Maintaining strict hygiene protocols, working closely with public officials on safety guidelines and committing to social distancing are all crucial steps needed to keep the supply chain safe during the pandemic, writes Andre LaMere of United Natural Foods. LaMere elaborates on each step, writing that "[f]ocusing on safety and risk management is the best way for UNFI -- and companies across the industry -- to ensure America's food supply chain remains strong throughout this national crisis."

Distributors must reexamine inventory, procurement, logistics and customers to maintain operations during the coronavirus pandemic and thrive after it ends, writes Melvin Bosso of Myrtle Consulting Group. "Collaboration and communication between suppliers, manufacturers and distributors have never been more critical," he writes.

Sales managers can't simply wait to be told what to do in order to overcome challenges, as problem solving is a large part of what selling is all about, writes David Brock. "Whether we are managers or sales people, we are problem solvers -- whether within our organizations or with our customers," Brock writes.

Digital Remedy CEO Mike Seiman outlines five ways business-to-business marketers can best prepare for success during the pandemic, such as reevaluating their brand narrative to ensure relevant messaging on the right channels. Pivot priorities to focus on ways your brand can be of value to prospects, create ways to engage virtually and be transparent with both employees and customers to foster trust, he advises.

To stay cool under pressure and make the right decisions at the right times, successful people have "cognitive control," a learnable skill. Some habits to improve your cognitive control include dropping expectations, self-distancing from stressful situations, getting more sleep and talking to yourself, writes business consultant Tony Ewing.

Distribution hasn't seen disruption like what we're seeing today. Distribution expert Ian Heller provides an overview of current and upcoming technology disruption that is driven by new, advanced technologies and outside entrants. He discusses how these technologies will change customer expectations and how distributors should change to meet them. Traditional distributors must find new ways to compete and non-traditional ways of adding value. Get the intel you need in this research report and at next week's webinar. Register for the July 28 webinar and download the report.

According to Benj Cohen, "Distribution is becoming a remote game. COVID-19 has forced many distributors to abandon face-to-face selling and instead sell exclusively through remote channels. However, before the pandemic, many distributors leaned on e-commerce and telesales reps to drive profits. There are a few strategies distributors can use to activate their remote channels, including unstructured pitching, segmentation, and AI personalization." Read his post.