I’m in Boston, but I’m not going to the Celtics game tonight. I’ve been at a Rebate conference, and I have some thoughts.
A contact in the industry who I saw here asked me why I decided to come to this, and what I hoped to learn.
I came because my mid-market and enterprise distribution clients at ProfitOptics, LLC see me as a consultant: they bring me their tough problems, and expect solutions.
To understand the landscape and know how to best serve my clients, I’ve been at the Catalyze by Enable conference.
While here, I’ve really enjoyed getting to meet strategists and practitioners from across the industry, and meeting the Enable team.
From presentations, conversations, and realizations - here are some top of mind thoughts:
1. Business happens at the speed of your trading partners 🤝
The future of business is partnered.
There will be increasingly powerful ways for Distributors nd suppliers to find ways to truly partner to drive value for end customers.
And technology will empower this.
2. There is a magnetic pull to the status quo 🧲
Dirk Beveridge talked about the big ideas that you leave conferences like this with, but that there is a natural pull to maintain the status quo.
If we want to enact change, we need to acknowledge interia, and stay committed to the course.
(Hint: it’s easier if you bring teammates along)
3. In software it’s powerful to hear feedback, promise features, and then deliver them 💻
I see too often how software overpromises and underperforms.
Engaging with product teams and experiencing firsthand demos underscored a simple truth: the power of technology is fully unleashed when we talk to the users of our software, make commitments, and then deliver diligently.
It's a cycle of trust and execution that turns good tech into great solutions.
And results will show up in the bottom-line.
4. “Agent Overseer” as a competitive advantage is here 🤖
This thought is from a panel from various Silicon Valley VCs who are investing in technology and organizations, and are looking at the likelihood of scale with Agents, and the ability of an organization to scale with AI agents and automation.
This is already happening, and will continue to grow.
And finally….
5. The magic in my field happens at the intersection of domain expertise and technology ♾️
I have friends who are excellent technologists, but do not know Distribution.
I know distributors who do well, but could do better with technology.
The best results come when there is a strong connection and understanding between these two.
And that’s where I am.
We’re doing a lot with this intersection - but more is coming.
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It’s been a great experience, and there are more coming - the conference finishes this afternoon. Thanks to the Enable team for the invitation here.
And of course, always fun to hang with Tony; even if we spend 20 minutes walking back to the hotel in the rain.