Written by Frank McCabe
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
In any given conversation with a new person, once the hand shake/Covid fist bump, courtesy and pleasantries are out of the way, the inevitable question arises, ‘What do you do for a living?”. Part of me is envious of those people that have a simple and concise answer that everyone can understand.
“I am a Police Officer/Teacher/Nurse/Firefighter/Cobbler/Latex Salesman/Exotic Dancer.
I am jealous in the fact that in a matter of a word or two, some people are able to quickly convey what you do to pay the bills and move along with the conversation.
However, when I am asked that very question…
“I am in Logistics”
The person on the receiving end of that answer is now wishing for an emergency to pop up so they can duck out of this exchange.
Their inner monologue screaming, “Why couldn’t this guy just be a Mail Carrier so I can keep on trucking? Damnit! Why did I ask? Welp, I’ll play along.”
“Oh, that’s interesting. Tell me more.”
And there is no simple description
Per the good folks at Investopedia, they have summarized the technical definition
What Are Logistics?
Logistics refers to the overall process of managing how resources are acquired, stored, and transported to their final destination. Logistics management involves identifying prospective distributors and suppliers and determining their effectiveness and accessibility. Logistics managers are referred to as logisticians.
"Logistics" was initially a military-based term used in reference to how military personnel obtained, stored, and moved equipment and supplies. The term is now used widely in the business sector, particularly by companies in the manufacturing sectors, to refer to how resources are handled and moved along the supply chain
All clear now?
No? Exactly my point.
Logistics, Supply Chain, and other terms of the like in this world are wildly confusing and have many vast meanings.
Logistics can be related to anything in life.
The “Logistics” of getting your kids to their sports, activities, parole hearings, etc.
The “Logistics” of planning a vacation or an international heroine smuggling operation.
The “Logistics” of helping a friend hide a body (just an example – no practical experience in this department, I promise).
(Wow, that was some dark imagery. Sorry.)
Logistics can be translated to any level of life’s movements.
But as far as business and, specifically, the business I awaken for each day I will do my best to keep it to less than 50 words.
Joe Anybody: "What do you do for a living, Frank?"
Me: “I am in Logistics.”
Joe: "Oh"
Me: "Don't worry, I’ll keep this brief..."
“If you have a product or good – from Widgets to Walnuts – that needs to be stored, moved, tracked, stacked, packed, delivered or secured, I’m your guy.”
“Now that you know what I do, have you ever moved a body, Joe?”
If you really want more details, geeks, you can learn all about Logistics at www.tbgintl.com and www.listlogistics.com
Carry on.