Day of days

Released 03/07/2009

Time flies when you're having fun

I'm celebrating today. And no, it's not a day early in honour of my fellow countrymen beating you red coats at Saratoga two hundred-odd years ago (that will be saved for tomorrow) - no, I'm smiling because it's officially my one year anniversary at Dealer Support.

And what a year it's been. From Forums to dealer group conferences; Twitter to Paperworld - I have to say I grossly underestimated this industry when I was looking at taking on the role last year. What I so wrongly assumed to be just pencils and paper clips turns out to be a buzzing, dynamic and fascinating industry, filled with motivated professionals selling everything from sausage skins to a Canon ImagePRESS that practically runs the length of Old Trafford (give or take a bit).

And boy, have I been impressed by the independent dealer. You lot are the toughest cookies I've come across. It's the ability for each one of you to be your own entrepreneur, achieving seemingly unachievable feats, while maintaining a loyal customer base that is not only consistently buying stationery off you, but I wouldn't be surprised if they also invited you to their wedding, baby christening and child's first birthday.

Of course, it's been a rough year - one of the roughest in history - but what's amazing, is how many of you are surviving, beating off the competition, fighting for your customers, and keeping them, despite their phone ringing off the hook with canvassing calls.

So, really, I just wanted to say thanks for letting me into your industry, and allowing me to report its news. It's been fascinating year, and I can't wait to find out what happens next in this OP world...

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