Over the last year we’ve dug into the value you can receive from developing peer networks in your personal and professional life. A network of peers is a fantastic source of ideas and feedback and an amazing tool for exploring challenges and opportunities. Your counterparts have lived in your shoes and share the same daily struggles you do. You have these groups all around you and whether you realize it or not you’re probably a member of quite a few.

“Mentorship” is a buzzword that we hear often in the world of work. Companies want to create programs. Employees want mentors. But mentorship is not one size fits all. In this article, we’ll discuss what mentorship is (and isn’t), share our mentorship stories, and offer some tips on how to maximize your experience as a mentor.

It is a great feeling to experience a member who began an exploration uncertain in a course of action gain the belief that their solution will benefit their company.

This content will always be “buy reps for reps” and complement other key initiatives coming together to strengthen our AIM/R Rep Network.

Companies, leaders and employees who are not routinely energized are at risk of burnout, fatigue and complacency.

Starting with the “seemingly innate,” research has shown that many of the characteristics that make women strong leaders are empathy, encouragement and shared vision. 

I am excited to begin a column for Supply House Times writing as a voice for manufacturer’s reps. I see this column as an opportunity to serve and build up our industry. I believe it is important for manufacturers' reps to strive to be better business people with healthy, robust companies, acting as first-class stewards of the products we represent.

In the here and now, end-users want and need more information than ever. Although the information has changed — it is now slick, lean and coming at warp-speed — one thing remains the same: It is still being delivered to people’s doorsteps. It is being delivered to LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, because most consumers have moved to this neighborhood: Social media.

Throughout 2022, the focus of this column will be on strengthening your network. Don’t worry, this isn’t about cybersecurity, and you won’t need an information technology degree to make the most of these articles. We are not talking about that kind of system. Instead, we’re going to cover the basic nuts and bolts of building strong networks of people within your company and with outsiders. 

Within the American Supply Association, the Emerging Leaders division offers up-and-coming professionals in the industry the ability to network with their peers from around the country as well as educational benefits to help them grow in their careers. Considered the leaders of tomorrow, it is paramount to the success of the industry that this group grow and continue to cultivate the skills learned from participating in Emerging Leaders.