COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out across the nation, and it feels like we are “returning to normal.” But some of the changes brought on by the pandemic will stick around. While distributors have always sold products on multiple sales channels (for example: outside sales, inside sales, customer service, ecommerce, and VMI), COVID-19 shifted the dynamics and reliance…
B2B Sales Channel Strategy
Distributors sell through multiple sales channels: outside sales, inside sales, ecommerce, customer service, VMI and more. But as customer expectations shift, the role of each channel in B2B sales continues to evolve. Customers are demanding a seamless experience no matter where they interact with the distributor.
How to Select, Sell and Deliver the Right Value-Added Services for Your Business
It is increasingly important for distributors to add value and differentiate themselves from the competition. Peter Neuberger, CEO of United Performance Metals, shared with DSG how to be intentional and disciplined about the value-added services you provide to optimize the benefit they have for your business.
How Satisfied Are Distributors with Their Core Technology Stack?
In our recent State of Technology in Distribution survey, we evaluated the core technologies, platforms and products used by distributors to manage their business including sales and marketing, internal operations and financial management.
5 Reasons Marketing Automation Fails (and How to Give It a Real Chance)
When the ROI of marketing automation isn’t what you expect, don’t retreat to a basic email package. Before you go, get honest about whether you really gave marketing automation a chance.
How Lawson Products Grew Its Enterprise Value by 10x: A Differentiation Case Study for Distributors
Mike DeCata, CEO and president of Lawson Products, loves the way distribution touches all of our lives, and it shows. His impressive career spans from leadership at Grainger, United Rentals, and Chef’s Warehouse to growing the share price of MRO distributor Lawson Products by 1,000% since taking his position there in 2012.
The Case for Marketing Automation in B2B
The scales have shifted. Buyers have evolved in the ways that they prefer to purchase. Technology, digital channels and non-stop connectivity continue to empower today’s buyers with more immediate information and many more choices than ever before. We, as marketers must change to adapt to these changes.
Why Distributors’ Customer Churn Management Efforts Aren’t Working
Few distributors try to predict customer churn. Those that do, get it wrong because of how they define churn. The problem lies in how they define a “lost customer.”
2021 State of Sales in Distribution: How Consultative Sales Will Differentiate Distributors in the Post-Pandemic Normal
In this free whitepaper, we outline how distributors can build a more consultative and adaptive sales force to differentiate in 2021 and beyond.
3 Distribution Maxims That Are Wrong
Measuring profitability by enterprise gross margin is a sledgehammer approach to a problem requiring nuance and precision.
How to Overcome Resistance to Strategic Pricing
Learn the secrets to successful strategic pricing implementation and get the results you need with buy-in from your entire team.