| February 18, 2009 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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| | The 2009 Economic Forecast for Wholesale Distribution
Dr. Adam J. Fein, distribution industry expert, presents an exclusive first look at how economic trends are shaping up for wholesaler-distributors in 2009. This 30+ page report contains Fein's seasoned analysis of the economic situation and the 2009 macroeconomic forecast. Click here to learn more and download your complimentary report today. | |
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| Best Practices |  |  |
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- Use downturn to step up productive activity
Downturns always have rebounds, and there are plenty of productive things companies can do during slow times to prepare for the eventual turnaround. They include such things as stepping up collections efforts, conducting surveys and taking other measures to better understand both your customers and your own operations. Supply House Times magazine
(2/2009)     
- Strong leadership crucial during tough times
Effective leaders operate by demonstrating the importance of maximizing performance to their team, more with actions than words. By tolerating substandard performance, leaders send the wrong message, and during a downturn, nothing is more important than having a cohesive management team. CEO Strategist
(2/3)
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- Organization is key to successful sales approach
A common trait among the most successful salespeople is a high level of organization, and maintaining a robust filing system helps them to gather, store and draw on critical information, says sales expert Dave Kahle. Kahle writes, "A good filing system dramatically reduces ... wasted time, and provides us with good information that helps us improve the quality of our sales calls." DaveKahle.com
(2/10)
| Distribution Trends Blog | | |
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Wholesale distribution and the economic stimulus
Pembroke Consulting President and NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence Fellow Adam J. Fein, Ph.D., believes the latest economic stimulus package "will have a major impact on many wholesale distribution sectors." But he also wants to know what you think and asks you to tell him in a short survey included in this update of his Distribution Trends blog. Distribution Trends
(2/16)
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| Small Business Manager | | |
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- Revising investment plan can take scare out of starting up
Entrepreneurs are often daunted by the costs of the long to-do lists they make before starting a new business, says Lucinda Cross, president of Ultimate VA-Support. On further investigation, fledgling business owners find they can do without some purchases initially, find some alternatives that are less expensive and outsource some work. Bloomberg Businessweek
(2/10)
| Executive Life | | |
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- Top bed-and-breakfasts pay attention to the details
Karen Brown, of the eponymous guidebooks, offers her take on the leading bed-and-breakfasts around the world, explaining that accommodations can set the tone of a trip. "Your room can be a haven in its own right," she said. Brown lists wood-burning fireplaces, a place to read and well-appointed bathrooms as details that rate highly with her. Brown's list of the top 10 B&Bs includes the Run of the River Inn and Refuge in Leavenworth, Wash., Casa Obelisco near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Les Charmes de Carlucet in France. MSNBC/Forbes Traveler
(2/11)
- Travelers pick Australia as most desired place to visit
A survey of more than 5,500 people around the world found that nearly half picked Australia as the most coveted destination. The survey, commissioned by Visa and an industry group, also showed that the economic downturn had a majority of the people reconsidering their vacation plans. "While the global economic situation will impact tourism, it is unlikely to bring travel to a standstill. What our survey has shown is that travelers will be more creative in their selection of destinations," said Meranda Chan, a Visa country manager. Reuters
(2/11)
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
How Your Company Can Sell its Way through a Difficult Economy, and Come Out Stronger on the Other Side: A series of four webinars for sales executives by Dave Kahle, designed to provide you a working plan to survive and thrive in this down market. Coming in April. Limited capacity. Register now. 800-331-1287
Interested in learning more about advertising with SmartBrief? Click here for detailed industry information and media kits.
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| NAW Insider | | |
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New COBRA regulations have significant impact on employers
The 2009 Economic Stimulus Bill includes a provision for enhanced COBRA benefits for past, current and future COBRA enrollees. The NAW Health Insurance Program offers access to COBRA administration. FlexCOBRA™; manages this complex function and ensures employers always remain in compliance with federal COBRA regulations. FlexCOBRA™; makes the employer's job easier and alleviates the stress that COBRA administration can cause.
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The Distributor Specialist: Customer Champion, Profit Generator!
Specialists are used by a supermajority of top-performing distributors. As defined, the specialist supports the "front-line" sales team and other departments by playing a specific -- usually product- or technology-related -- role in the sales process. The specialist furnishes technical support, sales backup, marketing direction and product management. Learn how to use the specialist to be more profitable in today's down economy.
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Branch managers: Master the 5 fundamentals of superstar management
In today's economic environment, what does it take to become a "superstar" manager of a wholesale distribution branch? Written by Jim Ambrose, 5 Fundamentals for the Wholesale Distribution Branch Manager shows current and aspiring branch managers how to succeed and excel through the mastery of five key skills. Read this book and quickly see why it's our No. 1 best-seller!
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| Weekly Poll | | |
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If you had to pick one, which technology would you most like to see available for use during flights?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Cell phones |
| Internet |
| Other |
| None -- I don't need to use gadgets when I fly. |
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man."
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, February 16, 2009
- Friday, February 13, 2009
- Thursday, February 12, 2009
- Wednesday, February 11, 2009
- Monday, February 09, 2009
| | | Lead Editor: Brooke Howell
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Nina Davidson
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