Most Clicked NAW SmartBrief Stories
1. From turkeys to time off: Let staff know you care during downturn
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2008
Managers need to get proactive during tough times in order to boost morale and keep employees motivated. A list of 10 tips for raising employees' spirits includes shortening the work week to four days with extended work hours, giving employees turkeys at Thanksgiving, along with a card acknowledging the tough times, or helping to facilitate a car pool and perhaps giving a gas card to those who stay in the car pool for a certain amount of time. Manage Smarter (11/12)
2. Ashland acquires Hercules for $2.4 billion
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2008
Ashland Inc. acquired Hercules Inc., which manufactures paint thickeners and paper chemicals, for $2.4 billion. Ashland also announced its revised management team, which includes two former Hercules executives. Forbes (11/14) American City Business Journals (11/14)
3. Don't let emotions stand in the way of success
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 14, 2008
Emotions, particularly those of a negative nature, can act as a barrier to performing successfully. The best salespeople have discovered how to manage their emotions, and by deflecting negativity with a positive attitude, they can rise above their emotional obstacles. DaveKahle.com (11/11)
4. Avoid recession panic by having contingency plan in place
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 14, 2008
In tough economic times, staying calm and avoiding feelings of panic are crucial, as panic breeds fear that in turn can paralyze potential, punish productivity and destroy relationships. Contingency planning can help leaders to avoid this dangerous cycle: By preparing the company for the potential obstacles, as well as the opportunities that can arise in tough circumstances, a leader can help ensure that the organization emerges unscathed and even stronger than before. CEO Strategist (11/02)
5. Embrace fear during tough times to weather the storm
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2008
Instead of feeling powerless and hopeless during tough times, people have the option of embracing their fears. That involves staying grounded, leading with compassion and keeping a realistic optimism. American City Business Journals (11/03)
6. 2008 Employee Compensation Report: Available for immediate download
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2008
As the U.S. economy continues to present challenges, distributors are reconsidering their staffing needs and how to attract and keep top performers. See how your compensation program compares to others. This report focuses on data from 1,704 distributors from across all lines of trade. It gives you the benchmarks and backup needed to budget employee pay and benefits with confidence.
7. Graybar's Q3 sales rise 6.2%, but profits drop 26%
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2008
Graybar Electric reported sales of $1.45 billion for the third quarter, a 6.2% increase from the same period last year. However, the St. Louis-based electrical and MRO distributor saw a 26% drop in profit during the quarter because of a market-wide decline in copper-based wire products. "Our low debt levels and strong financial position should allow Graybar to weather an economic slowdown and emerge with greater market share," said Robert Reynolds Jr., chairman, CEO and president of Graybar. Industrial Distribution (11/11) American City Business Journals (11/11)
8. Study: Poor support from supervisors impacts worker attitudes, health
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2008
Workers who perceive their managers as being unsupportive tend to have worse job attitudes and health issues, such as blood pressure, heart rate and sleep quality problems, than those with more interactive bosses, according to a study. The study found that once supervisors were trained to show more support for workers' work/life issues, the workers responded, and it impacted their health, satisfaction and safety. Harvard Business Review (11/01)
9. Keep customers loyal by keeping relationship personal
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2008
To ensure your customers remain loyal, it's important to give them a pleasant and personalized experience. Craft marketing messages that are relevant to individual clients' needs, as opposed to relying on one-size-fits-all blast e-mails. E-Commerce Times (11/06)
10. Rexel's Q3 sales up
NAW SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2008
Rexel Group posted sales of $5.24 billion for the third quarter, a 1.1% increase from last year's third-quarter sales of $5.19 billion. The French electrical distributor's acquisition of Dutch company Hagemeyer was a major contributor to an increase in net income for the first three quarters of the year. However, North American sales were down 1.1% for the third quarter as demand in several core markets slowed. Industrial Distribution (11/12) Modern Distribution Management (11/12)
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