Exposure to new ideas and tools can foster innovation, which is critical for long-term success in distribution, says David Gordon, president of Channel Marketing Group, in Fostering a Culture of Innovation.

To find innovative ideas, observe what's happening at other companies within the industry – as well as those from complementary industries and even non-complementary industries – and ask, “How could that work for me?”

Though companies in other industries may use different terminology, many of their issues and the solutions they use to address them are applicable to distributors, Gordon says.

Gordon also suggests networking with other businesses and keeping up with industry blogs to find new ways to innovate.

Read more about potential sources of innovation inspiration in Fostering a Culture of Innovation.