This is easily one of my favorite features of the year, when we ask our Elite Dealer honorees that one question on everyone’s mind: What was the greatest challenge you experienced this year, and how did you respond to it? Obviously, there are universal business conditions that transcend industries and impact companies large and small. But what about those specific to our industry?

What follows is a sampling of the more than 120 responses we received. While it is heartening to know that you are not alone in dealing with a specific obstacle, it is the resolution that proves to be most productive element of the exercise. Everyone’s eyes sparkle in the sunshine, but it is the manner in which we deal with the unexpected or problematic issue that tells a lot about your company. It’s time to kick off part one of 2023’s challenges and solutions.

It’s been said that the most competitive of salespeople hate losing more than they like winning. While it may sound like backward logic, there is a difference. Quite a meaningful one, actually.

For those who live by the sale, closing a deal is always the default expectation. You’ve been there before, you know the talk track, and you’ve mastered asking for the business. When you’ve racked up a million road miles or more, coming home with anything less than a signed contract (or a verbal commitment) is a bitter pill to swallow. It’s also been said that the best sales rep is his/her own worst critic.

As an office technology dealership owner, maybe you just opened a new location. Or you won a “Dealer of the Year” award, or hired a hotshot new rainmaker and you want to tell the world about it. And why shouldn’t you? Positive news can yield favorable results. It can boost your company’s brand awareness and showcase your business as an industry leader. And when you are before a prospect and looking to close a deal, it’s great if the prospect has heard about you and already has formed a positive impression about your business.

And, in a market where finding employees can be difficult, it doesn’t hurt to have ongoing positive news associated with your company’s name. A Harvard Business Review article confirms what most employers already know instinctively: namely, that companies with strong reputations are more appealing to prospective employees.

Datamax Inc. President Barry Simon has been named among the “250 Most Influential Leaders in Arkansas” for 2023 by the Arkansas Business Publishing Group, and as such, is featured in the group’s special issue released this month.

Datamax’s Little Blue Book Philosophy #6, as part of the organization’s cultural agenda, reminds all employees “to recognize and accept the responsibility of being an involved corporate citizen in the community.” Simon has undoubtedly led that charge, serving on countless boards and volunteer initiatives for both nonprofit organizations and manufacturer groups during his Arkansas tenure.