It seems that the older we get, the things we thought we could always count on as a certainty become fewer and fewer. The pandemic drove that notion home in convincing fashion. The changes COVID-19 thrust upon us have been overwhelming at times on both a personal and professional level, leaving in its wake a “new normal” that still seems to be evolving. And for those who have been in business for decades, that can be quite unsettling.
One aspect that, thankfully, will never change is the notion that it takes a team effort to achieve true success. Insert your own cliché here—a team is only as strong as its weakest link, you need the right people in the right seats on the bus, everyone needs to be rowing in the same direction, etc. In short, a successful business relies on all of its team members buying into what the organization is seeking to accomplish…a concept simple in nature, but often difficult in execution.
That is why we endeavor once a year to shine a light on the sometimes-unheralded individuals who have fully grasped the team mentality in enabling their organizations to achieve those ideal standards to which they strive. These are the shoulders that lift companies to greater heights, and the burdens they accept in the process are worthy of sharing with the masses. Difference Makers bear the load so that the foundation never falters.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Difference Makers program, you may nominate individuals who are involved in the office technology ecosystem at any level—dealers, manufacturers, distributors, leasing companies, trainers, consultants and other providers to the industry. While we honor CEOs, presidents, VPs, managers and other upper-level executives, a Difference Maker is not defined by his/her title but rather by the dedication, determination and relentless pursuit of success they put forth on a daily basis. Some of the greatest success stories are of individuals who do not have a corner office but are sterling examples of team players worthy of emulation.
Submit Your Nomination for the 2023 Difference Makers
This is a golden opportunity to provide the Difference Makers in your corner of the industry the recognition they so richly deserve. We invite you to spend 10-15 minutes to make a case as to why your nominee is deserving of accolades—a small gesture that is certain to brighten the day of that MVP toiling in obscurity.
The deadline for nomination submissions is March 10, so make sure to carve out the time to recognize those individuals who make the industry a better place to work. There are only two rules: you cannot nominate yourself, and we can’t accept candidates who were honored the previous year. You can check out the 2022 Difference Makers here.
Click here for the nomination form, which includes information and examples regarding submissions. Again, you have until March 10 to submit your nominations, so make sure you enter today.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you begin filling out the nomination form and want to continue it at a later time, click “save and continue later.” Please save the link that is then displayed, as you will need it to access the form in the future. You can also email yourself the link through the “send link” option. Your best bet is to create and save a document to your computer or the cloud to ensure you have the info, as we do not have back-office access to incomplete submissions. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation.
Don’t wait, nominate a candidate today! Feel free to contact Publisher Susan Neimes or yours truly if you have any questions. Also, we thank you in advance for helping to shed light on the men and women who have made our industry a model for all business landscapes.
