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 […]
Last week we shared thoughts on 10 channel dynamics that are impacting, and will have a greater influence in 2019. To reiterate, these dynamics are: Whose brand is valuable? Size matters Manufacturers support channels, but you? Products or Customers? What […]
The lighting market is more competitive than ever before. And with unit sales rates exceeding revenue growth rates, aside from declining materials costs, as they say “it’s the competition, stupid.” Historically the term “value engineering” is derisively referred to as […]
In our meetings with distributors and manufacturers, all comment on their need for qualified talent to support growth, to replace open positions or, in some cases, a need to upgrade their current talent. The challenge is “how to find the […]
In the electrical industry, capturing business is a fight for market share. And to win that fight you need the most effective sales organization. One that can get into “the right person at the customer” (be they and end-user, contractor […]
