Independent grocers should keep improving their websites, social media presence, e-commerce operations and more if they want to meet customer needs after the pandemic, according to Mark Alexander, director of retail technology services at C&S Wholesale Grocers. Personalized marketing is also important, including "communicating to the consumer on the device(s) they are most apt to use during the day and when they are in process of making shopping decisions," Alexander writes.

Roughly 75% of Walmart+ customers aren't using program features such as mobile payment, mainly because they don't know about them, according to a Field Agent survey. Nearly all surveyed Walmart+ members also have Amazon Prime.

Traditional customer relationship management software isn't designed to meet the needs of distributors, but newer models powered by artificial intelligence "will transform CRM as we know it today and add greater value for distribution sales reps," writes Benj Cohen. Such systems eliminate the need for manual data entry and consolidate customer interactions and other information in a single place, he writes.

Salespeople must use their listening skills to better understand each prospect's point of view and avoid potentially costly misunderstandings, writes David Brock. "Listening cannot be driven by an agenda, but by learning from and understanding what others are trying to communicate," Brock writes.

Content creators can learn valuable lessons from the beloved show "Sesame Street" that has featured creative storytelling that has educated and entertained for more than 50 years, writes Sue Horner. Key takeaways include the importance of understanding the audience, making a story easy to understand and memorable and the value of pop culture references and silly plays on words.

Celebrating success can make leaders feel vulnerable or open to criticism, but not celebrating can create a culture where employees feel like money and promotions are the only way to win recognition, writes Ed Batista. "Celebrations aren't a substitute for such rewards, of course, but they can augment them by helping to create and sustain the fulfillment to be derived from group experience," he writes.

Skills, talent and performance are essential for career growth, but possessing executive presence with key stakeholders is the trait that helps people reach senior leadership levels, says Joel Garfinkle in this blog post and video. "You need to be the leader who commands respect and whose opinion everyone seeks out," he says.

NAW and Avis/Budget have partnered to offer wholesaler-distributors a superior car rental offering for their corporate and personal employee rentals. Reserve early during high demand to ensure availability! Enroll in Avis Preferred, use code A672081. Enroll in Budget Fastbreak, use code B079587.

Designed for C-suite executives, these roundtables provide actionable strategies that will increase your company's competitive advantage. Companies belonging to this community are from distribution firms between $100 million and up to $1 billion in annual sales. You'll engage in thought-provoking conversations with your peers and hear from industry experts on topics that will ultimately increase your profits! Register today.

How have distributors been innovating their business during the pandemic? Find that out and much more from 10 distributors who tell their stories and share ideas for both surviving and thriving in a drastically changed business environment. Author Mark Dancer shares up-to-the-minute ideas and insights from distributor leaders based on their experiences and lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic. Order this just-released e-chapter, "Distribution Leans In: Stories of Resiliency and Innovation During the COVID-19 Pandemic."