How smaller distributors can succeed amid consolidation | Synnex exec says merger with Tech Data has many upsides | Office Depot to laminate COVID-19 vaccine cards for free
Industry fragmentation, aging leadership and B2B customer demands have spurred increased consolidation among distributors, but smaller companies can remain viable by following several steps, according to Brent Grover, a National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors fellow, and Ritesh Chaturbedi, chief operating officer at Systemax. They recommend maximizing specialization and offering digital tools and value-added services.
The merger between Synnex and Tech Data shouldn't hurt the companies' competitors, as the global IT market is likely to keep growing, according to Michael Urban, president of worldwide technology solutions distribution at Synnex and a former Tech Data executive. He adds that each company will benefit from what the other has to offer.
Download the eBook: The CPG Evolution Rise of the DTC Challengers and Small Business Marketplaces. Shoppers all over the world want access to a greater variety of food and beverage products. Innovating the customer experience can help your brand meet that demand and achieve growth. Download here
Trucking companies are increasing compensation and bonuses to keep and attract drivers as rising freight rates make broker loads and spot jobs more appealing. "We don't want to just bring on new guys and forget about the guys that have been here," said Harman Cheema, CEO of Cheema Freightlines.
Distributors can equip warehouse workers for managerial roles and positions in other areas, such as sales and purchasing, by providing training, exposure to other departments and clear job requirements, according to Roy Bragg, vice president of operations at Canadian electrical distributor E.B. Horsman & Son. Bragg adds that more workers will be needed to fill technician and automation-related jobs.
A conversation with Hallmark and Farmgirl Flowers Now that retailers have learned how to operate amid a pandemic, it's time to get back to business, prioritize those goals that were derailed and set new goals that will prepare our teams for whatever comes next. Leaders from Hallmark and Farmgirl Flowers joined SmartBrief to discuss 2021 priorities, how business has evolved, and what's next. Watch the on-demand webinar
Business-to-business marketers can achieve success during an economic downturn by pinpointing how the crisis has affected their industry and customers, and repositioning strategy to address those concerns, writes Audienz CEO Fernando Mendez. "[B]e authentic, and accentuate the positive impact of your product or service -- especially how it meets your customer's needs or helps them achieve desired outcomes," Mendez writes.
MVP Grow Founder Eyal Katz advises business-to-business marketers to use emotional intelligence to inform post-pandemic messaging on social media and to create communities to foster loyalty and trust. Employ a social media analytics tool to monitor sentiment and trends, Katz recommends.
[Whitepaper] Innovations in Supply Chain The importance of the supply chain and inventory management was magnified last year, and the ability to adapt to changes – some of them yet to come – is essential. This whitepaper dives into how omnichannel technology and fulfillment services have become essential to retailers' success as they work to meet the needs of their customers and manage their supply chain. Download now
When done properly, interrupting a meeting can empower more reserved people to voice their ideas and allow for a broader range of contributions. Here are some tips for interrupting in a respectful manner.
Perfect the art of "positive persuasion" at work by focusing on common interests and advantages, letting others have control in some areas and being willing to help out, writes Art Petty. "Your work in the organization to help others before you need help will pave the way to gaining support when you need it," Petty writes.
How to Turn Transactions into Relationships With site traffic up 37% YoY, leaders are looking to increase customer lifetime value through subscriptions.This on-demand webinar explores how to leverage subscriptions as a key part of the customer journey. Plus, get tips on how to improve the financial performance of your B2C site. Watch Now
In this free NAW webinar on April 6, at 2 p.m. Eastern, Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein will evaluate the marketplace strategic options available to distributors, such as becoming a third-party seller on a merchant-owned marketplace, becoming a third-party seller on a marketplace not owned by a merchant, building your own marketplace, the imperative for an industry-owned marketplace, and opting out of marketplaces. Register now! Check out the full Adding Value in a Post-Pandemic World series! Sponsored by Oracle Netsuite.
The NAW Virtual Distribution Leadership Program is June 7 - 18. Designed to build the knowledge and skills that every employee needs to be a smarter business leader, this two-week virtual course will allow your leaders to conduct their day job and expand their skills at the same time. Learning how others operate, solve problems and drive solutions is one of the top reasons this NAW program is so highly rated. This course builds competence and confidence for everyone from emerging leaders to seasoned veterans. Register your team today!
Through the NAW Certificate in Distribution Professional Management, which is completely virtual in 2021, NAW and our partner Texas A&M University offer these three comprehensive sessions to help you help your managers to strengthen their skills with the educational foundation they need to enhance their value to your company: Optimizing Distributor Profitability, May 24-27; Generating and Managing Growth, July 19-23; Distributor Capability Development, October 18-22. Register your team today!
