March 2020 - Modern Distribution Management

March 2020

Arrows being launched, success and growth concepts, original 3d rendering

A 3-Part Plan to Grow Business During the Coronavirus Crisis

In a matter of weeks, months and years, distributors can develop a strategy to differentiate your business and strengthen your market position in the face of this COVID-19 pandemic. proton.ais Benj Cohen lays out a timeline approach to reclaim market share, strengthen AI and create market differentiation.

A 3-Part Plan to Grow Business During the Coronavirus Crisis Read More »

Everyone is Counting on Distributors as Essential Businesses: 4 Ways to Handle the Responsibility

The conversation during MDMs first live discussion on COVID-19 last week made clear that the next couple of months will be critical for distributors as the coronavirus crisis continues to unfold. MDMs John Gunderson reflects on how the distribution speakers who participated in the conversation are leading their teams during this health crisis.

Everyone is Counting on Distributors as Essential Businesses: 4 Ways to Handle the Responsibility Read More »

Brainstorm discussion. Meeting of business team working with gadgets and documents, top view

4 Sales Planning Actions to Take Now to Strengthen Your Sales Teams

Its an unsettling time for outside sales. Managing them through this time is critical for the future of your business. MDMs John Gunderson advises distributors leverage your relationships appropriately, focus on sales planning and forecasting, avoid panic pricing and consider whether or not sales promotions are in order.

4 Sales Planning Actions to Take Now to Strengthen Your Sales Teams Read More »

COVID variants and supply chain pressures continue to challenge the industry across many levels. Distribution leaders, however, have used the ebbs and flows of nothing-like-normal to not only adapt to market disruptions, but to leverage emerging technology upgrades more aggressively to head off future headaches.

Download this Issue as a PDF: March 25, 2020

This is the PDF of this issue of Modern Distribution Management.

What poses the greatest threat to the master distributor model? Ask two of the master distributors featured in the latest issue of MDM Premium and they will share a similar response. Driven by factors such as increasing consolidation and the emergence of e-commerce marketplaces, homogenization and commoditization threaten to strip away the uniqueness of individual master distributors, disrupting their ability to invest in customer service and brand differentiation. Of course, master distributors don’t operate in a vacuum. The same issues they face are felt by the distributors they serve. That theme is reflected throughout this issue of MDM Premium. Our other two features — a Q&A with Cook & Boardman CEO Darrin Anderson and a feature on five emerging job roles in distribution — provide insight on specific actions distributors are taking to keep up with the pace of overall industry transformation.

Are you a subscriber? Simply log-in to view this issue.

Download this Issue as a PDF: March 25, 2020 Read More »

COVID-19: Distributors Work to Keep Pace with Demand

Distributors are responding to customer concerns and increased demand on staff in a variety of ways, including limiting new business to meet existing customer demand; open communication on shortages and supplier allocations, and discouraging panic by not accepting returns beyond normal usage patterns. Face the crisis with a sense of flexibility and resilience, experts say.

COVID-19: Distributors Work to Keep Pace with Demand Read More »

Full Speed Ahead on Transformation

After helping to carry several product lines through three consecutive record sales years, 28-year-old Ryan Boyd is tasked with running a team of trainers to build and scale the companys internal training tactics, including e-learning and in-person programs.

Subscribers should log-in to read this article.

Full Speed Ahead on Transformation Read More »

‘Trust the System’: A Data-Backed Commitment to Automation

Known for his engaged and strategic perspective and strong leadership qualities, the 37-year-old Florian Ostendarp is leading the charge to automate as many processes as possible for the distribution company. Already about 80% of purchase orders are automatically processed and 67% of order confirmations are completely electronic.

Subscribers should log-in to read this article.

‘Trust the System’: A Data-Backed Commitment to Automation Read More »

A Natural Leader Diversifies His Skills

The 43-year-old Mike Butler prioritizes continual learning and growth and is focused on streamlining the distributors contract tool program down from more than 300 options to a select few that work best for specific industries and applications.

Subscribers should log-in to read this article.

A Natural Leader Diversifies His Skills Read More »

Technology Built for Distributor Needs

Through his AI-driven company proton.ai, 23-year-old Benj Cohen is creating digital capabilities targeted specifically for the needs of the distribution market with the goal of enabling reps to make more orders not just take them.

Subscribers should log-in to read this article.

Technology Built for Distributor Needs Read More »

Register for full access

By providing your email, you agree to receive announcements from us and our partners for our newsletter, events, surveys, and partner resources per MDM Terms & Conditions. You can withdraw consent at any time.

Learn More about Custom Reports

Request a Market Prospector Demo

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get the MDM Update Newsletter

Wholesale distribution news and trends delivered right to your inbox.

Sign-up for our free newsletter and get:

  • Up-to-date news in a quick-to-read format
  • Free access to webcasts, podcasts and live events
  • Exclusive whitepapers, research and reports
  • And more!