In researching this month’s cover story I was surprised to learn how few suppliers in the heavy-duty aftermarket have advisory councils.
Admittedly this was the first time I’ve aggressively searched for them, but from past conversations with suppliers I was under the impression they were fairly common.
That doesn’t appear to be the case.
If what I’ve learned recently is any indication, a well-run advisory council is a wonderfully valuable program. Difficult to manage and more time consuming than one might guess, but incredibly valuable nonetheless.
I think my draw to advisory councils is abundance of information. Bring a group of engaged distributors or customers together for a few days and I’d imagine there’s no topic that’s off limits. To me, that’s incredibly enticing.
I’m someone who craves information. I know that sounds obvious com-ing from someone who asks questions for a living, but it’s true in my personal life as well.
I’m the guy who when watching TV pulls out my phone every five minutes and Googles the last thing I saw on the screen. Who was that person? Where is this place? Why did the host say that? I want to know all the answers, and I’m always eager to find them.
