| February 26, 2009 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Survey: U.S. economy could start to rebound by second half of 2009
Economic activity could begin to rebound in the second half of this year, according to a survey of National Association for Business Economics members. However, the association cautions that "a meaningful recovery is not expected to take hold until next year." NABE also predicts that business investment will undergo a sharp cyclical decline and that the unemployment rate will peak at 9% by the close of 2009. Purchasing.com
(2/23)     
| Best Practices | | |
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- Ask key questions before setting out on your own
As some companies lay off workers and others struggle, many people may consider striking out on their own with an entrepreneurial venture. A list of 10 key questions to ask yourself to find out whether you're up for the task includes: Are you willing and able to take on a great financial risk? Are you willing to sacrifice your lifestyle, possibly for many years? Is your significant other on board? Do you enjoy all aspects of running a business? And are you comfortable making spontaneous decisions with no playbook? The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)
(2/23)
- 5 steps to maximize goodwill from good deeds
Companies should create a strategy for corporate philanthropy that builds on the brand and identity they want to project in the global marketplace, business consultant Alice Korngold says. Marketing and human resources should coordinate efforts, and you need to measure results as you go. "Your company's philanthropy and volunteer services are valuable resources. Use them strategically and meaningfully," she advises. FastCompany.com/FC Expert Blog
(2/23)
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- All you need is love
The model for sales leadership is changing and you need to be prepared for what comes next, writes sales psychology expert Gregory Stebbins. One step will be to learn what makes your sales staff love their work and help bring more of that to their day-to-day experience. Manage Smarter
(2/25)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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| Executive Life | | |
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- Cape Town, South Africa, is cross between Alaska, Big Sur
Cape Town often overwhelms visitors with its remote feeling and grand landscapes. Others revel in the diversity of cultures. To some, the wind-swept scrubland is a dream, while others may see it as a nightmare. The sun-drenched area also features some of the world's finest vineyards. NYTimes.com
(2/22)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Sales executives: Give a copy to every front-line salesperson!
Distributor salespeople need a consistent sales model that provides them with the structure to effectively use their talents and skills for increased profitability -- especially today. Objective-Based Selling in Wholesale Distribution provides exactly that sales model. It is specifically geared to distributor salespeople in all lines of trade. It will teach your salespeople how to sell more at higher gross margins!
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Don't make wrong decisions about profitability
Al Bates, founder and president of Profit Planning Group, has spent 30 years analyzing distributor financial statements. His findings in Profit Myths in Wholesale Distribution boil down to this conclusion: Much, and possibly even most, of what managers in distribution companies know about improving profitability is wrong. Good economic times mask this fact, while challenging times make this fact absolutely dangerous!
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| Weekly Poll | | |
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Does your company hire interns?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes -- We have interns year-round. |
| Yes -- We have interns, but only in the summer. |
| Yes -- We have interns, but not on a regular basis. |
| No -- We never hire interns. |
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Leadership involves finding a parade and getting in front of it."
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, February 25, 2009
- Monday, February 23, 2009
- Friday, February 20, 2009
- Thursday, February 19, 2009
- Wednesday, February 18, 2009
| | | Lead Editor: Brooke Howell
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Nina Davidson
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