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28 Managing Customers Through Economic Cycles

In order to give their members the “gut feel” behind the
numbers, they offer “telling” quotes which capture the
essence of the metrics.

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING …

● “We remain challenged to align our capacities with
demand.” (Nonmetallic Mineral Products)

● “Most of the international markets have been
reducing inventory levels and they are forecasting
improvements in the next 4 to 6 months.” (Chemical
Products)

● “Many pockets of improvement.” (Electrical Equipment,
Appliances & Components)

● “Still very slow. No stimulus package for manufacturing.
Down 30 percent.” (Fabricated Metal Products)

● “What we are feeling now is that customers aren’t making
their final payments on equipment that has already been
shipped.” (Machinery)*

National Federation of Independent Business**

Another powerful future looking indicator is the survey pub-
lished by the National Federation of Independent Business
(NFIB). The National Federation of Independent Business is
the nation’s leading small business association. NFIB’s
network of grassroots activists send their views directly to
state and federal lawmakers through a member-only ballot.
This survey is probably even more forward looking than
ISM’s survey as it gathers the collective business “expecta-

* Source: Institute for Supply Chain Management, http://www.ism.ws/
ISMReport/MfgROB.cfm.
** http://www.nfib.com/page/home.