Channel management has become one of the most important components of a firm's competitive strategy, with mistakes often costing companies millions--and channel managers their careers. The Manager's Guide to Distribution Channels provides managers and decision makers with proven tools and go-to-market strategies for refining channel strategies and managing distribution relationships. Self-assessment tools combine with realworld cases and examples to give managers a nontheoretical, balanced blend of thought-provoking insights and hands-on tactics.

"Channels of distribution is one of the hottest areas in marketing and sales today. And no one understands the subject better than Ken Rolnicki! Managing Channels of Distribution supplies a much-needed source of knowledge and expertise that professionals can rely on. Based on case studies and real-life experience, the book explains the complexities of managing multiple channels -- distributors, dealers, manufacturer’s reps, VARs, private labels, brokers, wholesalers, retailers, and all the rest. In the process, Rolnicki explores both macro and micro business influences that affect channel effectiveness. Special attention is paid to the frustrating areas of channel power and conflict, the dangerous issue of legalities, and the most critical topic of all -- the channel design sequence."

This unique book helps business executives to improve their company's business performance by showing how to build an effective and future-proof distribution channel, and adopt effective commercial policies and value-based pricing strategies. For the first time, an ex-McKinsey consultant and general manager reveals the methodology adopted by successful Fortune 100 multinationals, offering readers a concise, informative and pragmatic guide to the core principles, with an abundance of concrete examples and visual frameworks. Every good business manager needs to have a microscope on one eye and a telescope on the other eye – this practical, easy to follow book, anchored in solid analytic principles, allows for fast and solid transitions between diagnosis, long-term strategic thinking, and short-term execution. Bruno Barcelos, General Manager Sandoz, a Novartis Company

HOW TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS MORE PROFITABLE AND SUCCESSFUL THROUGH MARKETING.

The ability to think strategically is permeating every level of successful organizations - particularly among senior executives and line managers responsible for maintaining a competitive advantage for their products and services. Above all, Manager's Guide to Creative Marketing Strategies is a pragmatic examination of a 21st century manager. The second edition of this popular book will update you on the latest techniques for developing competitive strategies. It examines how to apply strategies and tactics in a confusing global mixture of hostile competitors, breakthrough technologies, emerging markets, fickle customer behavior, and diverse cultures. You will gain practical information about what strategy is, how competitive intelligence contributes to successful strategies - and how to put it all together. The book is an all-in-one resource for analyzing, planning, and developing competitive strategies, a workbook with checklists and forms, and a reference with numerous case histories.

Getting Multi-Channel Distribution Right provides a comprehensive treatment of modern distribution strategy that is analytically solid, clearly written, and relevant for managers as well as MBA and executive MBA students, and the professors who train them. It covers concepts, metrics, tools, and strategic frameworks for managing distribution in physical and digital channels. Focusing on the challenges of managing multiple channels of distribution in an evolving marketplace—rather than the process of designing a distribution channel from scratch—it leans more heavily on metrics and tools and incorporates perspectives from academic research, as well as in-depth case studies from marketing and general management practice. Introduces an organizing framework of pull and push marketing for how suppliers work together with their channel partners. Integrates across physical and digital, independent and company-owned, routes to market. Maps the functions of traditional and newer intermediaries in the channel ecosystem and identifies the root causes of conflict between them. Provides tools and frameworks for how much distribution coverage is required and where. Shows how product line, pricing, trade promotions, and other channel incentives can help to coordinate multiple channels and manage conflict. Illustrates how push and pull metrics can be combined into valuable dashboards for identifying positive feedback opportunities and sustaining the channel partnership. With the help of Getting Multi-Channel Distribution Right you’ll discover how to successfully develop, execute, and adapt distribution strategy to the evolving marketplace.