As we march ahead into the second half of 2015, familiar topics continue to top the interests of ID readers. E-commerce was a big one again this week, as an article from contributing editor Jack Keough discusses the impacts that Amazon.com has had on other large distributors. Quarterly sales numbers for MSC Industrial and its new CFO was also a top item, as well as sales advice from Paul Reilly.
Here's this week's Top 5:
Jack Keough: Who Is Buying From Amazon?: ID contributing editor Jack Keough discusses the latest developments for Amazon – which includes Mexico expansion and a hiring boost – as well as e-commerce the e-commerce developments for several of ID's Big 50 companies. Keough also poses the question of if/when Amazon will expand its vendor program to industrial manufacturers.
MSC Industrial Names New CFO As Q3 Profit Dips: Citing a soft pricing environment, lingering effects of changes in oil prices, softening export demand, and foreign exchange headwinds, MSC on Tuesday reported relatively flat Q3 sales numbers (+3.5 percent) and a 2.2 percent dip in profit. along with announcing a new CFO. Along with the quarterly earnings, MSC announced that Rustom Jilla will take the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective July 20. Jilla succeeds Jeff Kaczka, who will be retiring from MSC as previously announced following a short transition period.
The Only Selling Skill You Need: Always a popular contributor on ID, sales guru Paul Reilly of ReillySalesTraining.com discusses how listening to the customer – not just hearing – is the single-most important skill a salesperson needs for success. His article delivers tips to help you listen to your customer and seek understanding.
Motion Industries Launches Safety Specialist Website: Designed as an information hub, Motion Industries' Mi Safety Specialist site – www.MiSafetySpecialist.com – offers valuable resources to the industrial world about the latest trends in workplace safety and safety product knowledge. Site visitors will have the opportunity to access a wide array of content on the subject – including articles, videos, white papers, training materials and more.
New Overtime Rules Could Change How Employees Keep In Touch:
A report by National Public Radio says the way employees keep in touch long after the work day could be threatened by the Obama administration's proposed overtime rules changes, saying the move could prompt companies to shift those workers from salaried positions to hourly wages, which could raise questions about whether employees are on the clock if they're checking their work email accounts from home.
