| April 11, 2007 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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| News and Trends |  |  |
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- Necessary tools for running a global supply chain
Expanding your supply chain overseas comes with a host of challenges, including trade procedures that vary from domestic ones, sometimes dozens of third parties for just one transaction and lack of coordination within internal operations. Having the right technology, which is getting better and more reliable, is key. "Without good technology, it is impossible to get everyone on the same page unless they are in the same room. That does not happen often, especially in global trade," said one executive at a global trade management software company. DC Velocity
(4/2007)
       
- U.S. to tackle Chinese piracy head-on
The Bush administration is planning to file cases against China with the World Trade Organization this week, pertaining to China's lax enforcement of its own antipiracy laws and its tough restrictions on the distribution of foreign media and entertainment. "This case is going to be very technical, very targeted and very specific," said one industry official. The Wall Street Journal
(4/7)
       
- Big employers enter health care debate as costs rise
With medical costs on the rise, many top executives are speaking out on health care reform and calling for a national approach to fix the system. While some support a complete shift to government-directed medicine, most want broad changes in the employer-subsidized health system. The New York Times
(4/6)
       
| Best Practices |  |  |
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- Another step added to hiring process
Just when you think that meeting the receptionist, other staff, manager and CEO is the whole interview, in walks your potential-boss's executive coach. The practice is becoming more widely accepted, so your best bet is to prepare yourself. Get to know a little bit about your would-be boss, have a list of questions and seek guidance about how to thrive in the new workplace. The Wall Street Journal
(4/3)
       
| Sales |  |  |
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- New technology geared toward sales teams
There are a growing number of technologies available that will aid sales teams in increasing productivity. Enterprise incentive management software that follows and rewards performance; business networking sites that find prospective clients or employees; and evolving CRMs that track leads and manage customer information are just a few of the systems that will make life easier yet more effective for hardworking sales reps. Manage Smarter
(4/5)
       
| Distribution Trends Blog |  |  |
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Brand killers
What effect will the growth of B2B private-label brands have on the manufacturing and wholesale distribution industries? Check out Pembroke Consulting President and NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence Fellow Adam J. Fein, Ph.D.'s blog to find out more and discuss your opinions. Distribution Trends
(4/6)

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| Small Business Manager |  |  |
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- DIY public relations has benefits for small businesses
A cost-effective way to drum up business and increase a company's outlook is to run a public relations campaign. PR differs from advertising in that a business doesn't pay media to get the word out, hence saving money. Develop a pitch with some newsworthy and interesting points, contact a small or local press outfit and create concise and polished media kits to get started. BusinessWeek
(4/9)
       
| Executive Life |  |  |
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- Top cell phones under $50
The LG UX210 and Motorola's V325 top the list of quality cell phones under $50 compiled by the Chicago Sun-Times. Sales of budget-friendly mobile devices are expected to expand in the near future, as the U.S. market nears its saturation point. Chicago Sun-Times
(4/10)
       
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 | The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
Looking to improve your sales management skills? Learn from the master, Dave Kahle, by attending Dave Unplugged, a live, open seminar for Sales Managers in Philadelphia 5/21 & 22. Dave Unplugged will equip you and license you with the Kahle Way® Sales Management System, a system developed from Dave's 30 years of successful sales experience. Click here.
Interested in learning more about advertising in NAW SmartBrief? Contact Henry Murphey at (202) 737-5500 ext. 245 or hmurphey@smartbrief.com
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| NAW Insider |  |  |
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Save on overnight shipping with DHL ShipReady
NAW and DHL have partnered to offer a unique delivery service from DHL Express. Members can ship anywhere in the continental U.S. for one flat rate with no weight limits, extra fees or fuel surcharges. Receive two free envelopes with your first order by visiting the ShipReady site and entering the promo code NAWSR07.        
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Visa and MasterCard announce national processing rate changes
Visa/MasterCard announced nationwide interchange rate increases effective April 2007. If you accept credit cards, these changes could significantly impact your bottom line. NAW has negotiated a deal through Solveras Payment Systems to lock in pre-increase rates if you enroll in the NAW/Solveras program before April 30. Visit the NAW/Solveras Web site, or call (800) 613-0148 for complete details. Some restrictions apply.        
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Download key economic data on your line of trade
Download immediately individual economic analysis reports that are most relevant to your business from the 19 major wholesale distribution sectors in the 2007 Wholesale Distribution Economic Reports. These reports supply a wealth of channel benchmarking data, including revenue and employment growth trends, the number and size distribution of companies, gross margins, wages and many other operating statistics. Quantity discounts apply.        
| Weekly Poll |  |  |
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- Friday, April 06, 2007
- Wednesday, April 04, 2007
- Monday, April 02, 2007
- Friday, March 30, 2007
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