| October 9, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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| | Benefits for Distributors of an Integrated Business Suite
Addressing the mish-mash of disconnected applications is a key step wholesale distributors can take to gain better control and increase the efficiency of its business. This white paper looks at the value of a single integrated software suite in providing significant advantages to the wholesale distribution business. | |
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- Know your competition -- inside and out
As companies develop a strategic plan, few things are as important as a comprehensive analysis of the competition. Examine your competitors' Web sites, pose queries to your customers and vendors about how your offering compares to those of your rivals and use focus groups and surveys to glean real-world feedback on both your offerings and those of the competition. CEO Strategist
(10/3)
    
- Three "Cs" to keep in mind to boost your pipeline
Companies need to build a strong pipeline of potential opportunities to keep business coming in during the tough times. The three "Cs" inherent in boosting development are consistency in your outreach, consistency in your messaging and consistency in methodology, such as that used by your sales reps. Manage Smarter
(10/1)
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- Small firms go online, use plastic to pay bills
Small-business owners, unable to get credit or bank loans, are turning to online lending clubs and credit cards to pay their bills. The National Small Business Association says the number of small businesses using bank loans is the lowest it has been in 15 years. CNNMoney.com
(10/3)
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- Your 401(k) is safe, but make sure to diversify
As the U.S. grapples with a financial crisis, many workers may be getting concerned about their 401(k) plans. Although it's important to remember that a person's 401(k) is safe even if the company that manages it goes out of business, its balance can drop. Diversity and asset allocation are more important now than ever in preventing further losses, writes Gerri Willis of CNN. CNNMoney.com
(10/6)
- Has the time finally come for 3-D TV at home?
Increasing competition from other media has sent TV manufacturers rushing toward developing technology that might make 3-D pictures the next big step forward for broadcasters, some industry executives say. "If you go to any 3-D trade show, there are only two things on all of the displays -- movies or live sports. Three to four years from now, there should be a lot of content in a lot of venues," said Andrew Setos, engineering president at News Corp.'s Fox Group. TVWeek.com
(10/5)
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OUTLOOK 2009: Get the latest on key industry trends!
OUTLOOK 2009 provides an update on the major and emerging trends identified in 2007's Facing the Forces of Change. It emphasizes practical steps for distributors to take for real success. Read it and make a personal commitment to knowledgeably respond to key industry trends, share information with your staff, and plan for success through strategic thinking, analysis and positive action.
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Use acclaimed industry trends report in your strategic planning
There's no better resource to help with strategic planning during an economic downturn than Facing the Forces of Change®: Lead the Way in the Supply Chain This report provides practical insights into key trends impacting the distribution supply chain and is packed with specific action ideas and planning tools that you can use today to plan for growth and profitability.
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Download key economic data to plan for growth
Download individual economic analysis reports that are most relevant to your business from the 19 major wholesale distribution sectors in the 2008 Wholesale Distribution Economic Reports. As we continue to weather this economic storm, these reports supply a wealth of benchmarking data, including revenue and employment growth trends, the number and size distribution of companies, gross margins, wages, and other operating statistics.
| Weekly Poll | | |
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What incentives does your company offer to its salespeople?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Tangible incentives: trips, latest techno gadgets, money |
| Intangible incentives: employee recognition, feedback, reviews |
| It used to be a mix of these, but our incentives program is suffering right now. |
| We do not offer incentives. |
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 | I'm beginning to understand myself. But it would have been great to be able to understand myself when I was 20 rather than when I was 82."
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, October 08, 2008
- Monday, October 06, 2008
- Friday, October 03, 2008
- Thursday, October 02, 2008
- Wednesday, October 01, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Ashley McMaster
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Robert Jones
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