When it came to the most popular MDM Premium content on mdm.com in the second quarter 2013, it was all about competition.

What are the new competitive threats to the traditional distribution model? How are distributors responding to those threats? How do you define competitive advantage?

The top five MDM Premium articles in the second quarter 2013 answered these questions:

1. The New Distribution Company – New companies competing in the distribution industry are proving that there’s still room in the market for entrepreneurs. Through technology improvements and increased sources of supply, some have even been able to grow without big investments in inventory and physical locations.

2. Redefining Competitive Advantage – In this interview with author Rita Gunther McGrath, read why she believes it’s time to go beyond the concept of sustainable competitive advantage. She wrote The End of Competitive Advantage: How to Keep Your Strategy Moving as Fast as Your Business to encourage organizations to capture opportunities quickly, exploit them decisively and move on before they are exhausted.

3. Distributors Respond to the Big-Box Challenge – Big-box retailers, including Staples, Lowe’s and The Home Depot, continue to grow their focus on B-to-B markets, and some distributors are feeling the squeeze. This article examines the effects of the retail channel’s focus on distributors’ traditional markets.

4. Breaking Down the Barriers for CRM – In this interview, Mark Dancer, who recently completed a study and book on distributors’ use of customer relationship management software, talks about why now might be the time for distributors to embrace the technology.

5. Wind Market Grows: Challenges Remain – In this article for MDM’s series on alternative energy markets, Angela Poulson examines the opportunities for distributors in wind energy markets. Renewable energy standards continue to build out a larger market for wind, but there is still plenty holding the industry back.

Other popular content on mdm.com in the second quarter 2013:

• 2013 Wholesale Distribution Industry Trends Report 
• Special Report: The Shifting Competitive Landscape in Distribution (Not a subscriber? This report is also available in the MDM Store. Order here.)

If you are a Premium subscriber and have difficulties accessing any of the above content, please email us at info@mdm.com!