| January 4, 2013 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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| Operations and Technology | | |
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- Technological trends you should know about
Key technology trends include the growth of cloud computing and consumerization -- the application of consumer-focused technology to the business world, according to Jerry Justice of SS&G. If you want to introduce new technology, it's important to focus on communication and to be patient, he notes. Smart Business/Akron-Canton, Ohio
(1/2013)     
- Is supply chain segmentation the way of the future?
Interest appears to be increasing in the concept of supply chain segmentation, which involves developing customized solutions for specific customers or products, writes Jennifer Baljko. "One-size-fits-all supply chain management hasn't ever really been an effective strategy, at least not in practice," she argues. EBN
(1/2)
- Some risks remain unaddressed with cloud computing
Cloud computing is an attractive option because of its agility and lower costs, but executives need to be aware of related compliance risks, James Kaplan, Chris Rezek and Kara Sprague write. Companies need to make sure sensitive data is protected and that regulations regarding where certain data can be stored and who can access it are met. Unfortunately, public-cloud providers cannot provide all of the necessary assurances. "How to draft the required terms and conditions will remain an open question until litigation has identified the critical issues and legal precedent has been established for resolving those issues," Kaplan, Rezek and Sprague write. McKinsey Quarterly (free registration)
(1/2013)
| Sales and Marketing | | |
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- Metrics that will lead to sales success
As you seek to maximize the value created by the sales and marketing departments, you should track metrics such as the current and future health of the sales pipeline, according to Heinz Marketing. You should also pay attention to the number of new opportunities you're creating. HeinzMarketing.com
(12/31)
- B2B marketers turn focus to vertical industry targeting
Business-to-business companies are realizing that good search-engine results and online banner ads online are no longer sufficient to draw in business, this article notes. Vertical industry targeting is one popular answer to reach a more relevant audience, even though this option is more expensive. eMarketer
(1/2)
| The Business Leader | | |
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- Get started on becoming a better leader in 2013
There are plenty of ways to improve your leadership in the new year, writes Daniel McCarthy. A few ideas: Improve your presentation skills, seek out better feedback, pledge to hold yourself more accountable or simply reach out to and thank your mentors. "Don't overdo it -- just pick one and commit to it," McCarthy advises. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership
(1/1)
- Have your skills reached a plateau?
After a certain amount of training, workers tend to reach a plateau where they continue gaining experience without getting any better at their jobs, experts say. Advancing past this plateau is how super-talented professionals separate themselves from everyone else. The key to doing this is to dedicate time each week to practicing a task that expands your skills. The Wall Street Journal/At Work blog
(12/27)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Join us for the NAW Billion Dollar Senior Executive Roundtables
NAW's Billion Dollar Company CEO, CFO, CIO, Operations, HR, and Chief Legal Officer Roundtables are unique business meetings that allow senior distribution executives to meet and benchmark with executives from noncompeting billion-dollar firms across multiple lines of trade. Executives build relationships and trust with their peers and learn valuable, real-world lessons from similar business situations. See group members and join now.
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The Distributor Specialist: Customer Champion, Profit Generator
Specialists are used by a supermajority of top-performing distributors. 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 by reading "The Distributor Specialist."
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American inventor and statesman
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- Monday, December 31, 2012
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