Mary Walker

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The value of customer service representatives in the buyer-supplier relationship

This can’t be! According to this article Purchasing ’s September issue , results of distributor survey conducted by Industrial Distribution Magazine show just 10% of survey respondents say customer service relationships are the major reasons for doing business with a distributor. According to the survey, the following areas are more important to purchasing professionals in... More

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True leaders come with true hearts

A friend of mine told me that the heart of a leader must be a caring one. Without this heart, his leadership will be without purpose. In today’s world, perhaps we are afraid to show our emotions in the work place. Some people might take offense if you show your feelings of caring. As purchasing professionals, we should learn to accept a thank you. Accept it at the full value. Do... More

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Is multitasking impacting your supplier relationships?

We as buyers spend most of our days being pulled in many directions, often at the same time. There’s meetings, there’s tactical responsibilities, there’s general work “stuff” to be done and there’s fewer folks to do it in most procurement organizations these days. We have to multitask to get through the day and get everything done.Most buyers I know... More

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Pareto's 80/20 rule is as relevant today as it was in 1897

How long has it been since most companies stopped ranking customers? The more a customer buys the higher their rank would be. Customers at the top of the list merit better pricing, faster delivery, stock on hand for your requirements and whatever is necessary to maintain the account and make you know you are a valued customer.A company can likely never reach a 100% service level. Inventory... More

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Do you guide, or do you order?

If you are a good communicator, people will look up to you, seek your opinion, seek your in-put and you will be asked to lead as well. The skill of communication and leadership work hand in hand. Belonging to a professional organization can be a training ground to becoming a better speaker and leader.In most organizations, you work your way up. I look back on my days in the Institute for... More