No matter where it is, “outsiders” too often complain that the church, school PTA, social groups, civic groups, volunteer organizations, etc. are “cliquish”.
Here is a sobering thought. THEY ARE. This is an affirmation of what you have thought as an observer of human behavior.
Within our industry, we have scores of volunteer groups, many of which I have personal experience with. Yes, they are “cliquish”, too. As you sit on the outside looking in, perhaps at a meeting, a trade show or education session, you see a bunch of people who seem to know each other well. They laugh and drink with each other, perhaps they socialize with the families and have a common bond or friendship. That is the view from the “outside”. While it is accurate, the takeaway is wrong.
Our regional associations and PPAI provide so very much to our industry. Our associations are made up of “you”: you the supplier, you the distributor, you the rep. A simple raising of your hand, a simple filling out of a form, a simple stepping forward in line is the only qualification you need to become a “volunteer”. With that, you will have cracked open the “clique” and will be welcomed as a new clique member, no questions asked. That’s right, from the outside it may look impenetrable but, in reality, the more cliquers, the merrier. As our industry faces legislation, such as proposed by Senator Joni Ernst, we need more strength and that is only garnered with numbers. As our industry faces many external challenges, your associations are insurance policies to keep you and your business viable.
Cliquers are always courteous to those who are members but do not volunteer or contribute in any real way. However, cliquers are indeed more special to each other. They share a common understanding of volunteer service and respect each other for doing so.
Oh, the benefits of being a cliquer.
The bonds of friendship formed by being a cliquer will probably last longer than your career. In time you don’t say ... I have a friend in the business but, I have a friend. Professionally, a cliquer learns skills he or she may never have had. Some people I served with did not know how to read a balance sheet. They were quickly taught how to and it contributed to their professional growth. Some had limited tech knowledge and became more capable and could get by … “with a little help from their friends”. From a company point of view, the time invested can return anything from special pricing, special service and special consideration when there is a problem. Your company has a face and you move from an ID number to a person. We are in a people business so it is better to be known by your name than your ASI or SAGE number. Doors closed to reps open wider. 95% of our industry is made up of small companies. As such, the small companies lack a supply of astute board members to bring their knowledge to the table. As a “cliquer” you won’t believe the brains you can pick. Yeah, there will always be few that you question whether they have a brain.
Cliques, clans and tribes are fundamental subgroups in every community, every society. One need only look at the animal community. A flock, a herd, a school, etc. are all cliques. What we fail to recognize is that the doors are really open and that the people we see as cliquish only got into that group before us.
I hope you raise your hand. Cliquers are always welcome.
Joel D. Schaffer, MAS is CEO and Founder of Soundline, LLC, the pioneering supplier to the promotional products industry of audio products. Joel has 48 years of promotional product industry experience and proudly heralds “I was a distributor.” He has been on the advisory panel of the business and marketing department of St. John’s University in New York and is a frequent speaker at Rutgers Graduate School of Business. He is an industry Advocate and has appeared before the American Bankers Association, American Marketing Association, National Premium Sales Executives, American Booksellers Association and several other major groups. He has been a management consultant to organizations such as The College Board and helped many suppliers enter this industry. He is a frequent contributor to PPB and Counselor magazines. He has facilitated over 200 classes sharing his industry knowledge nationwide. He is known for his cutting humor and enthusiasm in presenting provocative and motivating programs. He is the only person to have received both the Marvin Spike Industry Lifetime Achievement Award (2002) and PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award (2011). He is a past director of PPAI and has chaired several PPAI committees and task forces. He is a past Chair of the SAAGNY Foundation, Past President of SAAGNY and a SAAGNY Hall of Fame member. He was cited by ASI as one of the 50 most influential people in the industry.