As stated earlier, developing a strong and productive relationship with the field sales managers is a distinct, complex process. The Forecasting group may encounter varying degrees of receptiveness from one sales manager to another. In the best-case scenario, the account manager is well aware of the importance of the forecasting process with respect to relationships with customers. Some may even be fully aware of the customers’ collaborative efforts with other vendors and may be anxious to engage them in the same manner with efforts of efforts of their own. Once the sales manager recognizes that a close working relationship with the Forecast group may open up many opportunities, he or she will be eager to participate.