Distributors, reps and manufacturers discuss their outlooks for 2011 at the 34th Annual Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) convention and tradeshow.
“Right Skills Now” Provides Fast-Track Training for Tradesmen
The biggest issue I hear from both contractors and manufacturers is lack of work isn’t the issue, but lack of qualified people to do it is. Right Skills Now may not be the end all but it’s a model that can work for both on a regional basis. I know one of Mike Rowe’s passion is training the professional tradesman and this is a step in the right direction.
It’s All About Business: A Straight Shooting Book on Social Media
No Bullshit Social Media by Jason Falls and Erik Deckers is true to its title. They take the mystery out of it and explain in a no-nonsense way how to get the most out of Social if indeed you jump in. And it’s about the ultimate goal-driving business.
Are You Minding Your Manners on Twitter?
Yes, there are rules (even though some should be self-evident) on the do’s and don’ts on Twitter. Heidi Cohen in a recent post gives you 24 guidelines.
We All Have Something To Be Thankful For
As the Thanksgiving weekend approaches I’d like to say thanks to the many friends and clients we’ve had the good fortune to come in contact with over the years. We’re all running in several different directions all the time, and this time of year we need to slow down a bit to appreciate the things around us.
Trends in Distribution and What it Means to the Distributor/Supplier Relationship
I recently caught up with Lindsay Konzak, editor of Modern Distribution Management (MDM) newsletter. We talked about how things are changing, especially since the downturn in the economy.She shared with us “Four Trends in Distribution” from the MDM’s 2011 Distributor Landscape Report and what it has meant for the supplier-distributor relationship.
2012 Looks Like Companies Will be Investing More Into Social Media
According to a recent report in eMarketer.com, companies are looking to invest more in social in 2012. According to a study completed this summer by Booz&Co and Buddy Media, social media will become a higher percentage of their total digital spend in the next three years.
Tablets and Smartphones are Changing the Way Manufacturers Will be Reaching the Tradesmen
With smartphones, tablets and other connected devices, consumers have become digital omnivores according to a new study out by comScore. Their new white paper, Digital Omnivores: How tablets,smart phones and connected devices are changing U.S. digital media consumption.
Enhance Your Trade Show Presence by Utilizing Social Media
For most of us in the B2B space, trade shows usually take up a fair portion of your marketing budget. Are you leveraging social media in this space? A recent post by Jeffrey Cohen form Social Media B2B highlighted 10 ways to maximize your efforts.
STAFDA Convention 2011 – San Antonio
For those of you that are going to San Antonio this weekend for the STAFDA Show, we put together an Insider’s Guide to San Antonio by asking friends and business associates about gems in the city that you might not be aware of. It includes Restaurants, Nightlife, Events and more