| February 9, 2009 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Tips for employees looking to avoid a layoff
Employees hoping to avoid a pink slip should get into the habit of taking the initiative and being careful not to become a source of negativity in the workplace. "To be a survivor you have to act like one," said Janet Banks, an executive coach in Boston. "People who survive difficult experiences and economic times are able to do so because they can imagine a time when things will change for the better." Modern Distribution Management
(2/3), The Wall Street Journal
(2/3)     
- Thermo Fisher posts higher-than-expected Q4 profit
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. reported a profit of $290.2 million for the fourth quarter, a 21% jump from $239.8 million in the year-earlier period. However, the company predicts declining revenue for 2009 amid the economic downturn. "The economic climate will likely continue to restrain capital budgets, especially through the first half of the year," CEO Marijn Dekkers said. Reuters
(2/4), Forbes/The Associated Press
(2/4)
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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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- 3 components necessary to retain customers in tough times
Companies need to work harder than ever during tough times to try to retain customers. Providing a great customer experience involves three important factors: designing products that fulfill customers' needs, determining a price for each product variation, and cost-effectively developing and managing the supply chain that produces and delivers those services. IndustryWeek
(2/4)
- Making the most of place-based digital video advertising
Place-based digital video advertising is gaining ground as a means of reaching customers who are out and about. Creating the most effective advertisements in this realm requires focusing on the life patterns of your target audience and tailoring the message to the context in which the ad will be seen. MarketingProfs
(2/3)
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- Prevent "misselling" with self-regulation, commission transparency
Efforts by salespeople to upsell a customer by extolling the virtues of a pricier choice can be undermined by the customer's awareness that a higher commission for the salesperson is likely at stake. Curb "misselling" practices via such techniques as commission transparency and self-regulation, this article says. Kellogg Insight
(2/2009)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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- Understanding customers is key to innovation
Small-business owners might not appreciate how innovative they are just because they don't create a new product such as the iPod. The core of innovation is understanding what customers want, and that's where flexible small-business owners typically excel, according to this article. Forbes
(2/3)
| Executive Life | | |
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- Column: Airlines' rules confuse, irritate passengers
The airline industry has more rules than most other industries, with travelers facing an ever-changing variety of policies and regulations dictated by the carriers, airports, federal agencies and other entities. Columnist Scott McCartney explains that although many passengers understand and accept the rules, others are frustrated, confused or just plain angry. The Wall Street Journal
(2/3)
- Gaining altitude: Flying-car manufacturers race to be first
At least three companies around the world are racing to put the first "flying car" into production -- and several are already taking orders. The Terrafugia Transition Roadable Aircraft, which hopes to deliver in 2010, will require both a driver's license and a pilot's license to operate. Meanwhile, developers of the Parajet Skycar say their vehicle has already taken to the air, while Moller International is testing a model capable of vertical takeoff and landing. Metro (Canada)
(2/4)
| NAW Insider | | |
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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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The payment paradigm has shifted
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| Weekly Poll | | |
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When you encounter the ever-changing, ever-confusing rules for flying how do you typically react?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | I get angry, but do nothing. |
| I get angry and argue with the airline or TSA employee. |
| I feel frustrated, but don't know what I can do. |
| It doesn't bother me. I just go with the flow. |
| I try to avoid flying to avoid the hassle. |
| I never fly. |
| Diversions | | |
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NAW Institute and Texas A&M sponsor sales/marketing optimization consortium
NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence and Texas A&M have launched an alliance dedicated to furthering the understanding and application of best practices in wholesale distribution. Through this alliance, the Council for Research on Distributor Competitiveness has been created. The first consortium through the CRDC will be the Sales and Marketing Optimization Consortium. Learn more and register by March 15.
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| SmartQuote | | |
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 | The man who has no imagination has no wings."
--Muhammad Ali,
American boxer and three-time world heavyweight champion
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Friday, February 06, 2009
- Thursday, February 05, 2009
- Wednesday, February 04, 2009
- Monday, February 02, 2009
- Friday, January 30, 2009
| | | Lead Editor: Brooke Howell
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Nina Davidson
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