Industry News

Texa in deal with Google to allow searches with Axone devices
Vehicle diagnostics firm Texa is in a deal with Google to provide an Internet-based search tool on its Axone Pad and Axone Palm diagnostic tools. The devices will allow mechanics, technicians and aftermarket distributors to search the archives of Texa technical support calls and access repair solutions from other technicians. Auto Industry (Department of Trade and Industry, U.K.) (1/14)

Survey: Some workers fail to wear protective equipment
Noncompliance with protocols related to personal protective equipment continues to be a problem in the workplace, with 87% of safety professionals in a range of fields surveyed saying they had seen instances in which workers failed to wear required protective equipment. A majority of those who had observed this noncompliance -- 62% -- said they were most often told that the equipment was uncomfortable to wear. The workers also reported believing the equipment was unnecessary for the task, that it made them too warm, that it fit poorly or that it was unattractive looking. Modern Distribution Management (1/8)

Several truckers caught up in interstate pileup
Several delivery trucks from at least three companies were among those caught up in last week's series of crashes on Interstate 4 in Polk County, Fla., the most serious of which involved nearly 50 vehicles. Poor visibility, apparently caused by a dense fog and smoke from a nearby brush fire, has been implicated in the wrecks. Google/Canadian Press (1/10) The Ledger (Lakeland, Fla.) (1/9)

Business Strategy

Outsourcing may save more than just money
Outsourcing may free capital, increase efficiency and turnaround time, reduce training and hiring costs, and allow increased focus on core business activities. However, weighing these benefits with increased project management, quality control, liability and tax demands remains important, according to this article. The New York Times/AllBusiness.com (1/1)

Sales & Marketing Tips

Ten talents that make salespeople successful
Finding the right salespeople can be a challenge, so expert Derek Gatehouse offers some strategies for overcoming the challenge in his book "The Perfect Salesforce." Gatehouse says he has identified 10 different selling talents that candidates should possess to pull off the job. Manage Smarter (1/8)

CRM system should facilitate sales process
An effective CRM system helps salespeople minimize their time spent on data entry or fiddling with gadgets. Ideally, CRM will free up salespeople's time so that they can focus on doing their jobs in ways that please customers and encourage them to buy. Selling Power (free registration) (1/7)

Management Style

Trust is bottom line in offering best company policies
Trust and employer-employee partnerships are the positive factors that stick out when considering the differences between the best and worst business policies. Voluntary programs that involve employees making their own decisions, for instance, will likely go a lot further in boosting worker morale -- and loyalty -- than ones that are provided to workers as part of a mandatory program. BusinessWeek (1/7)

Take steps to get best performance out of employees
Some steps for getting employees to give their best performance include assessing workers' individual talents; considering reassignments if employees are in inappropriate positions; and identifying employees who are the most valued, among others. CEO Strategist (1/1)

Small Business Operations

Five steps involved in path to sustainability
The nation is going green one company at a time, and businesses are best advised to remember that they're not alone, writes John Davies, vice president of AMR Research's Green Technology Research. Five steps that typically are involved in going green are desire; pride in showing off green efforts; satisfaction that projects meet financial expectations; depression in realizing that some efforts to get green aren't easy; and collaboration with other companies. GreenBiz.com (1/1)

Association News

Don't miss out on Pinewood Challenge 2008
In 2008, the CVSN 18-wheel Pinewood Challenge is moving to Las Vegas as part of Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week. Read about the 2008 Pinewood Challenge, and print the application! Get your entries in now!!! The Pinewood Challenge Reception will be held Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Mirage Hotel & Casino.

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