Industry News

Suppliers begin to redefine relationship with automakers
A winnowing down in the number of domestic suppliers in Michigan's automotive industry should mean those that remain will be in a stronger negotiating position with Detroit's Big Three automakers, say some analysts and industry observers who believe the shake-out will mean more collaboration between auto companies and suppliers than historically has been the case. MLive.com (Michigan) (free registration) (3/6)

Truckers see uptick in freight volume for January
A 2.4% increase in January's trucking volume may bode well for the broader economy, although experts note that the increase in tonnage rates is coming mostly from the agricultural and mining sectors while consumer goods remain sluggish. Fleet Owner (2/28)

Distribution centers get larger, more geographically diverse
With a rising flood of imports clogging already busy ports, companies are building ever-larger distribution facilities in more out-of-the-way places. Inland cities including Columbus, Ohio, and Memphis, Tenn., are winning new distribution centers because of their lower costs and convenient rail links. On the coasts, secondary ports such as Hampton Roads, Va., and Tacoma, Wash., have seen traffic grow by more than 40% in the past four years. DC Velocity (3/2008)

Business Strategy

To stay or to go? What to do when the job doesn't live up to its billing
New jobs don't always comport with one's personal or professional expectations or even with the original job description. Sometimes, walking away immediately is the best course, while in other cases, such as if the organization is undergoing change and you like the employer, it might be more worthwhile to stay put and give the job a chance. The Washington Post (3/2)

Sales & Marketing Tips

When it comes to sales, it's all about confidence
Confidence is the key to sales success, and people who lack it are going to have an uphill battle, an expert says. Age-old suggestions of having a winning attitude and making a positive impression are as current now as ever, and salespeople should remember to put their body in the sale and use their voice effectively. American City Business Journals (3/3)

Strategies can help with effective goal setting
Setting goals can be an important means for letting workers know what they are expected to accomplish. A list of nine recommendations for effective goal-setting includes creating goals that have focus; making goals realistic and reasonable; making sure workers have the resources to meet their goals; and talking to workers to help give them support. Selling Power (free registration) (2/26)

Management Style

Business owners can prep successors before retirement
Business owners who plan for the future of their company following their retirement often nurture their own successor. To do this, the owner may set up an informal review period to test the person's skills before making a commitment, increase the successor's benefits to retain him or her until the time is right, and put the buy-sell agreement in writing. The Advertiser (Lafayette, La.) (3/3)

Even small businesses need to build teams
Team building starts at the top of an organization, with management demonstrating by example how to collaborate and what kind of behavior is acceptable. Employees who work as a team work more efficiently and are more likely to reach a common goal set by the company. American Small Business News (3/9)

Small Business Operations

Column: No shame in asking for help
Being effective sometimes means biting the bullet and asking for help, even if you think you can do it all yourself. Being willing to tap into another's expertise is a sign of strength, and you'll also be contributing to someone else's personal and professional growth. Inc.com (3/3)

Association News

AFTERMARKET2020: Is your business model ready for the future?
Go to www.aftermarket2020.com for information about the 2008 CVSN Annual Meeting at the Omni Interlocken Resort, from Sept. 21 to 24.

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