| July 31, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
 |  |
- Building a lean, mean distribution machine
 Perry Daneshgari, co-author of "Lean Operations in Wholesale Distribution," advocates streamlining distribution operations by identifying and eliminating wasteful and costly internal activities. In an interview with MDM, Daneshgari says some CEOs who thought their organizations were operating lean 10 years ago are now rethinking their practices. Modern Distribution Management
(7/25)
     
- Mortgage losses spur banks to reduce corporate loans
Banks are significantly reducing forms of credit vital to American companies in the backlash from the subprime-mortgage crisis, and the slowdown threatens to further hamper the U.S. economy. Even healthy businesses are finding it difficult to borrow money as banks, burned by the fallout from looser lending standards, overcorrect and take a much closer look at repayment ability. The New York Times
(7/28)
 | Download the 2008 CFO Research Report.
To see how other mid-sized companies are using corporate cards and other strategies to control expenses, register to download the Sixth Annual CFO Research Report, prepared by CFO Research Services, in collaboration with American Express. |
| Best Practices |  | |
|
- Economy has a sunny side
Even though the collapse of the housing market, the lending crisis and the soaring costs of energy and food are hurting the U.S. economy, other factors promise a healthier outlook for business. The economy has not stopped growing, corporations are reporting stronger earnings than forecast, inflation is not affecting prices of all goods and credit defaults are not above a historically "normal" range. The Philadelphia Inquirer/Associated Press
(7/29)
| Sales | | |
|
- The right steps to ensure you keep every sale you make
Even if you have a signed contract in hand, there's still no such thing as a guaranteed sale. Some strategies for keeping the sale terms intact include sending some type of thank-you or acknowledgment of the sale, regularly updating the customer and sending additional information of value. Manage Smarter
(7/29)
| Small Business Manager | | |
|
| Executive Life | | |
|
- Commentary: Do the math on 401(k) vs. IRA
U.S. News & World Report financial blogger Katy Marquardt offers tips for determining whether an IRA is a better option for retirement savings than a company-sponsored 401(k) plan. Several companies offer plans that are loaded with expensive funds and fees. "It's a good idea to work out the match before jumping into an IRA," she said. U.S. News & World Report/New Money blog
(7/29)
| NAW Insider | | |
|
-
Essential reading for every sales manager and his/her supervisor
5 Fundamentals for the Wholesale Distribution Sales Manager offers a practical but powerful approach for taking your salesforce to the next level. It includes essential theories, key concepts and real-world stories taken from the front lines of wholesale distribution. During this economic slowdown, use this book as a foundation to help you become an effective and high-performing sales manager.
-
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!
| Weekly Poll | | |
|
-
Would you forgo a pay increase for the chance to work from home a few days a week?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes -- the saved gas money/commute time/family time would make it worth it. |
| No -- working from home does not appeal to me. |
| Maybe -- but I would want to work from home full time. |
| The nature of my work would not allow me to telecommute even if I wanted to. |
| SmartQuote | | |
|
 | A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz."
|
| |
| |
|
Read more at SmartBrief.com |
|
A powerful Web site for SmartBrief readers including:
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, July 30, 2008
- Monday, July 28, 2008
- Friday, July 25, 2008
- Thursday, July 24, 2008
- Wednesday, July 23, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Ashley McMaster
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Robert Jones
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 | |
| |
|
| © 1999-2009 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information |
|
