As 2017 ends and 2018 begins, we are thankful for how far we have come. As the dust settles in our fully restored and converted new headquarters, we are also excited about the opportunities for growth ahead for our buying group’s independent distributors and preferred suppliers.
In 2018, we believe the difference between independent distributors that meet the growing demands of today’s market conditions and those that fall behind lies in their commitment to focus on the future. Here are three ways that distributors can gain a competitive edge in the upcoming year.
1. Invest in Education
An ongoing challenge for distributors is attracting the next generation. Millennials are looking for reasons why they should consider industrial distribution as a career choice. In addition to creating an attractive culture, companies need to offer opportunities for education and career advancement, according to this MDM article.
We want to support you as you work to recruit and retain the next generation. We’re launching The NetPlus Academy, which will provide continuing education, industrial sales and marketing resources, online learning through Tooling U-SME, and executive leadership development in partnership with Texas A&M University.
2. Embrace E-commerce and Digital Solutions
The industrial distribution industry is rapidly changing, and executives must embrace e-commerce and digital solutions for customers or be left behind. This recent MDM article is an important reminder that Amazon Business continues to take share in the industry. Your peers are also investing.
To help our distributor members make this critical transition, we’re partnering with Codifyd. Codifyd removes an obstacle by automating the flow of product content from the manufacturer, and transforming the content into the desired format of each individual distributor. Distributors that embrace digital will be better able to adapt and thrive, despite industry changes.
3. Be Open to Growth Opportunities
We can’t stress this enough. At NetPlus we are poised for growth and always looking for the next opportunity. Flexibility and really listening to the needs of our distributor members is key to the future success of our buying group. In the same vein, we hope our distributor members and preferred suppliers continue to embrace opportunities that NetPlus provides, including access to new product lines and categories, new partners and new programs that will strengthen their businesses.
At NetPlus, we are proud of our long history in this industry and our efforts to adapt to new market conditions. We are excited about the future and look forward to partnering with you as you plan for 2018!
We are committed to your growth in the industrial distribution industry. Learn more about NetPlus Alliance’s benefits for distributors and manufacturers
