Distributors should move operations to the cloud to meet the demands of customers and suppliers, writes Will Quinn of Infor, quoting Adam Isenberg of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. "Many firms throughout the $6 trillion distribution industry have migrated their technology to the cloud with measurable success," Isenberg says.
Last year, United Natural Foods issued $1 million in grants to build better food systems, added measures to its strategic plan to increase diversity and inclusion, and donated more than $38.7 million in both food and nonfood items, according to the company's annual sustainability report. UNFI's report measured the company's growth in 10 areas, including waste reduction, climate action, community development and responsible procurement.
Distribution procurement officers can better serve customers and respond to challenges by focusing on several areas beyond profit, says Miguel Cossio of Gartner. Cossio's recommendations include investing in digital transformation, practicing "empathy-based management" regarding hybrid work and sourcing responsibly to meet environmental, social and governance objectives.
Improving supply chains is a top priority this year for 43% of B2B sellers responding to a Digital Commerce 360 survey, with 39% saying they also need more skilled employees. Increasing online sales among B2B customers was a concern for 38% of respondents, while 36% were focused on having an adequate budget for needed investments.
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There may not be much sales leaders can do to prevent a typical sales performance distribution that includes few struggling employees, a handful of standouts and many average performers, but they can increase their efforts to pull the bell curve to the right. "The sales leader who is deeply committed to improving their sales force's results will have a result to the right of the sales leader who's simply going through the motions, allowing their teams to coast," writes Anthony Iannarino.
Business-to-business marketers can fight the industry's "boring" stereotype with innovative content formats that deliver key information in more engaging ways, writes Quartz's Natalie Diamond. "[C]onsider creative strategies that make education engaging and leverage high-touch creative treatments, in addition to storytelling lenses that draft off cultural issues and topics," Diamond advises.
How to offer fast and reliable delivery Consumers want their goods — fast. And when that order arrives, they expect it to be right. Join Pivotree and Fluent Commerce as they discuss 5 key success factors for fast retail delivery. Watch the webinar.
Karin Hurt and David Dye offer advice for helping teams see the big picture beyond the daily tasks and projects. This mindset change will require time to think and the right resources, so leaders also have a responsibility to create those conditions.
Help your company develop strategic thinkers and an agile team when your employees participate in this one-week course. The NAW Distribution Leadership Program draws on the latest business practices, tailored to the distribution industry, and those business practices are delivered by award-winning faculty from The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business. Register your leaders today!
