Time to Put On My President Hat

With market coming up this week, it is only right that I remind all my fellow reps as well as suppliers and small retailers about IHFRA — the International Home Furnishings Representative's Association. As President of this fine organization, I can truthfully tell you joining the association has been one of the best things I have done within the industry.

We have talked often about all the great benefits such as office supply and postage savings that reps use all the time. There's also great deals on travel and insurance. You can check it all out at www.ihfra.org.

But for me personally the best thing I have gotten out of the Association is the ability to network with reps and industry people from all over the country. This makes my business better by listening to what is working in other areas, what lines are hot and what are not. Business opportunities come for those who get out of their own business and see what is working elsewhere. IHFRA has helped me do that.

So this week is a reunion of old friends in High Point. If you would like to expand that circle and find new opportunities stop by early in the market and check in with our great staff of Kathy Parks and Jennifer Sova at the IHFRA office in the basement of the Main Building.

If you are not a member, that's OK. They'll share with you all the benefits and give you a two month free trial to see if you like it. It's my special bonus to those of you who read my blog who are not a member yet but should be.

If you are a member already, thank you. We have a couple of free seminars during market including one on IPAD training. Watch for your member emails from IHFRA for all the details.

During market be sure and check out some of the many free educational offerings the market puts on. I know it's tough to get away from the spaces but if you have a little free time, there are some interesting talks including Jerry Epperson's bi-annual state of the industry on Sunday morning.

Market is more than just presenting your product in a showroom. It's a great time to network with your peers, attend educational seminars if possible, walk the retailer resource center for ideas on services that will help your dealers back home, and of course stay connected with your fellow reps across the country through the 1700 member IHFRA Association.

Look forward to connecting with you at market, through IHFRA or through Linked In. Have a great market.