Author: Mike Marks

If your 2024 plan is to do more of the same but just better, I’d argue that’s not a plan at all. Right now, distributors need to have a serious conversation about: What they’ll do that’s different. What they’re going to invest. I see a lot of distributors talking in circles about what they could do and what others are doing to grow sales, expand margin and increase business value. However, when they finally come to the table to define their objectives for the next year, they don’t make a larger commitment. Distributors can’t afford to do that again this…

In 2022, the focus was on digital transformation. Do you have ecommerce? Are you using a CRM solution? Have you created a roadmap for digital transformation? This year has a different focus. The past couple of years have put many through the ringer. Now that distributors have the time to breathe easier, they can adjust and be future-focused. The hallmark of 2023 will be a bridge. Distributors will have the opportunity to bring together the critical elements of digital, the rise of data and analytics, and the importance of talent and culture (your people). The connection—and success—of these elements will…