Indian River Consulting Group's Pandemic Revenue Index of 10 distributors posted a 1.4% year-over-year increase for the week of July 27 to 31. "If the week that includes July 4 is excluded because it includes an extra business day, this is the largest increase the index has shown since the week of March 9, which is the week immediately preceding the pandemic-induced downturn," IRCG says.
Americold Realty Trust reported second-quarter revenue of $483 million, up 10% from a year ago, while net profit of $32.7 million was also higher. The company has proven resilient to pandemic-related economic uncertainty, says CEO Fred Boehler.
Wajax Corp. posted second-quarter net profit of $7.5 million on sales of $262 million, both down from the year-ago period. Wajax Industrial Parts' sales fell 13.1%, to $60 million.
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Salespeople should prepare for virtual meetings by making sure they have a quality camera and microphone and eliminating any distractions in their work area, writes James Meincke. Dress professionally and use tools such as screen-sharing features to communicate important ideas to prospects, Meincke writes.
Consultant Dave Birss chats in this podcast about how marketers can boost their creative thinking during the uncertainty and fear prompted by the pandemic. He explains how to maximize the four main ways of using the mind -- feeding, resting, exercising and occupying -- to gain perspective, increase focus and free up head space for creativity.
A journal is helpful for remembering spur-of-the-moment ideas and creating the space you need to spot connections among them, writes Wally Bock. The key, Bock writes, is to put your thoughts down quickly before "your fickle memory takes hold and starts distorting stuff."
Companies can reward employees without overspending if they pay spot bonuses for specific results or actions, writes Sanjiv Das, CEO of Caliber Home Loans. "[U]se a spot bonus like a scalpel to stimulate feelings of satisfaction among employees, incentivize group behaviors, and build a stronger sense of solidarity," Das writes.
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NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence author Mike Marks says, "There is a lot of noise around digital transition, consolidation, manufacturers going direct, Millennials and Gen Z, and a host of other challenges facing distributors. All are important, but without three foundational elements, distributors won't be able to tackle any of these challenges with any great sustainable impact." Read his blog post.
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