If you are interested in advancing your career in manufacturing, you might want to become an expert in a niche area that matches your skills and passions. But how do you achieve this goal? Here are some tips to help you develop your expertise and stand out in the industry.
The first step is to identify a niche area of manufacturing that you want to focus on. This could be based on the type of product, process, material, technology, or market that you are most familiar with or curious about. For example, you might want to specialize in additive manufacturing, biomanufacturing, smart manufacturing, or green manufacturing. You should also consider the demand, competition, and innovation potential of your niche.
In my career, I have identified several unmet needs and developed products to meet those needs and taken 3 products from a unprofitable stage with niche applications to multiple growths in sales of 4 to 9 times making them hugely profitable that in each case they ended up as the most profitable product lines of each of the 3 companies by developing new applications with new customers in new geographies globally.
I don't think people set a goal in advance of becoming an expert in some niche of manufacturing. I think it happens when someone in manufacturing has a great passion for what he or she is doing, devotes their life and career to it and in doing so grasps a very unique and specialized aspect of the overall process. This individual instinctively follows the steps outlined in this article and becomes the expert without any pre-planned script.
Once you have chosen your niche, you need to research it thoroughly. You should learn about the current trends, challenges, opportunities, best practices, and standards in your niche. You can use various sources of information, such as books, journals, reports, podcasts, webinars, blogs, and forums. You should also follow the leading experts, organizations, and publications in your niche and keep up with the latest news and developments.
Research is not enough to become an expert. You also need to practice your niche skills and apply your knowledge to real-world problems. You can do this by working on projects, experiments, simulations, or case studies related to your niche. You can also seek mentorship, feedback, or collaboration from other experts or peers in your niche. You should document your work and share your results, insights, and lessons learned with your network.
Another way to enhance your expertise is to educate yourself formally or informally. You can enroll in courses, certificates, or degrees that are relevant to your niche. You can also attend workshops, seminars, conferences, or trade shows that offer valuable learning opportunities. You can also join online communities, groups, or associations that provide resources, support, and networking for your niche.
Finally, you need to showcase your niche expertise and build your reputation and credibility. You can do this by creating a portfolio, website, blog, or social media profile that highlights your niche work and achievements. You can also write articles, books, or white papers that demonstrate your niche knowledge and authority. You can also speak at events, podcasts, or webinars that reach your niche audience and peers.
Becoming an expert in a niche area of manufacturing is not a one-time event. It is a continuous process that requires curiosity, dedication, and passion. You should always challenge yourself to learn new things, improve your skills, and innovate your solutions. You should also seek feedback, criticism, and support from others who share your niche interest and vision. By doing so, you will not only become an expert, but also a leader in your niche.