Distribution Strategy Group

This week, we are filled with gratitude for our readers, contributing authors, sponsors and partners. Thank you for being a part of Distribution Strategy Group’s journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday. ?? Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Distribution Strategy Group! ??

For distributors that embrace it, AI is changing the game for sales and marketing. Join us on Dec. 11 to hear from experts who will share how AI can help distributors reach the right customers, grow wallet share and deepen customer relationships.? The panel will also cover how AI can help distributors identify new market opportunities, make smarter sales decisions, and reshape their approach to marketing – from understanding customer behavior to refining your presence in your market. Join us Dec. 11 at 9 PT/12 ET. If you can’t make it live, register anyway and we’ll send you a link to watch on-demand: https://lnkd.in/g9HFZn7J Thank you to our sponsors: Proton.ai, Infor and Endeavor

AI can be an equalizer between inexperienced and senior sales reps. For example, a product recommendation engine can provide guidance to reps on what else to recommend to a customer based on their history, similar customers and the product category. “Let’s say you have a customer that has been coming to you for 10 years for this one thing all the time. There are upsell opportunities to add to that order. With AI, all those things are suddenly right there,” Tom W., IT systems engineer for Porter Pipe & Supply Company, recently shared in a DSG Distribution Leader Panel discussion, “How Distributors Use AI Today.” Read more about how distributors are using AI in this article: https://lnkd.in/g7p9f4WQ Or access the webinar on-demand now: https://lnkd.in/g9cHfvi5

On Dec. 4, discover how AI is boosting distributors’ bottom lines, streamlining operations, increasing efficiency and uncovering sales opportunities. Our expert panel will share real-world applications of AI, from sales insights and inventory optimization to workflows that boost productivity. You’ll also learn how to identify the right AI solutions for your business and get practical advice on overcoming common challenges. If you can’t make it live, register anyway and we’ll send you a link to watch on-demand. Register now: https://lnkd.in/g_RMANZD Our panel features Paul Farrell, Seamus D., Mark Gilham and John Murcott. Thank you to our sponsors: ECI EvolutionX, sales-i, A SugarCRM Company, Enable and HawkSearch by Bridgeline

Each year, we survey distributors on their use of ecommerce. Our resulting report, authored by Jonathan Bein, is a leading benchmark for adoption and drivers of ecommerce in the industry. ?? The 2024 report is now available. ?? We saw a lot of improvement this year around adoption and maturity. But many distributors have a long way to go to make ecommerce work as part of a broader omnichannel strategy. About a quarter of distributors in our survey are extremely or very satisfied with their ecommerce ROI, which was up from last year but still low overall. Get the full report now: https://lnkd.in/gw4-BuxJ Thank you to our sponsors: Epicor, ECI EvolutionX and Motivate

This will be a great event… Mark in your calendars! Registration opens December 2nd!

??Announcing our 3rd Annual Applied AI for Distributors Conference! ?? Save the date for June 24-26, 2025, at the Chicago Marriott O'Hare for the industry's premier AI event designed for distributors. Building on two highly successful conferences, we're bringing together the brightest minds in AI and distribution. ?? Learn actionable AI strategies ?? Network with the most forward-thinking executives in distribution ?? Connect with 30+ leading AI technology providers ?? Get hands-on guidance for implementing AI in your organization 96% of past attendees rated the conference "Excellent" or "Very Good." Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the AI revolution. You'll learn from industry experts, technology leaders, and fellow distributors who are successfully implementing AI today. Put the event on your calendar. Registration will open soon!

Brooks Hamilton delivered a knock out keynote at our recent conference on how AI can enhance distributor profitability and productivity in Chicago. See his key points below.

??And that’s a wrap!?? Our Profit & Productivity Summit for Distributors ended yesterday on a high note, with Al Bates bringing it all together in his presentation that debunked common profit myths. We want to thank all of our sponsors who joined us this week in Chicago and shared their insights on and off the stage on topics like: ? Rebate management as a tool for greater profitability ? Better pricing with the help of AI ? Leveraging CRM and sales tools for sales productivity ? The state of product returns in distribution ? Why product data should be part of the profitability conversation ? Where B2B marketplaces should fit in distributors’ plans ? And more! Thank you for helping to make our Summit possible: Continuum AI, Epicor, PROS, SupplyMover, Spiro.AI, White Cup , Zoro.com, Enable, ORS GROUP, Acumental B2B, Simon-Kucher, WayPoint Analytics Inc., Hamilton AI Strategy Advisors, Revalgo, Team Engine, Proton.ai, Curri, BAND, Profit2

Our final speaker this week here in Chicago was Al Bates, a long-time fixture in the industry. He shared three great profit myths: ?? A reduction in investment drives profit. ?? Sales solves most problems. ?? Technology will alone drive higher profit. And then he reminded attendees to focus on the basics to grow profitability: gross margin, expenses and sales ... in that order.