| October 24, 2007 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Survey: Distributors give positive outlook, adapt to technology
A recent Industrial Distribution magazine survey of distributors revealed that they believe sales will grow 13% in 2007, following a 9.8% increase in 2006. Other data suggest that distributors are taking advantage of new technology in order to better serve customers, says Pembroke Consulting President Adam J. Fein Ph.D., author of "Facing the Forces of Change: Lead the Way in the Supply Chain." Graybar Vice President of Corporate Accounts John Mansfield also weighs in on the trend in an interview with Purchasing, saying, "Customers want answers right away so they look to distributors to provide self-serve capability." Purchasing.com
(10/18)
     
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To buy: Copies of "Facing the Forces of Change®: Lead the Way in the Supply Chain" are available here.
- Web-based WMS technology gets SMBs into larger markets
A growing number of Web-based warehouse management systems are allowing an influx of smaller companies to automate their operations. These companies were once kept out of the larger markets due to the prohibitive costs of warehouse management system installation and implementation. "We've had huge savings in the warehouse. We're saving a great deal of time just doing everything online as opposed to paper forms," one warehouse manager said, commenting on a newly implemented hosted WMS. DC Velocity
(10/2007)
 | Lawson Knows Growth in Distribution. Do you know Lawson? Lawson is a global provider of software and services specifically tailored for the distribution sector. Our goal is to arm you with the knowledge and tools necessary to grow your company. The right technology solution can be the key to achieving your growth goals. Visit www.lawson.com/naw1 today! |
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- Do you know who your key accounts are? You should
A company, no matter its size, should be able to identify its exact number of key accounts and the names of each -- otherwise it is likely not giving these accounts the attention they should be receiving. A company should have between 15 and 35 key accounts, and these accounts should align with the company's corporate strategy as well as have potential for future growth. Selling Power (free registration)
(10/15)
- Study: Swearing in the office isn't all bad
Use of expletives in the workplace typically may be looked down upon, but it can actually help build solidarity among workers and relieve stress, according to a new British study. Used in a nonabusive manner, the study found, swearing can have a positive impact. Inc.com
(10/19)
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- Engagement key to Internet marketing
As companies grapple with the ever-changing rules of Internet marketing, many make the mistake of using online marketing tools to pursue traditional marketing goals, including promoting awareness, consideration, adoption and purchase. But instead of awareness, the key goal of online marketing is engagement, and the five tools needed to produce that are affinity, personality, community, co-creation and advocacy, says one strategy and marketing consultant. MarketingProfs (free registration)
(10/16)
| Distribution Trends Blog | | |
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Trust, channel data sharing
Most wholesaler-distributors express concern over the prospect of point-of-sale data sharing, says Pembroke Consulting President and NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence Fellow Adam J. Fein Ph.D., in his Distribution Trends blog. They are either worried that suppliers will use the information to sell directly to their customers or take the data to a competitor. He suggests that W-Ds "trust then verify" when it comes to sharing data with suppliers. Distribution Trends
(10/22)
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| Small Business Manager | | |
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- Learn to spot the subtle signs of deception
Trusting the wrong person can hurt your business. Be familiar with the subtle signs that indicate the person you are dealing with might be being less than truthful, such as speech disturbances or pauses and body language that is incongruent with the words being spoken. Entrepreneur.com
(10/18)
| Executive Life | | |
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| NAW Insider | | |
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Get more from your Virtual Terminal through Solveras
NAW teams with Solveras to provide wholesaler-distributors with the latest processing technology. Virtual Terminal allows processing from any computer with Internet access. It provides businesses lower-cost card-not-present transactions. Mail, telephone orders can be processed through secure Web-based application that's easy to use. Get a FREE savings analysis to see the program savings. For information, visit http://www.solveras.com/naw.html, or call (800) 613-0148.
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NAW and The Hartford
NAW has partnered with The Hartford to offer insurance expertise and comprehensive coverage tailored to the specific needs of wholesaler-distributors. The Hartford also offers expedited claims-handling services and a countrywide network of loss control and risk management experts to help wholesaler-distributors protect their businesses and minimize loss costs. More information available here.
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Brand-new "5 Fundamentals for the Wholesale Distribution Sales Manager"
This book from the NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence offers a practical but powerful approach for taking your sales force to the next level. It includes essential theories, key concepts and real-world stories taken from the front lines of wholesale distribution. Use this book as a foundation to help you become an effective, high-performing sales manager. Order your copies today!
| Weekly Poll | | |
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Does your company have a fraud investigation policy?
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 a comprehensive policy. |
| We have one, but it needs updating. |
| We do not have one yet but are working on it. |
| We do not have a policy regarding fraud investigation. |
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, October 22, 2007
- Friday, October 19, 2007
- Wednesday, October 17, 2007
- Monday, October 15, 2007
- Friday, October 12, 2007
| | | Lead Editor: Ashley McMaster
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