'Ben Thinking' -- Holiday Edition (Issue 16)

Welcome back to ‘Ben Thinking’, the ongoing share space for all things communications-related in today’s dynamic business world. I know you’re busy. So the least I can do is take one thing off your plate and serve up all the news that I think you’ll find interesting or will need to know.

I am not a Buddhist.

But during a recent meditation I was introduced to a Buddhist saying that I loved:

“It changes.”

(Forgive me for not knowing of this sooner, but just like grunge is to my kids, it’s not old if it’s new to you. “Dad, have you listened to this Nirvana song?”)

While I love that saying, one thing I’d like to ask…can ‘it’ change a little slower? Why is ‘it’ moving so fast!! We are down to only a handful of working weeks this year. So I better make the most of the time I have with you before we’re talking 2025.

Onto what I’ve Ben thinking about….

(Side note: if you don't want any 'business' you can skip to the end for a little holiday 'Ben Thinking')

4 manufacturing issues to watch under a new Trump administration.

This is from Manufacturing Dive and is a simple, well-done piece on the four big trends we keep hearing about post-election. I’m guessing most of us reading know a decent amount about what’s here, but it’s worth the quick levelset.

Oh wow. Did I just mention politics and religion in this newsletter for the first time ever? And so close to Thanksgiving dinner?

(Answer: No, because the article isn’t political at all.)

‘Mishing’ attacks are on the rise.

Now what. Seriously, now. What. Oh, mobile phishing attacks? Great. Well, at least it’s not some new word from Gen Z to describe some act of desperation (you know, it’s worse than wishing…you’re mishing).

This is worth your time to read because according to the article, manufacturing organizations are especially at risk:

·????? Manufacturing falls victim to phishing attacks, 25% higher than the average.

·????? 83% of manufacturing personnel are in the field – and on their phone more.

Congrats, you’re promoted! Nah, I don’t want it.

According to this Business Insider article, more professionals than ever are turning down promotions. 42% to be exact.?

Your thoughts on this? Have you turned a promotion down? Been turned down? Comment over there ----->

Your health. Is it as good as you think?

The Mayo Clinic may disagree with you. So much so that they partnered with Chief Executive on this piece to spotlight that executives’ health is an issue. They share these 8 essential tips for fighting stress. (Maybe this is why people don’t want promoted?)

April Wonsick reports live from the Ohio Manufacturing Association Workforce Summit

Ohio’s manufacturing leaders are tackling workforce challenges head-on with bold strategies to attract and retain talent. From leveraging AI to upskilling workers and implementing earn-and-learn programs, the OMA Workforce Summit 2024 showcased innovative solutions for the future. And April was there to track it all for you. Curious about what she learned? It’s all right here.

For the pod squad: Thank you for being a friend…

No seriously. Thank you. Turns out friends are key to better health (number 6 in the Mayo Clinic tips, above).

Dr. Mark Hyman (also a great IG follow) explains on the latest episode of ‘A Bit of Optimism’ from Simon Sinek.

Finally, since I won’t talk to you until December…

A little holiday cheer to share. I’d love your take on ANY of these (or maybe a category you’d like to add). Enjoy the break with kith and kin.

Most Underrated Holiday Song:

“Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea” Look it up. You won’t be disappointed.

Favorite thing to put on a Christmas tree:

Bubble lights. (Although I miss those blazing hot huge bulbs that my grandparents put on their tree. Sure, they’d scar your hand, Indiana Jones style, but they were so cool and pretty.)

You can pick one holiday special (not movie, special) – what is it?

Charlie Brown Christmas.

Most Controversial Holiday Food Take:

I hate sweet potatoes. They should be banned from the table. Come at me.

The best non-Christmas Christmas movie:

Uh, Die Hard.

Best Holiday Treat to Steal from the Dessert Table:

The obvious answer here is buckeyes, mainly because if you’re going to make a quick swipe, it needs to be something you can stick in your mouth, fast.?

Best Ugly Holiday Sweater Trend:

My take on this? End the ugly holiday sweater trend. It had its moment. It’s now officially in ‘wave’ territory.

Best Holiday Tradition You’d Never Give Up

Watching Planes Trains and Automobiles with my family on Thanksgiving eve. That last scene, where John Candy grips his hat in his hands while being introduced to Mrs. Page…winner.?

Thanks for reading and Happy Thanksgiving!

-Ben

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