Brian Taylor
|
On the Move
Typically, summer is a bit slower paced, with school out and family vacations on the schedule. It usually is marked by a slowdown in business activity as well. We at First Impressions usually experience the same slowdown in activity, but this year it has been very different. For one, we are moving our offices to a new location. By the time this issue mails, we will have a new address. A fresh look and a change of venue can often be a positive thing. One of the exciting features we have added is the MDSI Training and Education Center. We are believers in training and education as a key ingredient in a salesperson’s success. (Check out this month’s article on education/training on page 16). We will have an 18 "student" capacity training room with state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities. We offer these to our advertising customers and distributor readers that may want to schedule a regional sales meeting or training session in the Atlanta area. All you need to do is contact me and check the calendar for availability. We welcome you to take advantage of our facilities, while at the same time, having a chance to share with you our capabilities. We look forward to seeing you here!
Our feature story "Made in the USA," starting on page 22, looks at globalization as it affects the dental supplier side of the business. Are domestic manufacturers secure from foreign competitors? Will China and other nations be able to produce not only products that measure up in quality, but also be able to address the needs and habits of the American dentists? A number of suppliers weigh in on the issue.
At the back of this issue we feature a column by the DTA. Their initiative is called "Oral Health Care Can’t Wait" and I recommend that you take the time to read this particular one as it does two things. It acknowledges the state of the economy, but more importantly, it outlines the steps of an action plan that the dental care community can contribute to.
The past 12 months have been a difficult and challenging economy in which to sell. Much has been written and said about dealing with an economic period that none of us has ever experienced other than through stories from our grandparents.
We are in an industry, however, that is in better shape than many. And while that may be a small consolation, it still makes it tough every day to go about one’s business when the most common customer response is asking for a lower price on their necessary supplies, or a chuckle when you suggest that they consider investing in new technologies or equipment. That is why I applaud the DTA and the industry as a whole for being proactive in tackling this economy head-on. Make sure you read it and check out the Web site with materials that your customers can download to help promote this very worthwhile initiative.
|
|
|
