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Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Board Member

GLENS FALLS, NY (1/9/2024)– The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Barden, Chief Operating Officer of North Country Janitorial, to their Board of Directors in 2024. 

“We are so excited to welcome Chris Barden to the ARCC Board of Directors,” said ARCC President Tricia Rogers. “Chris brings with him a lot of knowledge on the operations of a small business, as well as giving back to the community.”

Mr. Barden joined North Country Janitorial Inc. (NCJ) in 2011 and currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer. He joined NCJ after a 10-year career with Casella Waste where he was the Senior Operations Analyst. Mr. Barden is a former army officer and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He leverages his diverse background as a soldier, a waste management professional, a leadership training instructor, and as an entrepreneur to facilitate a responsive and proactive operational setting at North Country Janitorial. Additionally, Mr. Barden serves on the Board of Directors of the Warren County Economic Development Corporation and the Adirondack Vet’s House.

The ARCC would also like to express our gratitude for the Board service of Crystal Grimaldi, of Ideal Dairy Farms. Grimaldi served as ARCC Board Secretary for many years, and the ARCC thanks her for her dedication to the organization and her continued support. Jennifer Whalen, of Rozell Industries, will now serve as Board Secretary.

About the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1914, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is a membership organization representing businesses in New York State’s Washington, Warren, Essex, and Northern Saratoga Counties. The ARCC is a 501c6 not-for-profit corporation, governed by volunteer Board of Directors, and does not receive any funding from local, county or state governments. Our mission is to support our business community through advocacy, education, connection, and collaboration.

Funky Ice Fest Celebrates Winter and Music With Ice Sculptures, Arcade Games and Cocktails

Free Admission for Grooviest Ice Bar in Adirondacks!

LAKE GEORGE, NY — Preparations are underway for the grooviest winter bash in the Adirondacks so grab your crew and get ready to get funky!

Here’s the lowdown: Funky Ice Fest returns to Adirondack Pub & Brewery located at 33 Canada Street, Lake George, on Jan. 19 and 20 and Jan. 26 and 27 — the last Fridays and Saturdays in January — from 4 to 9 p.m.

Funky Ice Fest has been bringin’ the vibes since 2016, carving out a one-of-a-kind experience to groove outside beneath the winter moon and a disco ball while sipping craft cocktails and other locally-made Adirondack Brewery beer and drinks.

The Pub serves up a far out ice bar experience with a side of nostalgia complete with funky tunes, classic arcade games like Pac-Man, and a whole lotta chill. Show up in your grooviest threads and rock those afros handed out by the Pub. Plus, they’re not just servin’ up hand-crafted cocktails – Adirondack Brewery’s bringing the craft beer and beverages, and tasty food specials, too. 

“Prevent cabin fever, Get out and have some fun outdoors dancing under the stars. It’s like a celebration of funk and disco wrapped into one. Every year it grows and becomes more funky and fun,” said John Carr, Founder of Adirondack Pub and Brewery.

Picture this: tons of Instagram-worthy photo ops with a variety of ice sculptures.

In addition to the ice lounge complete with full bar and high top tables, sculptors Kirk Sheloski and Anthony Giorgianni are carving an ice throne, ensemble of instruments including a playable piano, harp, standup bass, xylophone and more, as well as animals, crystals and other fun smaller sculptures. The craft cocktail menu features award-winning spirits from High Peaks Distilling, John Carr’s distillery next door. 

Admission is free. 

About Adirondack Brewery: 

Adirondack Pub & Brewery is a microbrewery located in the heart of Lake George at 33 Canada Street serving up fresh craft beverages and tasty, all-American comfort food.

Established in 1999, Adirondack Brewery continues to brew fresh craft beverages including ales and lagers, hard cider, seltzers, lemonades and teas, and its non-alcoholic offering, Bear Wizz Root Beer. Adirondack Brewery strives to use the finest local ingredients. To read the full story please visit adkbrewery.com/story. Follow the Brewery on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Blue Collar StartUp – Episode 46: Advocating for the Trades – AGC NYS

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Brendan Manning, the Vice President of Education & Environment at AGC New York!

The AGC (Associated General Contractors) specializes in discovering and solving the problems caused by federal and state legislation that pertain to the trades, and informing and working with local tradespeople based on that information. Whether it’s by focusing on the legal side, directly training local business owners, or partnering with local organizations, the AGC is a fantastic Blue Collar advocate! Listen to this episode to learn more about their important mission!

Listen to the episode HERE!

ARCC team members promoted to Vice President and Director

GLENS FALLS, NY – The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is excited to announce the promotion of two team members. Former Marketing Director Amanda Blanton will now serve as Vice President, Marketing & Communications, and former Events Manager Carol Ann Conover will now serve as Director of Events & Community Engagement.

“These two ladies have really grown in their positions, and as the ARCC is ready to take it to the next level I am confident that Amanda and Carol Ann will continue to lead and excel in their roles,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers.

Ms. Blanton joined the ARCC team in August of 2016, after serving as a marketing & call center representative for a credit union in Saratoga Springs. She has been responsible for all marketing and communications for the Chamber, hosts the Chamber’s weekly radio show, regularly writes for business related publications, and has successfully increased the ARCC’s social media presence. She also serves as the staff liaison to the Adirondack Nonprofit Business Council.

“Every step in my career path has certainly led me to where I am today. The past 7+ years at the ARCC have been a rewarding and educational experience. I feel much pride and joy in the work that I do for this organization and greater community. I am truly excited to grow in my new role,” said Ms. Blanton.

Ms. Conover joined the team in January of 2021, bringing with her a diverse professional background spanning multiple business sectors. She has been active in the Adirondack region and Glens Falls community since moving here permanently in 2013. Carol Ann also serves as the staff liaison for the ARCC’s Women’s Business Council, Veterans Business Network, and Leadership Adirondack.

“Growing with the ARCC and our amazing community these last 3 years has been nothing short of inspiring. The way our members come together to support our mission and celebrate each other is truly a gift. I’m excited to continue the momentum and excitement this team has created in my new role as Director of Events & Community Engagement – I am grateful to my teammates for this opportunity and to our members for their constant support and encouragement. Thank you for putting your trust in me and in the ARCC. Together, there is no limit to what we will achieve!” said Ms. Conover.

About the ARCC

Founded in 1914, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is a membership organization representing businesses in New York State’s Washington, Warren, Essex and Northern Saratoga Counties. The ARCC is a 501c6 not-for-profit corporation, governed by volunteer Board of Directors. Our mission is to support our business community through advocacy, education, connection, and collaboration.

The Hyde Collection Promotes Two Dynamic Leaders

GLENS FALLS, NY – The Hyde Collection is thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotions of Kate Wilkins to Chief Advancement Officer and Ginevra (Gina) Fisk to Creative Director, effective January 1,  2024. These new roles showcase the museum’s commitment to strategic growth and innovative  engagement, led by two talented individuals who embody a passion for art, expertise within their  individual professions, and a deep connection to The Hyde’s mission. 

Kate Wilkins, a rising star in the museum development world, steps into the crucial role of Chief  Advancement Officer. Her unwavering dedication and strategic vision have already proven instrumental  in driving fundraising success. Since joining The Hyde in 2021, she spearheaded a refocused global  fundraising approach, which was key in securing historic funding for the museum. 

“We are fortunate to have Kate leading our campaign and development efforts,” says John Lefner,  President and CEO. “Her creativity, knowledge, and passion for The Hyde are truly inspiring, and we  have no doubt she will propel our philanthropic growth to new heights.” 

Wilkins’ impressive background speaks volumes about her qualifications. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts  from Alfred University and a Master’s in Museum Studies focusing on Advancement Communications  from Harvard, she further strengthened her expertise with a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit  Management from the same prestigious institution. Her local roots and extensive experience in cultural  institutions like Proctors Collaborative and Opera Saratoga add invaluable context and understanding to  her role. 

“The Hyde Collection is a truly special place, to me personally, and in our cultural landscape,” Wilkins  expresses. “The opportunity to dedicate my professional passion to securing philanthropic support for this  remarkable institution is incredibly meaningful. I am proud to continue our work fostering artistic  exploration, preserving The Hyde’s collection, and advancing education in my new role. 

On the creative front, Gina Fisk ascends to the position of Creative Director, bringing a wealth of talent  and strategic vision to The Hyde’s marketing and design initiatives. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual  Media and International Business from the Rochester Institute of Technology, she joined The Hyde in 2014. She has been the driving force behind the museum’s visual identity for nearly ten years, from  managing social media and crafting promotional materials to designing exhibition graphics and leading  advertising campaigns. Her intimate connection to The Hyde dates back to her childhood art classes in  South Glens Falls, further fueling her dedication to showcasing the museum’s treasures to the world.  

“Gina has been a steady hand and guiding force for our marketing efforts,” remarks John Lefner. “Her  artistic sensitivity, combined with her marketing and project management expertise, make her the perfect  candidate to elevate The Hyde’s online presence, develop fresh strategies for our advancements, and forge  valuable collaborations within our community.”

Fisk’s enthusiasm for her new role shines through: “I’m incredibly excited to contribute to The Hyde’s  future in this expanded capacity. Creating innovative online experiences, collaborating with talented  minds across the museum, and building meaningful partnerships within our community are very  important to me. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.” 

“The Hyde Collection’s leadership team now shines even brighter with the promotion of these two  dynamic individuals. Kate Wilkins and Gina Fisk stand poised to guide The Hyde on an exciting journey  of growth, engagement, and continued artistic excellence,” stated Lefner.  

The Hyde Collection is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.  

About The Hyde Collection 

The Hyde is one of the Northeast’s exceptional small art museums with distinguished European and  American art collections. The core collection, acquired by Museum founders Charlotte and Louis Hyde,  includes works by such artists as Sandro Botticelli, Tintoretto, El Greco, Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens,  Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Georges Seurat, and Pablo Picasso  and American artists Thomas Eakins, Childe Hassam, Winslow Homer, James McNeill Whistler, and  Anna Hyatt Huntington. The Museum’s Modern and Contemporary art collection features works by artists  including Josef Albers, Dorothy Dehner, Sam Gilliam, Adolph Gottlieb, Grace Hartigan, Ellsworth Kelly,  Sol LeWitt, Robert Motherwell, Ben Nicholson, Robert Rauschenberg, and Bridget Riley. Today, The Hyde offers significant national and international exhibitions and a packed schedule of events that help  visitors experience art in new ways. Visit www.hydecollection.org.

Throughout the years, the Museum has expanded considerably from the historic Hyde home. It includes a modern museum complex with an auditorium, classroom, five galleries, and a state-of-the-art storage  facility.  

Adirondack Region Cat Adoption Center’s Featured Cat of the Week: Buckwheat

We are always shocked when cats that have spent their entire lives outdoors end up being well socialized and affectionate towards humans. This was the case for Buckwheat, who was trapped at an outdoor feline community. Who knows what this sweet guy went through for the three years he spent without a home. He is independent and quite content spending the day sleeping in his box with his favorite blanket. Buckwheat can get overwhelmed easily so he will need a quiet home that gives him the space to feel comfortable and confident.

If you are interested in learning more about Buckwheat, please contact the Adoption Center at 518.409.8105 ext 101 or adoptadk@animalleague.org. You can also complete the adoption application using the link: www.animalleague.org/adkpreapproval

www.animalleague.org/adirondackregion
Facebook: theanimalleagueadirondackregion
Instagram: AnimalLeagueAdirondack

Etched in Valor: The Working Days Aren’t Over Yet

Sometimes retirement doesn’t quite mean the working days are really over.

That is happily the case for Glens Falls local Adam Root, who is closing the book on his years of service for the New York State Corrections System and is starting anew as owner of Etched in Valor.

Sort of.

You see, Root has been operating the shop while simultaneously working full time for the state for the last several years. This double duty routine stemmed from years of creating custom wood signs and his signature custom-turned pens in his off-hours under his prior home business, Root’s Wood Designs.

“When we heard this place was for sale, it just seemed like the right thing to do. At the time, I knew that retirement was approaching and even though I still had a few more years left, it seemed like it would be a missed opportunity to not jump on it,” said Root.

Located in Queensbury, NY, Etched in Valor is a custom awards and engraving shop. Previously known as Gifts & Engravings by George, Root and his wife, Kris, purchased Etched in Valor in 2019.

DISTINGUISHED FROM THE REST

Root, you see, is no stranger to the concept of dedication. Root’s full immersion into it began early on in his life when he joined the United States Marine Corps straight after graduating high school. After spending his early years on what he described as “the wrong side of the tracks,” Root wanted to be a part of something that would make better opportunities for himself and for others down the line. After serving with the USMC for four dedicated years, Root was honorably discharged for medical reasons.

The decision to join the military would pay off in the long run for Root as it has indeed led him to unique opportunities along the way. Most recently of note, is that due to his time in the service, Root was able to apply for Etched in Valor to become a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business.

This designation allows the company to pursue bids that are specially set aside for this community of business owners. For Etched in Valor, it has allowed them opportunities like partnering with New York State Schools to produce all of the plaques for Section 2 Sports in the state.

OFFERINGS AT ETCHED IN VALOR

Not only are you working with dedicated individuals at Etched in Valor, you are partnering with a company that focuses on the craftsmanship of the products that they produce.

When asked what sets them apart from the rest, Root explained, “Here at Etched in Valor, we do a lot more of the work in-house than other companies. For example, we have the equipment and expertise to do full colors on trophies and medals whereas a lot of the competition outsources projects like that.”

In addition to trophies and medals, Etched in Valor can also produce customized engraved products that include but are not limited to: drinkware, clocks, plaques, signature wedding favors and corporate awards.

I enjoy this. It’s not really a job to me, in a work effort sense. There are days that test you for sure, but we get through those.


– OWNER OF ETCHED IN VALOR, Adam Root

ALWAYS LOOKING FORWARD

As Root transitions into running the business as his sole working endeavor, he has a few goals for the years to come. “Ideally, a great starting place for us would be to expand our knowledge and skill sets in the areas of service that we already cover,” stated Root. Next stop on his journey would be to explore purchasing a facility of their own, instead of renting as they currently do.

Most important to note, however, is that at the end of the day Root just wants to ensure “we are giving our customers the best range of offerings that we possibly can at prices that they have come to count on.”

CONNECT WITH ETCHED IN VALOR

If you are interested in the services that Etched in Valor provides, you can explore their offerings on their website, EtchedinValor.com.

Putting the Wind In Your Sails

Nourishing children’s confidence through an immense educational ocean.

When Chris Leuzinger left Western Canada for Taiwan, he didn’t know his one-year contract to teach at a private school would turn into four of the best years of his life.

“I was having the time of my life, so why would I leave?” he said. “I figured out I loved teaching while I was doing it.”

Chris has been on a voyage of discovery ever since. A proponent of education in all forms, in 2014, he and his wife, Lauren, became co-pilots of Nourishing Minds Tutoring, a ship of scholars guided by a crew of professionally-trained educators— which has grown to as many as 21 during demand peaks— riding the waves of education.

In a Sea of Possibilities…

When Chris did leave the Far East, he took a fantastic four-month voyage through Africa, from Kenya to Johannesburg, South Africa. Following that journey, he spent a year in New Zealand earning his Graduate Degree in Primary Education.

After graduation, he would fly back across the globe yet again to begin a six-year “stay” in London from 2009 to 2014. While in London, he began teaching at a poorly-performing inner-city school in one of the worst areas of the city. When Chris arrived, his school ranked among the bottom 5% in the county; by the time he left, they had risen to among the top 10%.

“True magic can happen when you have higher expectations. Kids rise to the challenge.”

Chris Leuzinger, Founder of Nourishing Minds

During his six years in the United Kingdom, he would transition from teaching into administrative positions. Working as an educational consultant, he helped build teaching standards, curriculum, and professional development training for other schools. While some of these schools were also in England, others were as far off as Spain, Norway, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Chris would spend some time in each of these places as well, adding to his already impressive collection of stamps on his passport.

…A Compass Rose

Now in 2014 and back in the US, Chris and Lauren decided to make their home in Lauren’s native hometown of Saratoga Springs. The couple would then use their experience to navigate effectively through the challenge of starting Nourishing Minds Tutoring from scratch. They hit the streets and got the word out (through spots like Northshire Bookstore) then let their work speak for itself.

“That we’ve grown to this point almost 100 percent from word-of-mouth, tells me people are happy and satisfied with what we’re doing – We must be doing something right,” said Chris.

Now, Chris and Lauren (a Special Education teacher working on her second Master’s Degree) have three children; Taylor, 9, Brady, 6, and Layla, 4. They have also had the experience of nurturing a student who was struggling through 3rd grade all the way to earning an academic scholarship to a prestigious university.

“When you choose to invest in tutoring, you recognize that it is a long-term investment,” said Chris, adding, “But, I cannot guarantee grades. Learning doesn’t work that way.”

Taking the Helm

Making education come alive through engaging, real – world applications, kids are learning without realizing they’re learning – and without having to sit at a desk all the time, said Chris.

Nourishing Minds Tutoring utilizes both formative and summative assessments to gauge student learning. Using summative (or standardized) forms of testing when beginning to work with a student, they arrive at a launch point. Formative assessments monitor progress, further gauging learning through work samples, essays, and teacher evaluations over time.

Navigating Rough Waters

New and varied approaches to education like these are becoming popular because as technology helps inform our experience, research indicates traditional methods are failing children. Homeschooling is on the rise and the online tutoring services market is expected to reach $23.73 billion by 2030.1

Whether students are failing to meet age-based expectations or are excelling beyond them, Nourishing Minds provides students with the individualized support and resources they need, while also contracting with school districts to help supplement home instruction.

Climbing the Rigging

Through creative, personalized approaches, Nourishing Minds tutors teach relevant standards- based curriculum in a way that students respond to.

Growing up petrified of math, Chris had the mentality that he just “wasn’t good at it” and “couldn’t do it.” Then, Chris learned math could be more than the flashcard memorization method he was taught as a child. Now, math is Chris’ favorite subject to teach.

“Common core was crucified in the media but I sing its praises,” he said. “When I was growing up, there was one way to do it, and that was it. Common core teaches kids a variety of ways a lot of parents and teachers never learned themselves and that helps so many kids.”

Full Speed Ahead

While the Capital District continues to experience a shortage in Occupational, Physical, Speech, Language, and Musical Therapists, Nourishing Minds Tutoring contracts to supplement education with school districts while also offering private and group tutoring, both in-home and online. They switched to an entirely virtual model during five months of the pandemic, but now exist as a hybrid.

“Homeschooling can be done in many, many ways, and you’re pretty free to do what you want. It’s a lot more doable and accessible than people think it is,” said Chris.

In New York State, homeschooling families are required to develop an Individual Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) adhering to the 100.10 Standards on Home Instruction.2

Socialization can be accomplished in a variety of ways today, too, Chris stresses. By participating in sports, extra-curriculars, volunteering, and getting a part-time job, children learn socialization skills while also building confidence – which is key.

“To me, success in one aspect of life translates to success in another,” said Chris.

Living by example, Chris volunteers 2,000 hours per year as the Assistant Chief of the Wilton Fire Department, and serves on the board of the Cantina Fun Run.

“There’s power in getting together as a community and helping.

Find a way to get involved, something you care about, and make the world a better place,” said Chris.

For more information, go to NourishingMindsTutoring.com

1 https://finance.yahoo.com/news/online-tutoring-services-market-worth-100000126. html
2
https://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/10010-home-instruction

Local Professional Opens Saratoga-Based Fight Promotion

Donald Walton has been training in martial arts since he was seven years old. But it wasn’t until he found Saratoga’s Elite Academy of Martial Arts at 19 that he began to take his training seriously. On Friday, November 17th, over a decade later, Walton received his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt from Alliance Jiu Jitsu instructor James Bruchac.

“Jiu Jitsu helped bring out who I truly was and helped me become a better person. It gave me purpose and forced me to face myself and improve daily. I am not sure if I would be alive today if it weren’t for this place and this martial art,” Walton said in a statement after his belt ceremony.

Now 32 years old, Walton has become an integral part of the academy’s coaching staff. If one walks into the Saratoga academy on any given night, Walton can be seen teaching striking and grappling classes to children, beginners and devoted martial artists alike. Walton also represents the gym as a professional MMA fighter (with a record of 1-0), a status he acquired earlier this year in February after his round two submission win over Jason LaPage in Barre, Vermont.

“I really enjoy being a professional fighter, even though it hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” Walton said. “There’s a lot more opportunity at the pro level when it comes to opponents, plus you can finally start earning money on your fights, which is always nice.”

Yet, Walton – a student turned teacher, turned professional – has bigger ambitions than just fighting for his own name. He is blending his love of fighting with his entrepreneurial spirit and starting his own fight promotion, based in his hometown – Saratoga Springs. “My goal is to help the level of our community’s martial arts and help give people avenues to be able to make it in this sport if they want to. I’m not doing this for me; I’m in this to help the community,” Walton told us.

Coming in the new year, Walton has teamed up with a local venue to host a night of amateur fighting. But it won’t just be a one-off event. Hopefully, for Walton it will be the first of many nights. Walton continued,“When I was looking into starting my own fight promotion, I reached out to good friends of mine in the fighting world, many of them are experts when it comes to the business side of things,” Walton said.

“All I know, really, is fighting, so I had to build a good team. The owner of DonnyBrooke Fight Promotions [a well known promotion for amateur and professional fighters in the Northeast, based out of Barre, Vermont, where Walton got his debut victory] suggested I work under his name. They have a database of fighters, people reaching out for bouts and a well-established name, so it was a no-brainer for me,” Walton said.

In essence, it’s a franchise deal. Walton will work under the DonnyBrooke name and become the face of the promotion in New York, working closely with fighters throughout the region. The first event is slated for March of 2024, with a venue already established – the Saratoga City Center. “We thought it was the perfect venue for what we are trying to do. The space, the price, all of it. Plus it’s right here in my hometown.”

The City Center has been receptive to MMA events before, having hosted Kaged Kombat roughly a decade ago, at a time where MMA wasn’t nearly as popular. “I looked into a lot of venues, places were either overcharging for very little to nothing, or they just couldn’t fit what I was looking for – in terms of the size of the cage, the seating for the crowd etc,” Walton continued, “the City Center checked all of our boxes for a venue and I really want to keep our relationship with them for the future.”

DonnyBrooke’s New York promotion will put on fights in a variety of disciplines, including mixed martial arts, muay thai, kickboxing and grappling. The fights will be at an amateur level to start, but Walton plans on eventually hosting professional bouts under his promotion.

“I’ve found out that a lot of our local fighters are used to fighting only under one or two promotions, because really, there aren’t a lot of promotions near us. My goal is to have local fighters, be able to compete with fighters from all over the country, creating a fresh pool of talent.” Undoubtedly, this will create a lot more opportunity for local fighters to be seen and work their way up the ranks from amateur to professional, just as Walton did. Plus, for local martial arts fans, it’s a great way to support the local scene while enjoying fight nights right in Downtown Saratoga.

When asked where he sees DonnyBrooke Fight Promotions in the future, Walton said, “I’m hoping, years from now, to have DonnyBrooke partnered for One Championship to be a feeder into a larger, international promotion.” One Championship is a world-renowned fight promotion that began in 2011. The Singapore-based promotion works with smaller promoters all over the world to add to their ever-growing pool of fighters. They even pull from a New York City-based promotion, Warrior’s Cup, which was established in 2006.

“Warrior’s Cup is an amazing promotion, but they had to start where we are now – at the beginning – and slowly build themselves, and that’s what I want to do now, to build this promotion large enough to partner with One Championship,” Walton said.

For more information about DonnyBrooke Fight Promotions, or to buy tickets for upcoming events, check them out on Facebook or visit DonnyBrookeFightPromotions.com

Harnessing Trends in Outsourcing for a Stronger Bottom Line in 2024

In the wake of recent global shifts, it’s evident that sales management has transformed, leaving leaders and their teams with a unique set of challenges and opportunities to shape the future of their sales organization in a positive direction.

The Evolving Landscape of Sales Leadership

To thrive in the rapidly changing sales landscape, managers need to understand emerging trends that could help them lead and grow more efficiently.

1. LISTEN BEFORE YOU ACT

While the customer has always been king, sales teams often prioritized taking action before listening to buyer feedback. Post-pandemic, it’s crucial to shift this approach. Start by actively listening to your customers’ wants and needs before crafting your sales strategy. Gather insights, conduct surveys, and truly understand your target audience to tailor your approach effectively.

2. FOSTER ENHANCED COLLABORATION

In addition to maintaining strong customer relationships, the future of sales management emphasizes the need for improved internal collaboration within your organization and throughout the supply chain. Encourage open communication, teamwork, and knowledge sharing among your teams to ensure a streamlined, customer-focused approach.

3. CULTIVATE FLEXIBILITY IN SALES LEADERSHIP

To stay at the forefront of evolving sales trends, sales leaders must constantly adapt. To implement this, focus on being a quick learner, embracing technological advancements, and leading your team with purpose. Being open to change and ready to pivot your strategies when needed is the hallmark of a good leader.

Outsourced Sales Management: A Strategic Asset

Amid the rapid shifts following the pandemic, outsourcing sales management has emerged as a valuable tool for businesses. It’s not just a trend; it’s a strategic choice that can significantly impact the future of sales management. Here’s how outsourcing can benefit your business and boost your bottom line:

1. STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE

Outsourcing to experienced professionals ensures your company doesn’t lag behind in adopting new trends. Outsourced sales leaders stay up to date with customer sentiments, priorities, and sales trends, giving you a competitive edge. By tapping into their expertise, you can build a resilient sales model that better serves your customers and drives higher profits.

2. LEVERAGE SALES EXPERTISE

Seasoned sales experts provide invaluable insights, strategies, and a deep understanding of the sales landscape that can be out of reach for smaller companies. Outsourced sales professionals bring a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge to the table, enabling small businesses to access top- tier talent and industry insights they might not be able to afford full-time.

3. REDUCE OVERHEAD COSTS

Outsourcing can often be a cost-effective solution, especially for smaller businesses. You can scale your sales efforts up or down as needed, avoiding the burden of maintaining a full-time, in-house team during uncertain times.

The Bottom Line

Businesses can harness the power of outsourcing their sales function, a strategic move that can be especially beneficial when lacking the financial capacity for in-house leadership at the same level. By leveraging these experts, businesses can navigate complex sales challenges, stay competitive, and achieve revenue goals without the hefty costs of maintaining a full-time sales leadership team. As an experienced professional who understands the ever-changing sales trends, I can help your business stay ahead of the curve.

Don’t let the fast-paced sales world leave your business behind – contact me today and I will help you build a resilient sales model for tomorrow.