"A time I've used data from industry reports was during a time that a significant economic slowdown was predicted across industries. Needing to know how it would affect my sector in electronics, I paid close attention to data on tightening credit, a pending increase in tariffs on manufactured goods and components being imported from countries in Asia, and consumer confidence. I knew this information would set the pace for my entire company and within my line of business, we prepared by decreasing expectations for hiring, supplies, and avoidable spending. We also generated creative new cost-conscious programs to cater to the conservative frame of mind we expected our customers to be in for a period to come."