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NAW SmartBrief
February 8, 2008
 

News and Trends

Corporate Express quashes buyout rumors
Corporate Express has denied reports that it is in discussions with U.S. firm Staples about a possible buyout of the Dutch office-supplies wholesaler. Corporate Express has come under some pressure to sell itself, but opted following a strategic review in 2007 to continue as a stand-alone company. Forbes/Reuters (2/5)

Owens & Minor reports big jump in Q4 profit
Fourth-quarter profit more than doubled at medical supplies company Owens & Minor, helped by both a 6% revenue increase for the quarter and deep cuts in expenses. The company said its 2008 results will be in line with analyst expectations. BusinessWeek/Associated Press (2/5)

Westcon unveils new program for videoconferencing, VoIP
Westcon Group Inc. has debuted CollaborationPoint, a new program for resellers of videoconferencing and VOIP solutions. The program initially is being offered only to resellers in the U.S. and Canada, with a later roll-out expected in places including Europe, Australia and South America. eChannelLine Canada (2/5)

Other News

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Best Practices

Packaging design plays big role in shipping costs
Companies may be able to find big savings by taking a second look at their packaging design for shipping product. Substandard packaging design can have a negative effect on the supply chain, and aspects such as the perfect surface to the perfect height can make a difference. Logistics Management (free registration) (2/5)

Office flirting carries benefits, risks
Nonsexual workplace flirtation can lead to stronger relationships, more energy and a better outlook on the job, according to some experts. But although almost 25% of employees in a recent Vault.com survey reported having a "work spouse," such relationships can lead to trouble if not carefully monitored. CNN/LifeWire (2/5)

Sales

Set down rules to earn clients' respect
Some key rules can help salespeople establish themselves as no-nonsense professionals deserving of clients' respect. They include not calling to confirm appointments (which is how many appointments wind up being canceled); not allowing clients to rush you through a presentation; and never letting anyone keep you waiting for more than 20 minutes. SalesForceXP (2/2008)

Small Business Manager

Microsoft offers small-business discount licensing
Small businesses can sign up for Microsoft's new Open Value Subscription program in March. The program offers small businesses more flexible and affordable options for software purchases. InfoWorld/IDG News Service (2/5)

Executive Life

Three strategies to avoid job-change 401(k) hits
The average American changes jobs 10 times before the age of 40, and the health of a 401(k) plan is often a casualty of these employment shifts. Options to avoid tax hits include leaving the money with a current employer, roll it into your new employer's plan or into a rollover IRA. The Street.com (2/6)

D.C. transforms into hip spot for restaurants, bars
Washington, D.C., long known for its austere Federal buildings, is emerging as a breeding ground for avant-garde restaurants, underground bars and hip cafes thanks to the changing demographics of the area. Brasserie Beck, Central Michel Richard and Ben's Chili Bowl are just a few of the new hot spots catering to the area's young professionals, empty nesters and travelers. CNN/Budget Travel (2/6)

NAW Insider

Automation creates need for e-commerce insurance

Where would you be if a virus caused your computer network to crash, or if an artificially generated electric current damaged your material handling equipment? Would the expense be out of pocket if one of your salespeople had a laptop stolen? The Hartford offers low-cost solutions for some exposures that could be high-tech nightmares. Learn more here.

Save on overnight shipping with DHL ShipReady

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Weekly Poll

Is your business taking precautions in case of a recession?
 It is best to be prepared.
 We have not given it that much consideration yet.
 We do not anticipate being very much affected by a downturn.

Who's Hiring Industry Job Listings


SmartQuote

Defeat is not defeat unless accepted as a reality -- in your own mind."

--Bruce Lee,
actor, martial arts legend


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