Earlier this year NEMRA launched its Rep of the Future report which highlighted industry changes that are / expected to occur over the next five years and the traits that reps will need going forward. And recent conversations with reps […]
Recently I visited a manufacturer rep client and spent time with their salespeople. As typically goes, the conversation “wanders” into what they are observing in the marketplace (the benefit of F2F meetings!). The salespeople I was talking to have been […]
Zoom is now the generic term for webinars. The Kleenex of webinars. Teams may rival based upon usage, but from a lexicon viewpoint it is now Zoom, perhaps because of the media and stock market mentions? Whether you use Zoom, […]
COVID-19 has directly been impacting the electrical distribution industry for about two weeks and we’ve been aware of it, due to supply concerns coming from China for about six weeks. We’ve learned much such as the affect on the lighting […]
The relationship between manufacturers and their reps is perhaps the single most important relationship that both can have as it is a synergistic, mutually dependent relationship that impacts the success of both companies. The best are a symbiotic relationship. For […]
For many managers, the worst part of losing an employee is interviewing prospects. Where to find candidates and what to ask so can get “the right person”, quickly. Conversely, if you’re seeking a “new” opportunity, the idea of interviewing can […]
NAED just concluded one of its most successful conferences and, from social postings, perhaps the most energetic conference the association has been involved with. Jenny Christensen, Director of Marketing for Distributor Data Solutions (DDS) graciously shares her feedback on the […]
With the NAED meeting season coming to an end this weekend and distributors finally done with their planning sessions with manufacturers (more meetings), the issue of the quality of the meetings defined as “probing questions / value of the meeting […]
Over the past few weeks I’ve spoken to and met with a number of manufacturer reps, working on topics ranging from strategic planning to marketing initiatives as well as customer satisfaction and succession discussions. Inevitably I’ve been asked a common […]
Lighting has been going through a revolution that has transformed the space. Aside from the reduction in lamp sales, increases in fixture sales, accelerated interest and increased functionality in lighting controls, reps entering the market, the explosion in the retrofit […]
