Is ‘Google+’ a Social Networking Game Changer?
Learn how Google+ Circles may change the way we network online.
July 25, 2011
MDM News Digest 4114
News briefs from July 11 - 25, 2011.
2Q MDM-Baird Benchmarking Survey: Positive Trend Continues
Robert W. Baird & Co., in partnership with Modern Distribution Management, conducted a survey of nearly 600 distributors and manufacturers to gauge business trends and the outlook for the distribution industry in diverse sectors. Here is a summary of second-quarter results.
On average, respondents to the latest quarterly MDM/Baird survey said second-quarter revenues were up 9.7 percent year-over-year. In the first-quarter survey, respondents indicated …
Price vs. Value: How Distributors Position Their Businesses – Part 1
When it comes to positioning and messaging, the overwhelming majority of distributors in a recent MDM survey have three things in common:
About 90 percent of distributors believe that they deliver more value than their competitors for a comparable price.
More than 88 percent of distributors place a large emphasis in their messaging on a handful of features: product selection, availability, speed of delivery, pre-sales technical support and professional sales representatives. If everybody is messaging on the same items, it means that nobody is really differentiating.
Nearly 70 percent of distributors use informal methods for positioning and messaging.
This article, the first in a two-part series, explains why distributors hold this belief about their value and shows how they can develop differentiated messaging around a broader set of features.
Commentary: Learn to Love Disconnects as a Vehicle for Profitability
Create new ways to help customers or streamline your own operations to become more profitable.
Download this Issue in pdf: July 25, 2011
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Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: May 2011
Sales and inventories data for wholesaler-distributors in May 2011.
Wolseley Agrees to Sell UK-based Build Center to Saint-Gobain
Wolseley and Saint-Gobain have also entered negotiations for the sale of Brossette, Wolseley's plumbing and heating distribution business in France.
Chicago Fed National Activity Index Remains Negative for Third Consecutive Month
The index's three-month moving average decreased to its lowest level since Oct. 2009.
Eaton Sales Up 21% in Second Quarter
Electrical Americas sales for Eaton were up 16 percent.
Illinois Tool Works Acquires Despatch Industries
Full-year 2011 revenues for Despatch are expected to be $200 million.
United Stationers Sales Up 2.9% in Second Quarter
Strong growth in industrial supplies and janitorial/breakroom were partially offset by declines in technology and furniture.
Owens & Minor Sales Up 5.5% in Second Quarter
First-half sales grow 6.7% for Owens & Minor.
B/E Aerospace Fasteners, Consumables See Organic Growth of 13% in 2Q
Overall growth, including acquisitions, for the manufacturer and distributor was up 25.8%.
Rexnord Agrees to Acquire German Manufacturer
Acquisition complements Rexnord's water management platform.
