You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through."
--Rosalynn Carter,
former first lady
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| CVSN SmartBrief |
| June 3, 2008 |
Many top-50 distributors remain optimistic for 2008
Executives at most of the 50 largest distribution firms, as identified by Industrial Distribution, say that despite weakness in the overall economy, they remain cautiously optimistic in terms of their outlook for the year. Aside from the automotive and construction sectors, many categories are holding up well, leading some companies to plan acquisitions. Industrial Distribution (6/1)
10 prescriptions for coping with pain at the pump
The Wall Street Journal offers 10 tips for reducing fuel costs for small businesses and consumers. Among them: use online tools to locate lowest gasoline prices, check out gasoline rebates and keep up with vehicle maintenance. The Wall Street Journal/Independent Street (subscription required) (5/28)
New car-alarm system offers features from phone or remote
China's Shenzhen Beaconton Electronic has introduced a GPS/GSM car alarm with a remote frequency of 316 MHz. The model, BNT-V01, enables users to start the car, unlock it and disarm the system from a remote control or phone. globalsources.com (5/30)
Turn stress into positive energy
The stress that results from stressful times can be harnessed into healthy energy that can in fact help improve performance and weather a storm. The right amount of anxiety is described as the level that drives people ahead without causing them to try to control what's happening. Manage Smarter (5/21)
In relationship marketing, accentuate the positive
Having the right attitude is essential for relationship marketing. Not only does having a positive attitude drive motivation, but it can make you a valuable source of hope and inspiration for others. American City Business Journals (5/27)
Are your marketing and sales departments aligned?
About one-third of companies in a recent survey said their marketing and sales organizations aren't well-aligned, a factor that can hurt revenue. The president and co-founder of VisionEdge Marketing says the key to improving alignment is focusing on a customer-centric approach. Manage Smarter (5/22)
The importance of middle management
Middle managers are often seen as the "glue" that binds a company together, working with both front-line employees and top managers. However, companies are discovering how difficult and important it is to attract, develop and retain middle managers. "Top management can spend all their time creating strategy, but without someone there to implement it, where are you at the end of the day?" says Thomas Colligan, vice dean of Wharton Executive Education. Knowledge@Wharton (free registration) (5/28)
Peer mentors offer productive partnerships
Peer mentors can be highly useful for entrepreneurs as sources of motivation and as trusted colleagues in whom to confide. Three relationships described in this article show how peer partnerships can come in many forms and offer extensive benefits. Entrepreneur.com (5/23)
Common startup mistakes can stall the best of plans
Five common business mistakes can turn a good startup idea into a stalled plan. They include not making enough profit to bring in employees or subcontractors and picking a target market that is too small. Entrepreneur (6/2008)
AFTERMARKET2020: Is your business model ready for the future?
Go to www.aftermarket2020.com for information about the CVSN 2008 Annual Meeting, at the Omni Interlocken Resort, from Sept. 21 to 24.
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--Rosalynn Carter, |
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