Industry News

Eaton updates communication system for fleet operators, drivers
Eaton Corporation is now using TMWSuite Total Mail by TMW Systems to enhance its Fleet Resource Manager. The new system allows Eaton fleet operators to give drivers job updates and other information in real time. "The integration of Fleet Resource Manager with TMW represents a significant step forward in our efforts to position Eaton as the trucking industry's leading provider of telematic solutions," said Scott Adams of Eaton. "Now we're looking forward to quickly demonstrating the newly developed capabilities with our customers throughout the months and years ahead." TruckNews.com (subscription only) (10/26)

LG Innotek releases HD radio options for auto market
The consumer electronics manufacturer is offering modules, based on its 2129 interface specifications, for the automotive market, including an aftermarket option that can fit inside single and double DIN CD head units. "[The products] are easy to implement alternatives for manufacturers incorporating HD Radio technology in the growing number of aftermarket automotive radios coming to market," said Ibiquity Digital COO Jeff Jury. Radio World (11/2)

Ashland says Q4 earnings fell 84%
The 84% decrease in its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings vs. the same period a year ago owes to challenging conditions in the trucking and housing markets in the U.S., Ashland said. "Weak conditions in the North American building and construction markets and a difficult environment in the transportation markets have challenged Ashland Performance Materials and Ashland Distribution all year and especially in the fourth quarter," CEO James O'Brien said. CNNMoney.com/Dow Jones Newswires (10/29)

Business Strategy

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)

Sales & Marketing Tips

A simple prescription for sales success
There is no magical "purple pill" to guarantee sales success. A sales effectiveness process is the next best thing, however, writes sales strategist Rick Johnson. The structure involves focus, discipline and accountability. CEO Strategist (10/10)

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)

Management Style

Supervisors may be poorly trained to handle absenteeism
Rates of workplace absenteeism are at their highest level since 1999, according to a recent survey, and most supervisors are ill-equipped to manage the situation. One area of training should be to take the subjectivity out of absence management and ensure that all employees are treated the same. Manage Smarter (10/23)

Bonuses can remind employees to watch the bottom line
Year-end bonuses are incentives but they also are linked to the company's performance. Predicting how much money might be available at the end of the year can be difficult, so some businesses opt to dole them out monthly, quarterly or semiannually. The Boston Globe/Associated Press (10/18)

Small Business Operations

Study: Few small businesses have exit strategies in place
Small-business owners get plenty of advice on how to charge into business, but few have an exit strategy in case things don't go right, according to a new study. The study also found that those who did not have an exit plan were not able to respond quickly enough to changing markets and were more often forced out of business. SmartBIZ (10/18)

Association News

It's time to sign up for HDAW08!
The deadline for distributor companies to sign up and qualify to participate in the one-on-one business meetings is Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. Book by Nov. 1, and your name will go into a draw for fabulous prizes. Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week '08 will be held from Jan. 21 to 24, 2008, at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Go to www.cvsn.org for links to HDAW information, distributor registration forms and to book your hotel room. Remember to list your affiliation as CVSN only, so that the association gets credit for your attendance. For questions, call Angelo Volpe at (904) 737-2900.

SmartQuote

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