Posts By Jonathan Bein

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In Part 1 of this series, we presented the results of an MDM survey about distributor marketing, focusing on the level of success they are currently having in their marketing efforts and to what extent they are deploying the various kinds of marketing vehicle (SEO, social media, e-mail, print and telemarketing). The overall trend we identified is that while distributors are slowly getting better at marketing, only a small portion (6 percent) can be classified as high performers. In Part 2 of the series, we explore two areas that distributors must improve on if they are to join that 6 percent and reap first-mover benefits.
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The 2018 State of Distributor Marketing examines how distributors perceive the features and benefits they offer customers. This joint survey between MDM-Real Results Marketing reveals that distributors are increasingly relying on search marketing instead of email marketing. This article examines how distributors across sectors approach marketing, what they consider the most effective channels to be and the frequency with which they conduct their different marketing vehicles.
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- What features are important?
- Benefits centered on helping customers
- How are companies performing?
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- MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Storms Stunt Distributor Growth
- Distributors Up Search Marketing Efforts
- Amazon Business: The Burning E-Platform

This article includes:
- Marketing vehicle importance
- Marketing vehicle frequency
- Best practices frequency
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- Millennials in Distribution: ‘No Magic’ in US LUMBER’s Strategy
- Endgame Strategy: A Must for Distributors
- Amazon Gets Down to Business
This article includes:
- Unknown or no effect yet from Amazon
- Positive effects as result of Amazon
- Negative Effects as a Result of Amazon
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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:
- Millennials in Distribution: No Magic in US LUMBERs Strategy
- Endgame Strategy: A Must for Distributors
- Graingers Pricing Initiative, pt 2: The Quest for Optimization

Part 1 of this series showed the continued trend of distributors moving from the nascent stage (less than 5 percent of revenue) of e-commerce to the growth and maturity stages. The shift moving toward e-commerce maturity means the journey evolves as well. This article explores what is changing and what that could mean for your business.
This article includes:
- E-commerce performance
- Marketing vehicle effectiveness and spending rank
- Satisfaction with returns on investment
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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:
- Wholesale Distribution Disrupted, Part 2: Engage to Combat Disruption
- Top Trends for 2017
- ‘Digital Branch’ Strategy Drives AD eContent

The sixth annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey conducted with Real Results Marketing revealed several key trends.
This article includes:
- Results of the 2017 State of E-Commerce in Distribution Survey
- How the industry’s e-commerce offerings are maturing
- The primary e-commerce objectives among respondents
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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:
- Wholesale Distribution Disrupted, Part 2: Engage to Combat Disruption
- Top Trends for 2017
- ‘Digital Branch’ Strategy Drives AD eContent

A joint MDM-Real Results Marketing survey revealed that distribution and manufacturing, in general, are 4.5 times less likely than other industries to be extremely satisfied with their marketing capabilities. This article examines how distributors across sectors approach marketing and what they consider the most effective channels to be.
This article includes:
- Distributor satisfaction with marketing programs
- Marketing vehicle best practices & frequency
- Areas for marketing growth
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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:
- Making the Case for Mobile
- Differentiate with Strategic Marketing
- MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Economy Stuck on the Bottom in 2Q
Predicting profitability of an order by measuring average margin is ineffective. Averages are susceptible to outliers and rarely represent the true value of any individual measure within the set. In this article, the authors examine flaws in conventional thinking about margin and provide practical ways to better manage small orders.
This article includes:
- Common misconceptions about how to measure customer profitability
- Better ways to measure the impact of small orders
- Tips for how to improve profit from small customers
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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:
- Making Money with Small Customers
- Measuring the Customer Experience
- Cost-Effective Channel Alignment