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LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

NETWORKING: YOUR SECRET

WEAPON IN A CHAOTIC MARKET

BARBARA SCHERING

LBMAO Chair of the Board
CashierPRO Retail Systems Inc., North Bay

etworking is so much more than just swapping business cards sidestep those pesky tariffs. Or perhaps they have a handle on market
Nand making small talk at events. It’s all about creating a solid trends and pricing that could help you keep your prices competitive.
support system that can really make a difference, especially for folks It’s all about collaborating to ride the waves of change together.
in Ontario’s building materials scene. With trade wars and shaky Then there’s the all-important relationship between suppliers and
economic conditions swirling around us, that web of connections retailers. This connection is the backbone of what we do. When things
becomes even more important. I mean, one minute you’re doing great, get rocky, both sides need to work together instead of just treating
and the next, a sudden tariff or market shift can throw everything into each other like transactions. Open communication is key—if suppliers
chaos. That’s where your network steps in to help you not just stay give you a heads-up about price hikes or potential shortages, you can
afloat but actually thrive. tweak your inventory and bids ahead of time. Plus, if a critical material
Let’s think about why having a good network is like having a suddenly gets slapped with a tariff, having a great relationship with
secret weapon in today’s unpredictable market. The challenges are your suppliers means you can team up to find solutions, whether that’s
everywhere: one moment, you find out prices for essential materials switching to a different product or negotiating new terms. It’s all about
like lumber or steel are skyrocketing due to tariffs, and the next, you trust, and that doesn’t happen overnight.
might get blindsided by supply chain hiccups. A new tariff can mean Now let’s not forget about the power of collective voices. Individual
delays in shipments or even put strain on those long-term supplier businesses may not have much sway when it comes to trade policy, but
relationships you’ve worked so hard to build. Plus, if construction costs together, you can pack a punch. Organizations like the LBMAO lobby on
shoot up, your clients might hit the pause button on their projects, behalf of the entire industry. By joining in, you’re not just networking—
leading to a dip in demand for your products. It’s definitely a tough you’re part of a bigger picture, working to tackle issues that really
spot to be in! matter to everyone’s bottom line.
In all this craziness, information is your best friend. And trust me, But hey, the perks of networking don’t just kick in during a crisis;
your network is where all that valuable info is hiding. Think of your they can open up new opportunities for the long haul. You might find
network as more than a list of names—it’s alive and kicking, full of yourself chatting at an event and stumble upon a potential partnership
trusted relationships that can help you make sense of things. for a huge project or discover a whole new market segment you
First off, let’s chat about organizations like the Lumber and Building didn’t even know existed. Plus, as you build your reputation through
Materials Association of Ontario, or LBMAO for short. These guys are networking, your company becomes a more attractive spot for top
like the epicenter of networking in our industry. They don’t just throw talent. It helps you stay ahead of the game, too, keeping you informed
parties; they create amazing opportunities—from annual conventions about new technologies and trends before they hit the mainstream.
to fun events like golf tournaments and even a snowmobile day! These In this industry, no one can go it alone. Especially in today’s
gatherings are more than just a good time; they’re gold mines for unpredictable economy, it’s those who are well-connected who stand
sharing ideas and knowledge. Imagine someone at one of these events the best chance of not just surviving but thriving. Next time you score
has already found an alternative supplier for a type of lumber that an invitation to an LBMAO event, don’t blow it off as just another day
just got hit with a tariff. A quick chat could save you tons of time and away from work. See it as a real investment in your future and the
possibly some big losses. future of your business. Networking isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-
And guess what? Your competitors can actually be a super helpful have, and it’s something you can own in this wild climate.
part of your network, too. They’re not just rivals; they’re in the same So here’s to building those connections! I’m really looking forward
boat as you. Sharing insights with them can be incredibly valuable. to seeing you at the next event and brainstorming how we can all ride
Maybe your competitor recently discovered a new distributor who can the waves together. Until then, keep those connections alive!
4 LBMAO Reporter - September-October 2025 www.lbmao.on.ca