An Old Dog Shares New Tricks

Last month, I published my 1st newsletter and retooled my brand on LinkedIn to express the five characteristics that define and differentiate me. Another update was in order; have a look at my updated profile and you’ll see a new banner and a new profile photo!

Distribution Advocate

I list this bullet first, because it’s where I spend the majority of time as Crouzet’s Director, Global Channel. We’re updating our distributor network with some additions and deletions, and working hard to be ‘Better Together’ at EDS Leadership Summit coming up next week in Las Vegas.

I conducted my 2nd LinkedIn poll and I’ll share the results here, along with my comments. Thanks to all who voted!

70% of you indicated that you already track distributor POS data at sales value and cost of goods sold (COGS), while 20% of you look only at sales value and 10% of you never gave tracking POS at COGS a thought.

Admittedly, this is not something that we at Crouzet were tracking closely until we were deep into the pandemic economy; one filled with regular price increases, long lead-times, and supply often exceeding demand. Stacie Kolodzinski identified the need for deeper POS analysis.

Tracking COGS is valuable for helping predict future POP pipeline from your channel partners, but be cautious about sharing it with those who don't fully understand the distribution channel.

Almost always more profitable than a supplier's direct sales channel, too many people in business see the distribution channel as 'reaching into their pockets' and might be inclined to use the data to try to manage distributor margins.

This month, I’m polling my network on a question I have about the industry terminology; using the term ‘franchised distributor’.

We are also deep into planning the 2024 ECIA Executive Conference and I’m diving into the selection and review of conference speakers alongside a fantastic group of industry volunteers on the Speaker Vetting Committee.

Data Guru

I attended a Women in Electronics sponsored session on Power Query, but will admit I left early as the pace was quick and I felt my time would be better spent using the tool in a practical application. It seems a powerful tool for cleansing and normalizing data and I’m going to work to integrate into my role where it makes sense.

I planned on diving into the CHOOSE formula in April, but while working on the project I pivoted (pun intended) into a great way to use VLOOKUP with some simple formula modifications nested in the formula to produce a powerful way to apply currency conversion by invoiced month.

Questioner of the Status Quo

I was able to spend time on Zoom with a new connection, Daniele Fiandaca, Founder of Token Man Consulting. He’s equally passionate about questioning the status quo and if you’re a man in business looking to be an ally to women and others underrepresented in business, follow Daniele and check out Token Man Consulting.

I continue to post content to the private group, The Glass Ceiling Project, a great group to join if you want to learn about allyship in a more private setting !

Yada…Yada…BOOM! is my co-hosted videocast with Kate Van Hise and we’ve already recorded ten episodes. Episode Nine - Using your Emotional Thermometer is the latest to drop and Episode 10 is coming soon. Hop over to YouTube to see what we talk about!

Here’s a fun LinkedIn video I produced using AI tools, “Overthinking often leads to underperformance”. I was inspired to post something in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Family Man

April started on a scary note. My grandson, Emmett, had some unusual heart rhythms and bradycardia, a resting heart rate of less than 60 bpm. He spent a day and a night in the hospital and 48 hours wearing a heart rate monitor. Our trip to Disneyworld was postponed as a result; thankfully I was able to spend about 10 days with him in Pennsylvania while working remotely.

He’s been given a clean bill of health, although we still don’t know what caused his little heart to go a bit haywire.

Ama Omari Derringer and I did some hiking with a high school classmate of hers from Ethiopia to Tenaja Falls and also enjoyed the flora and fauna of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Both were stunning!

Athlete

Just as the lower back problems began to fade, I developed what I’m told is bronchitis when in PA at the beginning of April. I’ve been battling it ever since and it’s caused me to develop a slight case of asthma!

This has nipped my time on the bike and limited my visits to the gym, which is super frustrating for me.

For perspective, by this time in 2021 I had already ridden my bike 3,775 miles – but this year I’m down ~85% to 562 miles.

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