At the beginning of a new year, it’s fashionable to draw attention to or define new trends in business. From the standpoint of lumber trading these days, it may be that not all seem relevant to our own day-to-day trading.  However, of the Top 10 Business Trends for 2015 recently identified by Ian Altman at Forbes, three in particular seem pertinent:

1. Role of Salespeople Will Evolve
   Altman says customers today value “subject matter experts”. Consultative skills lead to better alignment between buyers and sellers, and “put both parties on the same side of the table.”
2. Divergent Customers – Price vs. Value
   We’re told price and value are two competing initiatives for 2015. According to Altman, anything that appears to be a commodity will be under increased pricing pressure. Differentiation is key. And the need to “figure out a way to deliver the commodity more efficiently than others in your market” might be considered most applicable to lumber distribution.
3. Content Marketing Trends/Impact
   “Content Marketing” is a tired term. But I do like how the author spells it out: “You need to be comfortable giving away your best stuff”. He adds that top performers will integrate valuable information in virtually every sales interaction.

~Save the Date~

The North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA) Regional Meeting in Vancouver is set for Thursday, April 2nd at the Vancouver Club. The Organizing Committee promises a star-studded line-up of speakers – stay tuned for announcements. NAWLA Executive Director Marc Saracco will open the meeting in the Grand Ballroom at 3:30 pm. Cocktail Social to follow at 5:30 pm. Organizing Committee Member Tom Davis at Taiga confirms ample security will be in place this year. A limited number of pre-sale tickets is available exclusively on-line through NAWLA here.