Inside sales, pricing and business investment draw distributors' focus in the first quarter.
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Company reports continued share gains and increased e-commerce sales.
While distributors dont always prioritize their logistics capabilities, it is critical to optimize transportation efforts and distribution center networks amid growing threats and rising expenses. This article details supply chain strategies distributors can deploy to better manage costs and retain customers.
This article includes:
- Areas to cut costs
- Managing customer expectations
- Logistics opportunities
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- Better Supply Chain=Improved Profitability
- Preparing for the Worst
- 2016 Distribution Remodel: Refocus on the Core
The fifth annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey conducted with Real Results Marketing revealed several key trends:
- The number of companies with at least 10 percent of their total revenue from e-com¬merce grew 8 percentage points from 2014.
- Most distributors require a customer to log in to see pricing and purchase products.
- The primary objectives among distributors for e-commerce remain acquiring new customers, enhancing their company brands and improving the user experience.
- A quarter of distributors receive 50 percent or more of their orders by email.
This article examines the results of the 2016 State of E-Commerce in Distribution Survey and how the industry’s e-commerce offerings are maturing.
This article includes:
- E-commerce top priorities
- Types of e-commerce platforms
- Tips for handling pricing
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- The ROI Case for B2B E-Commerce
- Grainger Tackles the Data Challenge
- Historical E-Commerce Trends in Distribution
HBR: Cultural change occurs only after tackling business challenges.
NAW chair: Talent acquisition and retention top priorities for association.
Increase market share and profitability with a more seamless supply chain.
Employees are one of the primary reasons for success in distribution, but training programs and budgets often do not reflect their importance. This article, based on the results of a recent Real Results Marketing survey, looks at why the gap exists and how distributors can shift their thinking about training.
This article includes:
- An overview of the skills training gap
- Internal vs. external training
- Tips for closing the gap
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- 2016 Distribution Remodel: Deepen Talent Development
- Succession Planning: Positioning for the Future
- MDM Interview: Beyond Change Management
If youre not actively recruiting millennials, here are some tips of where to start.
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- Distributors Change Tune on Generational Shift
- Making the Case for Social Media in B2B
- College Connection, Part 2: Deepening the Relationship
A solid foundation is key to withstanding business disruptions.
CEO: 'Our business does not yield to grand gestures.'
To thank you for your business and add value to your MDM Premium subscription, MDM offers bonus content each month exclusively to premium subscribers.
This month we feature 10 Tips for Remodeling Your Business, which many distributors need to undertake to remain competitive amid changing market conditions. Distribution leaders and consultants share their advice on why investing in your company – even during a downturn – is imperative for survival, as well as where to focus resources.
This content is exclusively available as bonus content to MDM subscribers. Log-in below to download the PDF of this month's report.
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To gain a competitive advantage, an updated business model is key.
Company to open a leadership development facility.
This report, now available in PDF format, is a benefit for MDM Premium subscribers. Simply log-in below to access and download this series of articles. Not a subscriber? Subscribe below.
The distribution industry is due for a remodel. What has worked for decades still works, but it is far less effective now for businesses that want to grow. MDM’s team has identified key areas to focus on in 2016 to build the adaptive model that changing market conditions require.
Articles included in this special report:
- Introduction: How to Build a Better Business
- Invest or Die
- Refocus on the Core
- Deepen Talent Development
Click on the link below to download this special report in PDF format.
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As the labor pool tightens, developing and retaining existing employees becomes more attractive and critical for business success. This article examines how distributors are thinking differently about development and provides tips to overcome barriers and create an action plan that strengthens operational and financial results.
This article includes:
- How to think differently about development
- Overcoming development barriers
- Developing an action plan
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- 2016 Distribution Remodel: Invest or Die
- Succession Planning: Positioning for the Future
- 2016 Distribution Remodel: Refocus on the Core
Distributors sell more than product. Leveraging data to make money is key.
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- Overcoming the Barriers to Analytics
- Increase Analytics Usability & Excitement
- 2016 Distribution Remodel: How to Build a Better Business
Master distributors can help boost company efficiency while lowering costs.
Distributors revert to foundational business as headwinds strengthen.
