Most Clicked NAW SmartBrief Stories
1. Fed move triggers surge of refinancing activity
NAW SmartBrief | Dec 01, 2008
In an effort to stabilize the U.S. housing market, the Federal Reserve triggered a series of actions where interest rates fell and homeowners jumped to refinance to lower their mortgages. Matt Vernon, national sales executive at Bank of America, said call volume was about twice what had been expected. "It's the folks who have been sitting on the sideline," Vernon said. "They're jumping in with this news." Wall Street Journal (free content), The (11/26) Wall Street Journal, The (subscription required) (11/26)
2. Observers say stimulus package could help revive construction industry
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 26, 2008
A stimulus package proposed by President-elect Barack Obama could help the construction industry rebound. A stimulus plan could "absolutely change the scenario for companies that have been talking about laying people off," according to the CEO of an industry group that represents largely nonresidential builders. The construction industry hit an unemployment rate of 10.8% in October. Wall Street Journal (free content), The (11/25)
3. Grainger to consolidate Lab Safety and Industrial Supply businesses
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 25, 2008
W.W. Grainger has announced plans to merge its Lab Safety Supply and Grainger Industrial Supply businesses. The broad-line MRO distributor expects to realize cost savings of between $20 million and $30 million over the next 18 months from the consolidation. Modern Distribution Management (11/20) Industrial Distribution (11/19)
4. Costco CEO describes company's successful strategy
NAW SmartBrief | Dec 01, 2008
In an interview with Fast Company, Costco CEO Jim Sinegal counters analysts' arguments that the chain's generosity to its employees hurts its shareholders. Sinegal says Costco's allegiance to its suppliers, employees and the communities where it does business, as well as its commitment to offering customers reasonable prices, contribute to the building of a company that will have longevity. Fast Company (11/01)
5. When do you think the financial crisis will subside?
NAW SmartBrief | Dec 01, 2008
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
6. Successful salespeople offer solutions to customers
NAW SmartBrief | Dec 01, 2008
It frequently is the case that salespeople are the biggest contributors to prospects' foot-dragging in terms of closing a deal. Sales reps who are so eager to seal the deal that they neglect to outline how their offering solves a prospective customer's dilemma or satisfies a need, or fail even to help the prospect articulate those needs and wants, are missing out on a golden -- and probably deal-cinching -- opportunity to present their offering as the solution to a longstanding problem. Manage Smarter (11/20)
7. BlackBerry gets touchy with new Storm
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 25, 2008
A review of Research in Motion's new BlackBerry Storm compares its features with those of its iPhone and G1 rivals, including the Storm's "SurePress" keyboard feature and lack of a Wi-Fi connection. Reuters (11/20) Wall Street Journal (free content), The (11/20)
8. Act boldly in times of crisis
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 25, 2008
In his new book "Think Again," management guru Sydney Finkelstein identifies four internal biases that often lead to poor management decisions: inappropriate prejudgments; inappropriate experience; self-interest; and attachments. Times of crisis can provide opportunities for managers to exercise bold decision-making. "People are more willing to accept change during a crisis. This means it's an opportunity to make hard changes that you need to make that may have been resisted before," Finkelstein says. BusinessWeek (11/14)
9. Marketing in an uncertain environment
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 25, 2008
It's time to focus on the things you can change about your business in the midst of tumultuous economic times, Terry Brock advises. Think about your customer first rather than your product: Anticipating customers' needs will help other priorities fall into place. Brock also recommends that businesses focus on direct marketing and that they get in front of new trends. American City Business Journals (11/17)
10. Anixter to book an expense of up to $22 million due to customer bankruptcy
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 26, 2008
CNNMoney.com (11/21)
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