The trouble with life isn't that there is no answer, it's that there are so many answers."
--Ruth Benedict,
American anthropologist
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| CVSN SmartBrief |
| July 1, 2008 |
Fuel surcharges become the norm
Feeling the pain of record high gas prices, more and more companies are passing along the costs to consumers in the form of fuel surcharges. "We're going to be paying higher costs across the board whether you pay it in the form of a surcharge or you pay it in the form of higher prices," noted Noreen Perrotta, finance editor at Consumer Reports. Still, consumer advocates point out there are no laws regulating how fuel surcharges are calculated or implemented and no way for customers to tell if the charges are fair. The Washington Post (6/24)
Aging workers redefine retirement
While some older workers are putting retirement on the back burner by choice, others are continuing to work -- or returning to work -- for financial reasons. Either way, the trend of older, experienced employees remaining in the work force can be a boon to businesses that can enlist retirement-age workers to jump start their struggling businesses. Spartan Stores Inc., for example, sought out Craig Sturken, a retired industry executive, who helped steer Spartan out of a rough patch that included losses and layoffs and into smooth fiscal waters. MLive.com (Mich.)/Grand Rapids Press (free registration) (6/21)
Successfully branding private-label offerings
Distributors who decide to venture into private labeling must have a clear branding strategy. Evergreen Consulting's Brent Grover outlines what he believes to be the keys to a successful strategy for building and managing a brand, as well as possible pitfalls to avoid. Modern Distribution Management (6/25)
Mobile technologies allow travelers to leave home without the laptop
Business travelers increasingly are leaving their laptops at home as lightweight mobile technologies allow them to accomplish most of what they would normally do without having to lug a more cumbersome device. Flash drives and smartphones allow travelers to store all the documents they need, check e-mail and surf the Internet. USA TODAY (6/19)
Offer your sales team ongoing guidance
Spending extra time with new salespeople, offering direction and mentorship is a good investment, says sales guru Dave Kahle, but even seasoned employees need ongoing feedback and attention from you, he adds. DaveKahle.com (6/24)
Humor can aid advertising, soften debate
Humor works in advertising because people like other people who do not take themselves too seriously, says USA TODAY columnist Steve Strauss. Self-effacing humor "signals that you are confident, secure and easygoing," he says. USA TODAY (6/23)
Managers often don't spend enough time developing staff
Some companies aren't any better at finding and recruiting the right talent than they were 10 years ago. A survey showed that while senior managers say talent management is their first or second priority, 60% admit that they don't spend enough time developing employees. Entrepreneur (7/2008)
Make employee recognition matter
Employee recognition programs that don't offer any recognition for years at a time are likely to cause dissension and high turnover. Workers should instead be rewarded with an approach that promotes informal and formal recognition on a day-to-day basis. Manage Smarter (6/19)
Risks involved in buying a small business
Although buying a small business may not be as risky as starting one's own, there are still a number of hazards to consider. Those looking to buy small businesses should consider demographic and political changes, owner's discretionary income, proximity of competitors, sales taxes and existing reputation. Entrepreneur.com (6/18)
AFTERMARKET2020: Is your business model ready for the future?
Sign up now! Go to www.aftermarket2020.com for meeting information, sign-up forms, transportation information and to make your hotel reservations. The CVSN 2008 Annual Meeting will be at the Omni Interlocken Resort, in Broomfield, Colo., from Sept. 21 to 24. See you in September!
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--Ruth Benedict, |
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