The "I Didn't See That Coming" Moment: Lessons from the A3 Business Forum
Amber and I take a break from the frigid Virginia snow to sit down and discuss a whirlwind week at the A3 Business Forum in Florida.
Between economic forecasts and networking with industry leaders, we walked away with some hard-hitting truths about where the automation industry is headed and how we—both as business owners and technicians—need to adapt.
Authenticity Over "Pay to Play"
One of the most frequent questions we get is: "How do I get my product featured on your channel?" Our answer remains the same: You can’t buy a spot. Since 2012, we’ve held a firm "no pay to play" policy. We believe that if you’re going to trust us to help you become a better technician, you need to know our recommendations are based on value, not a marketing check. We discuss why this authenticity is the backbone of the community we’ve built together.
Stop Guessing: Using Data to Drive Decisions
We often make decisions based on our gut or the headlines, but as the speakers at the A3 Forum pointed out, that’s a recipe for a "didn't see that coming" failure. Whether you are managing a plant floor or your own career, you need a foundation of hard facts. We dive into how economic indicators should shape your training and business investments.
The Art of the Interview
Following up on our recent job interview video, we address the pushback from the community.
For the New Tech: If you have zero experience, you might not have the leverage to interrogate an employer, but you can show up prepared.
The Research Advantage: Don't just walk in blind. Know the company’s humanitarian work, their recent projects, and even their favorite food.
The Relationship: An interview isn't just a Q&A; it's the start of a partnership.
Technical Deep Dive: Integration Week
Despite the snow, class is in session! We are running our PLC Integration Week, moving beyond basic ladder logic into:
SCADA Power: Building robust systems with Ignition.
Industrial Networking: Mastering IP schemes and produce/consume messaging.
Machine Troubleshooting: Using the "Rogue Rig" to simulate breaks and improve diagnostic speed.
Join Us for Machine Safeguarding
Finally, we are hosting a Machine Safeguarding Seminar on February 19th. Thanks to Banner Engineering and Shingle & Gibb, you can get a day of training and a safety controller for a fraction of the retail cost.
Sign Up Today! https://twcontrols.com/plc-trainers-all/p/machine-safeguarding-seminar