By Jackie Rosselli
NAUMD Director of Communications
NAUMD’s Strategic Planning Committee met in
That’s exactly what members can expect as the committee laid the groundwork for a number of new product and services, to be rolled out in the coming months and throughout the year.
“I’ve never been to an NAUMD meeting like this before,” said association Chairman Steve Zalkin. “Everything was on the table.”
“It was the best I’ve ever attended,” agreed Vice Chairman Steve Robinson. “We accomplished a lot, and made significant strides in meeting the needs of current and future members.”
New Programs:
If you’re a dealer, there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming months – educational programming and professional development are at the heart of what’s in store. Best of all, much of the learning can be done right from your business or store, with little or no additional cost. Here’s a sampling of what to look for:
NAUMD eLearning Centers – primarily dealer-focused, these multi-faceted programs include both practical business advice and industry-specific information. Through the use of videos, webinars and live events, participants will gain a better understanding of today’s uniform and image apparel marketplace while strengthening overall business skills. Topics slated to be covered include fabric selection, social networking, effective marketing techniques, leveraging technology, financial management, and building sales. This value-added non-fee program becomes part of a member’s benefit package.
Benchmarking – Industry research to gauge the pulse of the marketplace, which companies could then leverage to adjust their business forecast. Issues covered include market trends, inventory turns, dealing with bad debt and other areas that affect the business climate.
End User Programs – An educational program targeting end users, this series of best practices initiatives is designed to give purchasing executives in all market sectors a better understanding of the programs they are buying.
Dealer Business Management 101 – Giving the dealer the tools he needs to run a successful business is the scope of this program. All areas of financial management will be covered.
Website Redesign – New Dealer Locator:
An enhanced, user-friendly redesign is in the works for the association’s website, www.naumd.com . Visitors will soon be able to quickly find the resources they need, and information will be segmented according to market interests.
The redesign will also include a new feature – NAUMD Dealer Locator – a service intended to connect dealers with prospective customers in their region. Potential buyers will be able to search a database and in a matter of seconds, obtain a list of dealer members in their area. This powerful marketing tool is being added to the benefits package at no additional cost to members.
Organizational Outreach:
When members do travel to outside trade events, chances are they’ll now find an NAUMD presence. Plans are in the works to host a member reception and, where possible, a best practices workshop at shows such as Shot, the IACP, ASI and PPAI.
Business Certification:
There’s more to today’s uniform and image apparel industry than just poly/cotton garments – members need to stay ‘in the know’ on products and technologies so that they can be the best to customers who insist upon excellence and quality.
Obtaining certifications and training is a good methodology for ensuring this. Certification is about credibility, and credibility could be the key to unlocking that elusive sale.
Launched at the 2011 Convention, the NAUMD Certification program picks up steam in the coming year. Discover how to position yourself as an expert in future editions of NAUMD Industry News.
“We’re building a host of value-added services,” says Zalkin. “The association knows it has to be progressive to compete in today’s business climate.”
And what if you’re not a dealer? What’s in it for you? What is the association doing to grow its membership? Find out next month.
(from NAUMD Industry News a publication of the North-American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors ©2011 NAUMD)
