US distributors and wholesalers had combined sales of $4.13 trillion in the first half of this year, a 22.1% increase from the same period last year, according to Commerce Department data. Digital Commerce 360 expects full-year sales of $8 trillion, up 20.4% from last year, even as companies grapple with inflation, supply chain disruptions and other issues.

A fourth-party logistics provider can offer improved efficiency and reduced risk through "comprehensive planning and execution of all shipments for a client across the value chain," writes Matthew Beckett, senior director analyst at Gartner Supply Chain. 4PLs "have a strong focus on technology solutions to digitize end-to-end processes and develop data-driven logistics ecosystems" while offering multiple services and benefits, Beckett writes.

The supply chain has earned a reprieve in the form of a tentative agreement between railroads and workers, but experts expect disruption to continue in the near future. A retail supply glut, higher fuel costs and a microchip shortage are among challenges that remain.

Forrester research reveals that two top priorities for business-to-business marketers in 2023 should be investing as much in the employee experience as the customer experience and engaging both groups with purpose-driven marketing. B2B marketers should continue to invest in long-term growth, as "cost-saving decisions that satisfy the expectations of 'now' could take years to undo, while having incalculable long-term impact on your brand, customers, employees, and other critical aspects of your business," says Forrester's Barbie Mattie.

Sales leaders are seeking salespeople who understand market data well enough to anticipate what's next, as well as those who are adaptable and strong collaborators, according to researchers from global professional-services firm ZS, which collected details from more than 20,000 sales job postings. The posts from 2019 to 2022 also show a preference for applicants who are well-versed in data analytics and know how and when to use digital and virtual tools.

Lighten up your next speech by using some tricks of the stand-up comedy trade including self-deprecating humor, spontaneity and the "list of three," where your third point has a humorous twist, writes Jim Anderson. "When we are creating a speech in which we want our audience to laugh, we have to first make sure that the message that we are delivering is clear -- a confused audience never laughs," Anderson writes.

Turning down requests can be easier for both you and those who ask when you act with confidence and humility, keep your eye on what must be accomplished and give them alternatives or other forms of assistance, writes Karin Hurt. "If someone is asking you to do something unethical, immoral, or illegal, a hard no may be in order," Hurt writes.

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