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Contract Specialties, Inc.
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March 2008
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"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door"

-Milton Berle

(click image for Westin Nielsen)

Is the opportunity real?
We've all been in that sales situation where you think you have it wrapped up and at the last minute it stalls. They stop returning your calls and emails, all correspondences are very short and to the point, the RFP is hanging out there, it seems like your prospect has simply fallen off the face of the earth.

So what happened? Were they not an ideal client or part of your target audience? Was there secretly a competitor with an inside track or existing relationship (hint: there usually is)? Were they simply shopping to see what's available in the marketplace?

It could've been any of those, and more! A Fast Company design expert outlines the three things you have to ensure are present to properly evaluate an opportunity - before you commit to chasing it.

If you are someone that wants to be recognized as an expert in their field; someone that wants to truly provide the best solution to the client's problem; you owe it to yourself to slow down enough to uncover all three parts of an opportunity. And don't be afraid to walk away if the opportunity isn't ideal. You should only work in an environment where you are set up to succeed. If the project isn't right, it isn't right and it's time to move on.

In order to understand the problem and propose the perfect solution, you need to know all three parts of, "The Opportunity Framework". Read On.
HBF
HNI acquires HBF
We are pleased to inform you of the impending purchase of HBF by the HNI Corporation. HBF will continue to operate as an autonomous company, but will also enjoy the new opportunities that will be made available by HNI's extensive resources. HNI Corporation is recognized as a market leader in the many segments they supply and this partnership will certainly strengthen HBF's position as an important supplier for your office furniture needs.

Most importantly, the familiar names of your HBF and HBF Textiles sales consultants, customer service representatives and the executive management team will not change. They remain committed to providing you the superior quality, design and service you deserve.
Creature Comforts
Comfortably familiar, yet tough!
The NEW Creature Comforts Collection from HBF Textiles has been created to address the importance of surrounding yourself with objects and materials that are comforting, tactile, and colorful, yet tough enough for the abuses of today's corporate environment. "With the demands of everyday life becoming greater and louder, Creature Comforts brings a bit of calm, ease and relaxation to help us through the rough spots. It tickles the funny bone and infuses a bit of humor through its vibrant palette and helps us see that work life doesn't always need to be so serious," says designer Laura Guido-Clark.

Creature Comforts is comprised of five inviting textural patterns: a small, carved pile texture with Fat Cat; to the undulating stripe of Wiggle Room; a velvety, curvaceous Flock Together; to the satin pleated Tucked In; and wraps up with a free-hand figure eight pattern affectionately named Peas in a Pod.

So, kick up your feet, be a couch potato, gather together and most of all enjoy the ride!
Be a Better Leader, Have a Richer Life
Forget work/life balance. Improve all four areas of your life at once:
work, home, self, and community. To get started, watch this video
at Harvard Business Review and then use their free self- assessment
tools.

All the best,

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Bill Meyer
Contract Specialities, Inc. (CSI)

phone: 954-389-1295 or 800-808-8274