Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution is the weekly podcast sponsored by LeadSmart Technologies that takes a deep dive into the topics impacting manufacturers, wholesale distribution, independent sales agents, and the global wholesale supply chain. Hosted by Kevin Brown, a 30-year veteran of wholesale distribution, and Tom Burton, a recognized thought leader in SaaS platforms for distributors, each episode reveals a unique perspective and valuable information about wholesale distribution ...
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How Tariffs and Taxes Will Impact Global Manufacturing and Distribution, With Guest Alex Chasovsky
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What a week! With barely time to catch their breaths, hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton are joined by Alex Chasovsky from the Bundy Group to look at how policy changes might affect manufacturers, wholesale distribution, and the global supply chain. The episode dives into the current economic landscape, particularly in light of recent Federal Reserve…
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The Impact of Political Change on Wholesale Manufacturing and Distribution
1:16:46
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1:16:46
So...did some big event happen recently? A change in administration means a change in policy, and in some cases, a BIG change. What does this mean for wholesale distributors and manufacturers? On this week's episode, we start with the Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates by a quarter point, marking the second cut of the year. Wha…
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Insights on Growth, Inflation, and Supply Chain Challenges for Wholesale Distributors
1:16:07
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1:16:07
Is another rate cut coming? And what's happening with China's first manufacturing expansion in months? And is that a reduction in inflation we're seeing??? The latest data indicates that the U.S. economy grew at a slower-than-expected pace of 2.8%, alongside inflation figures and job growth statistics. The conversation highlights the potential for …
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The Future of Wholesale Distribution: Trends, Tariffs, and Technology
1:11:26
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1:11:26
Did you hear the news? There's an election coming up... We're not flashing our yard signs on this week's episode. Rather, we're taking a look at what the future may hold for wholesale distributors in an ever-changing political, technological, and financial landscape. We kick off by discussing the current economic landscape, including weakening manu…
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Swarm AI and Its Impact on Wholesale Distribution.
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1:21:14
Not to sound like a broken record, but the almost-daily advancements in AI make it nearly impossible for wholesale distributors to ignore the coming tide. Now, with Swarm AI's latest development, is the dam about to burst? In this episode of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution, we take a look at this and all the latest trends impacting the wh…
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Is AI Helping Yet In Wholesale Distribution & Manufacturing?
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1:17:18
With all the hype around the AI revolution, one question remains: is AI actually helping wholesale distributors and manufacturers? This week, hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton explore this question while diving into the latest industry trends impacting manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and the global supply chain. From inflation’s effect on int…
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The Pause In The Dock Strike And Its Effect On The Supply Chain, with Guest Scott Costa
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The massive dock strike on the eastern seaboard dominated the news this week as it threatened to literally upend the United States economy. But just as quickly as it sent shockwaves through the world of wholesale distribution and manufacturing, it came to an abrupt end. Or did it? The strike is suddenly "on pause" as dockworkers return to their job…
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What A Difference A Week Makes: The Fed's Big Decision
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Well, well, well...somebody owes someone a steak dinner... This week, world markets could finally exhale as the Fed announced a 50 basis-point cut to interest rates. To some, it was larger than expected, while to others, it was either late or never should have happened at all. This week, Kevin and Tom unpack the big move and what it means for whole…
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The Top Supply Chain Optimization Strategies, With Guest James Gilman
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1:24:07
Supply chain optimization has never been more critical in today’s wholesale distribution market. A stunning 83% of businesses are now focused on creating customer-centric supply chains to improve service and offer flexible delivery options. In fact, the market is set to skyrocket almost $50 billion over the next eight years. This week, Kevin and To…
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Economic Ambiguity and Important Lessons For B2B Marketers.
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1:16:05
Markets are confused. Investors want rate cuts because they are a tailwind for growth. But rate cuts tend to be driven by negative economic data, and the economic data is...weird. So is a rate cut coming, and if so, how much should it be? and what will this mean for wholesale distributors? This week, we cut through the economic confusion to bring y…
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Fed Rate Cuts: What It Means For Wholesale Distribution and Manufacturing
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1:16:02
This week, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell all but signed off on an upcoming rate cut. The market responded immediately, and a collective cheer went up among businesses and consumers alike. But the question remains: how much of a cut will we see? And will there be multiple small cuts over time or a large single cut to supercharge growth? Oh, and does th…
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How AI Will Impact B2B Customer Experience and Manufacturing Alike
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1:15:18
More and more, AI for B2B is more than a way to manage customer data: it directly impacts the customer experience. This week, Tom and Kevin dive into the transformative power of AI in wholesale distribution and manufacturing, exploring how it's reshaping the industry as we know it. With recent advances pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve,…
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Has AI Hype Peaked? And Why Branding Is So Important in B2B
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1:06:43
As you may have noticed, the stock market took a nose dive last week, prompted in no small part to AI-driven tech stocks lowering revenue expectations. This has led many to wonder, is the AI Bubble about to burst? On this week's episode, we take a closer look at whether AI is the technological revolution it has been touted to be. Will it cure cance…
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The Effect of Amazon’s Reclassification and Lower Inflation on B2B eComm
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1:10:50
Last week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission determined that Amazon—normally considered an eCommerce company—is in fact a distributor, and therefore responsible for faulty items sold on its site and packed and shipped through its fulfillment service. Whoa! What will this mean for B2B eComm? Especially in light of the fact that B2B buyers are m…
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Our 100th Episode All-Star Celebration!
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1:35:34
It's a milestone years in the making: Around The Horn In Wholesale Distribution's 100th episode! And to celebrate, we're joined by seven VERY special guests - a veritable "Who's Who" of wholesale distribution: ✅ Ian Heller - Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Distribution Strategy Group ✅ Dirk Beveridge - Founder, UnleashWD and We Supply America ✅…
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Innovations, Supply Chain, and Gen Z: The New Drivers of Wholesale Distribution
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1:06:47
According to logistics execs, the trucking industry is turning a corner after a prolonged freight recession that succeeded the Covid boom in transportation rate and services. Could it be that innovation is driving a new era in logistics and supply chain management? In this episode, we'll take a look at some of the innovations driving wholesale dist…
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Big Economic News and The Changing Face of B2B Marketing
1:13:42
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1:13:42
Inflation fell in June for the first time since 2020. Good news! Retail imports continue to rise despite supply chain challenges. Good news! Manufacturing technology orders grew in May. Good news! The Fed Chairman said, “reducing policy restraint too late or too little could unduly weaken economic activity and employment." Uh oh... This week's busy…
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The Distributor vs. Amazon eComm Dilemma.
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1:12:06
Is Amazon Business dominating the wholesale distribution landscape, or is it legitimately providing an indispensable supply chain management and eComm solution to B2B companies? In other words, are they a godsend to wholesalers, or are they the enemy? In this week's episode, Tom and Kevin take a close look at some of the news stories surrounding de…
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The New B2B Marketing: Prompt Engineering, AI, eCommerce & More.
1:09:45
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1:09:45
It's the new FOMO: Fear of Marketing Overload. Ass new tech development promise to revolutionize the marketing landscape of B2B, how do you keep up with new platforms, new methodologies, and of course, new advancements in AI? In this week's episode, Tom and Kevin sort the truth from the hype to help wholesale distributors and manufacturers make sen…
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The Power of AI in Distribution and Marketing Strategies, With Guest Max Meister
1:23:07
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Best Practices. It's a term we hear all the time and use just as frequently. But as we constantly try to define and codify what those best practices are, one of the major questions is, "Am I getting the big picture here, or am I leaving something important out?" To ensure we're looking at best practices from a macro view, we brought in a guest from…
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Navigating the Marketing, Distribution, and Manufacturing Challenges of AI Integration
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1:14:33
Ready or not, AI is making a huge impact in wholesale distribution and manufacturing (and in our opinion, it's definitely better to be ready than not). In this week's episode, Kevin and Tom look at that basic challenges facing businesses that want to—or at least know they should—adopt AI. We start by discussing the most common issues businesses fac…
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Navigating Trends In Wholesale Distribution With Eric Hoplin of The NAW
1:06:12
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1:06:12
If you're looking for insights to the current state of wholesale distribution, there's perhaps no greater authority than Eric Hoplin, Chief Executive Officer at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. In this episode, Eric sits down with us for a very special hour to provide his unique perspective on a variety of topics. From the impac…
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Building Strong B2B Brands in the Age of AI Marketing, With Guest Jonathan Bein
1:14:03
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1:14:03
The wholesale distribution landscape is changing fast, and in this week's episode, we've got the insight and information to help you make heads or tails of it. We're joined by Dr. Jonathan Bein, Managing Partner at Distribution Strategy Group and a seasoned entrepreneur who leverages his marketing, technical, and sales expertise to develop clear va…
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The Impact—And the Future—of AI in Wholesale Distribution and Manufacturing
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1:08:41
AI is changing the landscape of B2B eCommerce faster than we can imagine...and sometimes, faster than businesses can keep up with. In this episode, Kevin and Tom discuss the challenges—and improvements—AI can pose to the economy, supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, e-commerce, marketing, cybersecurity, and more. We start by taking a deep div…
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The Challenges of Thought Leadership in AI, Marketing & Manufacturing
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1:08:49
As AI advances on a seemingly daily basis, wholesale distributors have a new tool to establish thought leadership, create marketing innovations, and deepen partnerships with manufacturers. But how does this new tool work? And is it authentic? On this week's episode, Kevin and Tom take a closer look at the impact of B2B AI on content creation, and t…
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B2B Buyer Signals and AI: The Implications For B2B Organizations
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1:14:05
Do you know what a buying signal is? Could you read one if you saw one? And if you can recognize them, what do they tell you? If you're a little lost, you're not alone. Buying signals refer to the various behaviors, content consumption, and social interactions that indicate a potential buyer's interest and engagement with a product or service. In t…
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Navigating The Digital Landscape, From Content To ROI
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1:12:59
Let's face it: when it comes to the tech adoption curve, wholesale distributors and manufacturers can be a little behind (Are you? Hint: if you don't know what "adoption curve" means, you are). On this episode, we dive into the critical role that digital resources play in driving both growth and customer engagement. From providing valuable digital …
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Transforming B2B Commerce with AI and Data Strategy, With Guest Lin Chase
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AI may be the most recent technology game-changer for wholesale distribution and manufacturing, but it's by no means the only one. In this week's episode, we're joined by guest Lin Chase, Ph.D., a 35-year veteran of enterprise technology and artificial intelligence and University Administrator. Together, we discuss the evolving landscape of technol…
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Home Depot's Strategic Move: Acquiring SRS Distribution to Meet Buyers Where They Want to Buy (B2C meets B2B)
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A monster acquisition is reshaping wholesale distribution and manufacturing: Home Depot's acquisition of SRS distribution, a move that expands their reach to tradesmen and building materials across 47 states. What's the real magic behind this move? It emphasizes the importance of meeting buyers where they are and adapting to their preferences. In t…
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Leveraging Data and Creating Supply Chain Resilience, With Guest Scott Costa
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1:11:51
In this week's episode, Kevin and Tom are joined by Scott Costa, Publisher of the Electrical Distributor magazine (tED). Scott gives his unique insight to the importance of data-driven decisions in B2B marketing and the false allure of solely relying on intent data, emphasizing the need to focus on creating demand earlier in the process rather than…
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Balancing Economic Data With The Customer Experience In eCommerce
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1:04:38
These are tumultuous times in wholesale distribution: U.S. small business sentiment fell in February to the lowest level since May due to continued concerns around inflation. In addition, the consumer price index, a broad measure of goods and services costs, increased 0.4% for the month and 3.2% from a year ago. Combine this with strikes at East Co…
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Wholesale Inventory & Supply Chain: What It Means For Your Bottom Line
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1:14:51
According to Reuters, U.S. wholesale inventories fell more than initially thought in January of 2024, which could negatively impact economic growth estimates for the first quarter. Inventories dropped 0.3% instead of dipping 0.1% as estimated last month. At January's sales pace it would take wholesalers 1.36 months to clear shelves, up from 1.34 mo…
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Ethics In AI And The Importance Of Personalization In B2B Marketing, With Guest Mike Hockett
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1:12:16
In the competitive world of wholesale distribution, businesses are increasingly recognizing the transformative power of tailoring their marketing efforts to meet the unique needs of individual clients and stakeholders. It's no longer a "one size fits all" marketplace: personalizing your customer journey and customer experience is key to retaining b…
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B2B Marketplaces and AI Tools Coming Faster Than Expected
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1:10:59
In 2006, there were less than 80 B2B marketplaces in the world. Within the next two years, that number will top 1,000. At the same time, Generative AI is reshaping the job market, subtly influencing job postings rather than triggering widespread layoffs. The tools for wholesale distribution and wholesale manufacturing are increasing exponentially..…
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Global Trade Shifts And AI Deep Fakes: Managing Disruptions In 2024, With Guest Mike Franz
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1:11:03
For the first time in two decades, the U.S. has purchased more goods from Mexico than it has from China, providing further evidence for how much global trading patterns have shifted. Indeed, supply chain managers have seen an increasing need to adopt new technologies, including a growing initiative to increase nearshoring or onshoring efforts. Disr…
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The Supply Chain Snags While AI Rolls Along
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1:02:50
The fragility of the world’s supply chains has been underscored again by escalating tensions in the Red Sea and decisions by major shipping companies to bypass the Suez Canal in favor of a longer and safer route around Africa. But "longer" can mean two things: delays in delivery and more expense. What does this mean in the face of other economic fa…
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Great Economic News for Manufacturers & Distributors! But Where Do We Go From Here?
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1:06:09
U.S. business activity picked up in January and inflation appeared to abate, with a measure of prices charged by companies for their products falling to the lowest level in more than 3-1/2 years. Combined with a GDP report indicating growth at a whopping 3.3%, it appears the economy kicked off 2024 on a strong note. So what does that mean for whole…
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Shipping Challenges, M&A, And A Whole Lot More, With Guest Will Quinn
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1:05:56
The conflict in the Middle East has had repercussions throughout the wholesale distribution industry. According to Reuters, global trade declined by 1.3% from November to December 2023 as militant attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea led to a plunge in the volumes of cargo transported in that key region, while CNBC reports that Houthi attacks…
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Wholesale Industry Icons Review ‘23 and ‘24
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1:38:43
For a very special episode of Around The Horn, we've assembled a top-notch roundtable of experts in wholesale distribution and manufacturing: Dirk Beveridge, Founder of UnleashWD; Ian Heller of the Distribution Strategy Group; and Mike Marks, Founding Partner at Indian River Consulting Group. Together with Tom & Kevin, we go "Around The Horn" to di…
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Top Economic Insights For Wholesale Distributors in 2024
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1:12:49
Most prognosticators agree: the economic outlook seems pretty rosy as we head into 2024. Construction spending during November 2023 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 11.3% above November 2022, while revenues are expected to increase in 15 of 18 manufacturing industries and 16 of 18 services-sector industries. But do disruptions …
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New AI Advancements—And Cyber Threats—In Wholesale Distribution
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1:03:36
As 2023 wraps up, wholesale distribution finds itself in a period of unprecedented technological advancement...along with cyber threats to match. While Generative AI and other machine learning tools are being added to ERP at a rapid pace, bringing new levels of automation and efficiency to business processes across the enterprise, threats still con…
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The Impact Of Onshoring On Wholesale Distributors
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1:00:33
Providing product on time, on budget, and on spec is driving suppliers and retailers at every level to rethink their production and sourcing outside the United States. This onshoring has the potential to benefit not just wholesale distributors, but all kinds of small and mid-cap companies. On this week's podcast, we take a deeper dive into the new …
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Cybersecurity: Why It's Critical For Manufacturers and Wholesale Distributors
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1:00:23
Cyberattacks surged this year, with millions of companies falling victim to ransomeware attacks. Ransomeware "gangs" are getting even more sophisticated, targeting organizations with critical user data, such as government and healthcare facilities. How do you keep your all-important data safe, especially as you integrate more AI into your systems? …
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Unraveling The Complexities Of The Latest Economic Data With Guest Paul Kennedy
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Last week, the government upgraded its estimate for quarterly economic growth to a 5.2% annualized rate. But what really drove that growth? Meanwhile, Amazon quietly became the biggest parcel delivery business in the United States...but how? And what will happen to the economy downstream when the economic impact of the UAW strike hits manufacturers…
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Has Inflation Reached Its Peak? A Look At The B2B Wholesale Economy.
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57:17
With the UAW strikes getting resolved, hiring for the holiday season, falling mortgage interest rates, and a 10% rise in the stock market, are we seeing a real turnaround in the economy? If so, what will the impact be for wholesale distribution? This week, we take a closer look at the latest news on the late-year economy. We also look at AI advance…
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Big Changes In AI Regulations And Cyber Security
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All things AI took some twists and turns this week. After the Biden Administration announced plans to help regulate AI, some companies are left scrambling for answers on what it all means. Meanwhile, Amazon disclosed an ambitious effort to train Large Language Models in a manner that will allow them to compete with the biggest names in AI technolog…
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Rise Of The Robots! With Guest Mahesh Yegnaswami
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According to Reuters, small and medium-sized companies in Germany are turning to automation as the gradual exit from the workplace of Germany's post-war "baby boom" generation tightens the labor squeeze. Can we expect to see the same thing here in the U.S., and will further increases in automation create a new boon for wholesale distributors? This …
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Leveraging Data For B2B Sales With Guest Ron Paulson
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59:17
Everyone talks about using data to help generate sales, but what does that really mean in a B2B environment when your data is spread out all across the supply chain? This week, Kevin and Tom feature guest Ron Paulson, a 30-year veteran of Granger and now the Founder of Paulson Advisory, to give an insider's view about the best way to find, mine, an…
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Optimizing Your B2B Marketing Funnel With Guest Dan Vanacore
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Do you assume that a prospective customer moves seamlessly from awareness to consideration to conversation in a pre-determined way? If so, you may be in for a shock. According to a new report, many B2B marketing experts agree the traditional marketing funnel is no longer fit for purpose. This week, we're joined by Dan Vanacore, Director of New Busi…
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How Real Is The Economic Recovery In Wholesale Distribution? With Guest Lindsay Young
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1:04:24
According to Reuters, U.S. manufacturing took a step further towards recovery in September as production picked up and employment rebounded, while prices paid for inputs by factories fell considerably. In fact, B2B buyers are placing more frequent orders online, according to Forrester Research. Is this post-COVID recovery real, and how will this po…
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