To keep your wholesale business profitable and growing, it’s important to educate yourself and stay informed about industry trends continually. This can help you expand your knowledge, stay updated on market developments, and gain the skills you need to maintain a thriving wholesale business.
Here are some valuable resources to help you do that:
Books
The Lean Startup by Eric Reis provides insights into developing efficient and innovative business strategies. It emphasizes a lean approach to management that can help you adapt quickly and avoid common pitfalls.
Another excellent book is Wholesale 101: A Guide to Product Sourcing for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners by Jason Prescott. This comprehensive guide covers everything from finding a reliable supplier to navigating the complexities of the wholesale market.
Bot books offer practical advice and real-world examples that can enhance your understanding of the business, making them essential reads for anyone looking to succeed in the wholesale industry.
Websites
SCORE offers free mentoring services from experienced business professionals and provides a wealth of business resources, templates, and tools to help you succeed.
The Small Business Administration offers detailed guidelines on starting and managing a business, including information on legal requirements, financing options, and business planning – all crucial for setting up and running a successful wholesale distribution business.
Courses
Online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of business management, marketing, and supply chain management courses. Industry experts and university professors teach these courses and allow you to learn at your own pace. Whether you need to improve your leadership skills, understand digital marketing, or streamline your supply chain processes, these platforms have courses tailored to your needs.
Professional Associations
Professional associations like the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) offer networking opportunities, industry insights, and educational resources that help you stay connected with other professionals in the field.
Additionally, your local Chamber of Commerce can also be a valuable resource. They often host networking events and provide resources tailored to small wholesale businesses, helping you build relationships with local retailers and other business owners.