| July 25, 2007 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
 |  |
- Kendall Electric acquires Roden Electric
Electrical distributor Kendall Electric has purchased Roden Electric, an electrical, automation and control products distributor. Roden will continue to operate under its own name, as a subsidiary of Kendall. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Industrial Distribution
(7/20)
       
- Survey: Companies to increase spending based on economic outlook
Many companies in the U.S. are planning to ramp up spending and hiring in anticipation of more brisk economic growth, a recent survey found. Twenty percent of the companies surveyed said they are more optimistic about the general state of the economy as sales increase. "There's a lack of bad news outside of housing. Consumers still have jobs and are keeping up spending, and the rest of the world is also growing so exports look very healthy," said the survey's principal analyst. Bloomberg
(7/23)
       
 |
|  |
| | Leverage Your Inventory for Maximum Profit.
As a distributor, inventory is one of your key assets. How do you make sure you have the right products at the right place and the right time? For innovative ideas and insight, download IBM's ALL-NEW Executive Forecast and Demand Planning eKit. It features Adam Fein's article on Demand-Driven Customer Relationships, whitepapers, case studies, and more. | |
 |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|  |
| Best Practices |  |  |
|
- Balance perks to make them productive
Offering flexible perks to workers can help build morale and loyalty, but such perks need to be implemented in a way that truly addresses employees' work and life issues. Some tips for striking that balance include ensuring that the offerings are not selective or discriminatory, keeping opportunities flexible, and making sure the perks work for the employer as well as the employees. Manage Smarter
(7/20)
       
- IT security for remote employees
Employees who work from a home office and who may not have ready-access to an IT manager need to take precautions for securing private data and safeguarding against various cybercrimes. Security software needs to be installed and regularly updated; data should be backed up frequently; and suspicious links or Web sites should be avoided when possible. BusinessWeek
(7/24)
       
| Sales |  |  |
|
- Delusions of grandeur transcend professions
As seen often on "American Idol," the tendency to delude ourselves on the extent of our own talent or skill is not uncommon, and the trend does not exclude salespeople. The reality, however, is that a set of best practices are common among excellent performers in most professions, and although it's useful to have your own style, hiding behind a subjective reality likely won't lead to greatness. DaveKahle.com
(7/3)
       
| Distribution Trends Blog |  |  |
|
 |
-
Broadband boom
The time has come for wholesaler-distributors to embrace the Internet in their everyday business operations, says Pembroke Consulting President and NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence Fellow, Adam J. Fein, Ph.D., citing recent data. A recent survey from the Pew Internet & American Life Project concluded that 47% of adults have a high-speed Web connection in their homes, up 5% from 2006. Distribution Trends
(7/24)

|
| Small Business Manager |  |  |
|
- What leadership is and shouldn't be
An important lesson in leadership is to choose your best role and not be afraid to delegate to others, an expert advises. A list describing what leadership isn't suggests that it isn't just ability, vision or the acknowledgment of a greater good, as much as it is a strong commitment to a set of ideals and a desire to illuminate the way for others. American City Business Journals
(7/16)
       
| Executive Life |  |  |
|
| NAW Insider |  |  |
|
-
Hertz NeverLost® GPS In-Car Navigation Satellite System
Next time you rent with Hertz don't forget to include NeverLost®, the in-car navigational system. Mounted in your vehicle, this video console shows you exactly where you are, calculates your best route to any address you request, and guides you with turn-by-turn commands. You'll never be lost again! To enroll in the NAW/Hertz Business Account Program, visit NAW's Web site.        
-
Brand-new 5 Fundamentals for the Wholesale Distribution Sales Manager
This book from the NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence offers a practical but powerful approach for taking your sales force to the next level. It includes essential theories, key concepts and real-world stories taken from the front lines of wholesale distribution. Use this book as a foundation to help you become an effective, high-performing sales manager. Order your copies today!        
| Weekly Poll |  |  |
|
-
Do you have an MBA?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes. |
 | I am in the process of obtaining it. |
 | No, but I am planning to get it. |
 | No, and I do not intend to get it. |
| SmartQuote |  | |
|
 | If you're going to be cannibalized, it's best to dine with friends."
--John A. Roth, former president of Nortel Networks
 
|
| |
| |
|
Read more at SmartBrief.com |
|
A powerful Web site for SmartBrief readers including:
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, July 23, 2007
- Friday, July 20, 2007
- Wednesday, July 18, 2007
- Monday, July 16, 2007
- Friday, July 13, 2007
| | | Lead Editor: Ashley McMaster
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 | |
| |
|
| © 1999-2009 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information |
|