| August 20, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Managing global supply chains: McKinsey Global Survey Results
A McKinsey Quarterly survey finds that supply chain risk is rising sharply. However, supply chain management isn't keeping pace: most respondents say that their companies aren't meeting strategic goals for it, and relatively few have acted on the global trends with the most influence over supply chains. The McKinsey Quarterly (free registration for SmartBrief readers)
(8/2008)
     
- NAW offers health insurance plan to association members
 The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors began providing health insurance to members in January. Coverage is available in 35 states so far, and the association continues to work with the remaining states to provide coverage. The Industrial Supply Association just announced a partnership with NAW to provide health insurance options to ISA members, as well, according to this MDM blog. Modern Distribution Management
(8/12)
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For more: Get additional information on the program, which is available to all qualified members of NAW affiliate associations, here.
 | RUN YOUR ENTIRE WHOLESALE BUSINESS WITH ONE SYSTEM: Join the thousands of wholesale distribution companies who have found a better way to manage their growing and midsize company. NetSuite is the #1 web-based, integrated wholesale-distribution business software, combining Accounting, Inventory, CRM, and Ecommerce in one solution. FREE TRIAL. |
- Ten steps for getting staff on board, motivated
A company that aims to be a market leader needs to ensure its staff members are in alignment and eager and motivated to work. A list of steps to generate a motivated office culture includes starting with a solid plan, making sure strategies are coordinated across the organization and clarifying exactly what staff members should be doing. Manage Smarter
(8/11)
- Challenge staff to consider source of assumptions
Within an organization, people tend to pass along "everyone knows data" without examining or questioning it, this writer notes in a CIO magazine blog. Such confidence in repeated assertions can prevent innovation, so managers should regularly encourage employees to question the validity of their own assumptions and statements. CIO.com
(8/17)
 | The Five Keys to World-Class Distribution
In a changing marketplace and a tightening economy, distributors must be willing to make changes to their procedures, concepts and customer service in order to stay paced with the competition. Click here for a free white paper and learn what it takes to achieve success in the modern era of distribution. |
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| Executive Life | | |
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- Despite dropping oil prices, air fares likely to rise
Air fares will likely continue to rise, even though oil prices are dropping, experts say. That's because the airline industry expects its fuel costs to soar nearly 50% over the course of the year to $61.2 billion, up from $41.2 billion last year, and airlines will need to make double-digit fare increases to make a profit. CNNMoney.com
(8/16)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Brand new! 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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Save on overnight shipping with DHL ShipReady
NAW and DHL have partnered to offer a unique delivery service from DHL Express. Members can ship anywhere in the continental U.S. for one flat rate with no weight limits, extra fees or fuel surcharges. Receive two free envelopes with your first order by visiting the ShipReady site and entering the promo code NAWSR07.
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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.
| Weekly Poll | | |
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Has your company recently adjusted its pricing strategy?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes -- We had to recover operational costs somewhere. |
| Not yet -- We are trying alternatives. |
| No -- We are doing well and have not found it necessary. |
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 | Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, August 18, 2008
- Friday, August 15, 2008
- Thursday, August 14, 2008
- Wednesday, August 13, 2008
- Monday, August 11, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Ashley McMaster
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Robert Jones
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