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| NAW SmartBrief |
| November 30, 2007 |
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Wolseley layoffs continue
U.K.-based building materials distributor Wolseley plans to let go 1,300 workers from its North American operations. The company previously laid off 1,700 workers in the quarter ending Oct. 31, owing to the U.S. residential construction market's ongoing struggles. The combined layoffs are expected to save about $122 million annually, the company said. Industrial Distribution (11/28)
Changing business of IT distribution
The roles of IT distributors are evolving as resellers of technology and software solutions rely more heavily on them for customer service. Some areas where these high-tech distributors can expect to see potential business opportunities and growth include managed IT services, solutions selling and providing and small-business technical support, this article says. Electronics Supply & Manufacturing (11/27)
Other News
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A lesson in using caution with power of attorney
A lesson to come out of the indictment of the son of late philanthropist Brooke Astor's and a lawyer accused of pilfering the estate's funds is that turning over a financial power of attorney can be risky. Older people increasingly are using the action to authorize a family member to make financial decisions, but experts warn that caution should be taken, and people should name an agent for power of attorney while they can still make their own sound decisions. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (11/28)
Take time now for a business health checkup
The end of a year is a good time to check the pulse of your company and see to its long-term financial health, says Business Week columnist Karen E. Klein. Checking the vital signs requires consulting with specialists, such as a business attorney, about the company structure and with a financial adviser about the portfolio. BusinessWeek (11/26)
Don't undermine sales relationships with accidental insults
Sales people sometimes make the mistake of using words or phrases that can inadvertently insult or demean their clients, undermining their relationships without even realizing it. A solution is for salespeople to follow the example of physicians by keeping the client's best interest in mind and having a more "diagnostic conversation" with clients. Manage Smarter (11/28)
Web conferences save time, money
Web conferencing services are offering small business operators a way to save time and still meet with clients. Not only does it save on travel expenses, conferencing on the Web increases productivity by converting transit time to time that can be used to serve clients. SmartBIZ (11/27)
Five pitfalls to avoid before and during retirement
Forbes outlines five retirement-wrecking moves in a special report. The retirement-planning mistakes outlined by the magazine include procrastination, assuming it's too late, missing opportunities, overlooking health care needs and spending too much. Forbes (11/28)
Soaring medical costs hit the insured as well
Even insured Americans are facing massive health care bills as they max out lifetime limits on their employer-backed coverage. The cost of care is soaring and pushing through the limits of those plans. Medical spending is now $2 trillion, or 16% of the economy. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (11/29)
Preventing driver slips and falls
Slip and fall accidents are a significant factor in driver injuries, causing approximately 22% of injuries to drivers. Next to motor vehicle collisions, slips and falls are the most expensive type of driver accident. The Hartford shares some tips to help drivers protect themselves from slips and falls on the job. Learn more here.
Transform your sales force for the 21st century
Distribution companies, by their nature, should be sales-oriented companies. However, many distributors don't do sales very well. That's the premise behind Transforming Your Sales Force for the 21st Century, Second Edition. Written by Dave Kahle for distribution sales managers and executives, this new second edition provides a blueprint to transform sales forces into highly directable, effective and focused performers.
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