In our world of rapid change, you can be sure that we can't continue to keep doing things the way they have always been done. Life ahead in our industry will only allow us the luxury of a quick glance in the rear-view mirror and a steady focus on the road ahead.

Where do we start to continue our growth?

First, we must develop an open mindset, one where we are prepared to question everything that we do, and to help educate everyone who works with us to do the same. We must be prepared to try new things and accept the risks associated with them.

If we are green and growing, we will be successful. If we're ripe, we'll rot.

As distributors, we must become students again and study what our competitors and other successful businesses are doing right, and then work to implement these new ideas into our own businesses. Also, we should look outside our industry for new ideas—perhaps it is signage in a clothing store, a different way of stocking shelves in a grocery store, or a checkout counter in a high volume electronics store that next inspires you. New and invigorating ideas are everywhere.

Let's reenergize our coworkers. What if you sent everyone in the company out for a half day over the next two months, for no reason other than to just look for new ideas? I mean everyone, too—you, your accounts payable people, salesmen, shippers, and accounts receivable department. Then be sure to implement the best ideas first, and credit those who suggested them. This is good, not only for your internal morale, but it keeps things fresh for your customers, and keeps the business lively and fun.

Keep reading the best new business books and then sharing them with your coworkers. We must embrace education more than ever before. I firmly believe that continued education for our entire workforce is the insurance we require to keep us healthy on the competitive business road of tomorrow. We need to work closer with our manufacturers to help us develop better methods of training our people and to co-design future promotions to follow up and follow through with our new knowledge, and expect greater sales accordingly.

In short we need to rethink, and continue to think, think, and think about our businesses. Not one of us is as smart as all of us. We need to harness the incredible collective brainpower of all those who work with us. A funny thing happens when you get these new initiatives rolling—success can't help but follow. And success is fun.

Be sure to earmark a healthy portion of any newfound profits towards education and upgrading your establishments. Be prepared to continually reinvest in your businesses for a brighter future.

This business is diverse, challenging and inspirational, and it's every bit as interesting as we make it.