Sobeys is working to find alternative products amid supply chain problems, while customers are buying more of its private-label brands because of inflation concerns, says President and CEO Michael Medline. Sobeys parent Empire Co. reported higher third-quarter profit and revenue compared with the year before.

Corporate B2B buyers should avoid having the wrong end user in mind, buying for the wrong reasons and using the wrong metrics when purchasing software, writes Zinier CEO Prateek Chakravarty. Chakravarty also recommends focusing on the needs of workers who aren't sitting at a desk.

The metaverse, or "the immersive virtual environment that supports various online interactions," could allow more stakeholders to have a say in warehouse design, improve use of warehouse space and facilitate virtual operator training, writes Roit Kathiala. Regarding the supply chain, the metaverse could improve visibility and transparency "with 3D representations of how products are made, distributed and sold," Kathiala writes.

Rising fuel prices are triggering higher surcharges by leading shippers for air and ground packages, with rates adjusting based on Energy Information Administration averages. Beginning today, US customers of FedEx Express may have to pay surcharges of almost 20%, while at UPS, import charges will top 30% and export levies will surpass 24% beginning March 21.

Business-to-business marketers can forever eliminate the stereotype of "B-to-boring" by taking three steps, writes Paul Hirsch, president and chief creative at Doremus. Stick to clear, simple messaging that has a point of view; earn the attention of audiences by creating interesting content; and, above all, test creative, Hirsch writes.

This infographic from Xoombi highlights seven benefits for business-to-business marketers that result from effective alignment of marketing and sales. Insights include B2B companies that have achieved alignment experience 24% faster three-year revenue growth and 38% higher sales win rates.

Olympic gold medalist Nils van der Poel's training advice has applications for leaders, including keeping things simple, creating hassle-free work environments and being "serious enough" in your goals, writes Ed Batista. "I held myself responsible for setting myself up for success, but whether or not I succeeded in the end was not only up to me," van der Poel writes.

Values-based leadership is only effective if it creates a culture that lives them out, writes Jim Clemmer, who offers 16 suggestions for leaders. When a bully is promoted, it's clear "[r]esults at any cost are the organization's real values -- despite lofty mission, vision, and values statements," Clemmer writes.

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NAW is working with Industry Insights to gather information from companies like yours for the NAW 2022 Employee Compensation & Benefits Study. The comprehensive survey collects data that doesn't just show you what others are doing; it gives you customizable side-by-side comparison tools so you can decide if you need to make any adjustments to your business strategy. Take the survey.