Most distributors are using AI in some capacity, a major move from a year ago, according to a recent MDM survey. The distribution industry was slowly adopting AI a year ago, with nearly two-thirds of respondents not using the technology and less than 15% using it in multiple areas. More than half of respondents are now using AI in some capacity and adoption is growing rapidly.

The Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book survey indicates slight growth as the economy heads into the third quarter, with several regions reporting flat or declining activity. Employment has increased slightly, but labor turnover has declined, and businesses have become more selective in hiring. Inflation has cooled, with consumer spending little changed, the survey shows.

Deere & Co. is planning to scale back its diversity and inclusion initiatives and remove "socially motivated messages" from training and policies after criticism from a prominent conservative activist. However, the company reaffirmed its commitment to a diverse workforce. Deere's decision follows a similar pullback by Tractor Supply and reflects a trend of companies reassessing such policies.

US Foods is two months into testing wearable sensors in warehouses across six US cities to track movements, provide real-time feedback and reduce ergonomic injuries common among distribution center employees and truck drivers. The distributor is testing two sensors, one strapped to the back and another to the hip.

Though strategic pricing is crucial for profitability and growth, distributors face challenges when implementing such strategies including sales team sensitivity, limited expertise, resistance to adopting best practices and a bias toward handling pricing internally, writes SPARXiQ CEO David Bauders. Companies should evaluate current pricing performance, set clear objectives, appoint a leader to drive the initiative, align internal stakeholders and evaluate pricing solutions if they want to remain competitive and improve profitability, Bauders writes.

Restating a customer's problem in your own words and sharing how your product offers value by solving their problem is a surefire sales method, advises sales expert Colleen Francis. "If you can back up your results and your benefit with metrics and proof, real numbers, then you cement the value that you're communicating to the client," Francis writes.

Salespeople who practice giving presentations and improving their messaging can boost sales by 10%, writes Dave Kurlan, author of "Baseline Selling," but some salespeople will need additional guidance from managers. Kurlan advices sales managers to coach salespeople in creating a sales culture that encourages role playing and practice.

Economists remain optimistic about the economy despite data showing slower growth and a slight increase in unemployment, according to a quarterly survey by The Wall Street Journal. Economists think the economy is normalizing after rapid expansion and high inflation. The unemployment rate has increased to 4.1%, but job growth remains solid. Inflation is easing, and economists are confident the Federal Reserve will achieve its 2% target.

When leaders speak, team members tend to take their words as orders whether they are meant as such or not, write Vanderbilt University professor Kelly Goldsmith and executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, who suggest asking yourself, "Is it worth it?" before speaking because your words may affect the motivation of your team, for good or ill. They suggest following the advice of Alan Mulally, former CEO of Ford, who always asked if someone else was more qualified to speak on a given topic and ceding the floor to them.

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