With business returning to a more “normal” pace, defined as “slow growth” looking forward, leading distributors are focused on improving the operational / warehouse aspects of their business. While national chains, over the years, quickly moved to a CDC or RDC model, larger independents have also adopted this approach. This achieves a dual mandate of “improved” inventory … [Read more...] about Increasing Warehouse Output While Managing Costs
AI in Support HVACR Distributors and Manufacturers
AI is being talked about by many in the industry. Every tech company now is using the term. It’s the “hot” word. Put AI next to anything and it will open the door to a conversation. All want to know how it will “help” their business. It will, however, recognize that it is in the top of the 1st inning. There are already tools that you are using, or have access to, that are … [Read more...] about AI in Support HVACR Distributors and Manufacturers
Rebates … The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Mention rebates to distributors and manufacturers and you’re sure to have an interesting conversation. Manufacturer Views on Rebates Manufacturers question their efficacy in driving incremental sales, express frustration in their lack of behavioral modification of distributor field personnel (branch managers, salespeople, purchasing personnel), but feel / recognize that it is … [Read more...] about Rebates … The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Manufacturers – Is Your Customer King?
Recently my colleague, Gene Biben, penned an article for ElectricalTrends, discussing a disturbing trends, perhaps it's an outgrowth from COVID, that affects many manufacturers. As background, Gene spent over 40 years as a manufacturer rep. The agency was passed from father to son. He has since retired, with his son-in-law taking over, but he stays involved in the business … [Read more...] about Manufacturers – Is Your Customer King?
Retrofits Can Cut Carbon Emissions
This year has been a challenging year for many with sales not meeting expectations, especially relating to new construction ... and the lack of continually price increases makes comparisons challenging. A key to driving growth is bringing ideas to the marketplace. Yes you can seek to win share by outserving your competitors but there is a limit to what they'll give unless … [Read more...] about Retrofits Can Cut Carbon Emissions
Recap of Poolside Chat with Microsoft
On August 22nd Channel Marketing Group hosted a poolside chat with Microsoft’s Matt Petersen. The session was titled “ChatGPT, AI, Office, Teams and More Technology to Power Your Business. Within minimal promotion and advance notice, and the support of NEMRA, Edison Report and Electro-Federation, we had over 200 people register and over 110 connections on the webinar … thank … [Read more...] about Recap of Poolside Chat with Microsoft
Market Intelligence to Inform Leadership
Okay, I'm not saying that company leadership is not "intelligent", but it does help leadership if it has access to intelligence as in market insights. While sales can provide some market, and customer-specific, insights, information needs to be aggregated, analyzed and sought from multiple sources in order to identity and evaluate the market to identify opportunities, set … [Read more...] about Market Intelligence to Inform Leadership
