Perhaps it’s only fitting that the editors of ENX Magazine are currently focusing on the March issue’s State of the Industry report on corporate culture. Fast-forward two months, and we will be bringing you living, breathing examples of what a quality culture can yield. Conversely, one could argue that it’s the people who drive the culture, those individuals without whom a corporate culture would simply be a list of values tacked onto a bulletin board in the break room, right next to your building’s certificate of occupancy.
Spoiler alert: We’re talking about the 2025 Difference Maker honors, a rite of spring for this publication. The nomination process is now open and will remain so through March 11. Each year, we recognize those indispensable individuals across all facets of the office technology landscape—the dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and other providers to the industry—who have demonstrated they can rise to the occasion and deliver results, regardless of whether they’re chief executives or executive assistants.
Nominate a 2025 Difference Maker today!
This is that time of year when companies launch their kickoff meetings, where they lay out the agenda and expectations for the new year. Well, this recognition program dovetails perfectly with the sales and company-wide gatherings: while throwing down the gauntlet for 2025, it’s also vital to take a moment to recognize that person or people who helped to make 2024 a rousing success. Bake it into your corporate culture agenda—after all, there is no cost involved, making Difference Makers the most budget-friendly, high-value initiative you’ll embark on this year.
The Definition?
The Difference Maker program offers plenty of latitude. There is no set definition for what constitutes a Difference Maker, but just like a beautiful spring day, you know what one looks and feels like, right? It’s that je ne sais quoi quality that you can’t pin down. And each year, we recognize 50-60 such individuals with a profile and picture in the May issue of ENX Magazine.
Look at it another way. A Difference Maker is the answer to all of these questions:
- Who can I count on in the clutch?
- Who goes above and beyond to help the company and its clients?
- Who offers project assistance without being asked?
- Who takes a task and runs with it?
- Who constantly stays late because they never pay attention to the clock?
- Who puts the company and team members above himself/herself?
- Who can you turn to for anything?
- Who is friendly and beloved?
- Who makes every day easier or brighter?
The Difference Maker may not always occupy a corner office, but they’re certainly in the hearts of fellow employees. This is your way to say thank you, that you see them and appreciate their value. Being honored carries more oomph than a “you rock” cake or a $25 gift card from Starbies. Best of all, it only takes 15 minutes of your time to click the link for the form and make someone’s day, week or even year. It’s a “thank you” of the highest order.
We don’t have many rules for the program. In fact, there are only two: you cannot nominate yourself, and we can’t accept candidates who were honored the previous year. You can check out last year’s Difference Makers here.
Click here for the nomination form, which includes information and examples regarding submissions. Again, you have until March 11 to submit your nominations.
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 note 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, which expires in 24 hours, through the “send link” option. Your best bet is to save the information in a Word document on your local drive, just in case the form gremlin makes it disappear.
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 the business community.
