SMS Keeps Content Main Focus - Continued

Proactive Approach

SMS realizes that vendor involvement is more than a check mark on an approval form and works directly with vendors to anticipate product releases, discontinuations, brand changes and mergers. The goal is to enhance the quality of service to our distributors and ensure accurate representation of vendors' products.

3M Testimonial

In April 2008, 3M announced that Aearo Technologies, Inc. had joined their global family. SMS contacted 3M's Nicole Jung, Channel Marketer, and proposed a plan to alleviate proofing demands and stay informed of changes affecting distributors' product selections.

Jung said, "An open line of communication allows all of us to stay on top of new products and new information. This is a rapidly changing business, and to be successful, we need to have our best products represented in the best light. . . The benefit for [SMS] lies in the fact that you can take high quality 3M products to your customers and know that you're giving them the most up-to-date information."

Net Result

Through procedural and proactive interaction with vendors, SMS not only strengthens its database, but better services the needs of an ever-growing, ever-changing industrial market.

About the Author:

Kristen Hogrefe is the Product Specialist Team Coordinator for SMS