercast engineered composites can be used. It requires some thinking outside of the box.

Often times, you brain needs a trigger to make the light bulb go of. That trigger could be what you see at your regional meeting, visiting another cast polymer plant. Or talking to suppliers over lunch when they share their travails with you and you discover a hidden opportunity.

In my humble opinion, the biggest mistake a Mastercast business owner can make is to retreat to the "spin pot" and put in the hard labor to replace the guy that he had to let go. Or to allow to have your cell phone become the customer service line by default.

The housing industry malaise will likely last through 2009. During the good times, we hopefully all put some money aside. This is the time to dip into the nest egg and work harder on diversification in products and markets so you are better positioned for the upturn. That would be hard to do if you box yourself into the "casting corner".

Polycon 2009 is the perfect forum for you to learn what your colleagues are doing to weather this perfect storm. Take the opportunity to rub elbows with industry leaders, suppliers small and large, your peers in the industry.
Work up a detailed plan as to what sessions you want to attend. When not attending educational sessions and the exhibit hall is open, make appointments with suppliers that you think may help you discover your next niche.

Polycon comes around only once a year, grab the moment!

Dirk De Vuyst
ICPA President 2009
Intl. Marble Industries, Inc
Woodstock GA 30188
Tel 770 928 2252 ext 223