Hi there,

There was a sense of Déjà Vu about June. First there was the unbelievable hype and expectation, happily turning its back on all rationality ("it's going to be our year"), and then came the red card, the penalties, recriminations and return home. I'm sure it's all happened before...And also, of course, there was Tim Henman - tiger with a small t - who was going to make that last big attempt for the Wimbledon title ("it might, possibly, be his year"). At least, now that the hype and expectation's been foiled, everyone can relax again. The laws of physics weren't being overturned after all - though Federer seems to manipulate gravity pretty well. There is hope though; the notoriously bad penalty takers, the Italians, proved you can turn the tide. Next time...

What's new at DeskDemon?

With a number of new articles on topics that matter to you - including a great one on how to improve your influencing skills - plus DeskDemon's updated VenueDesk, there's everything at your disposal to help you do your job.

On Business from British Airways will make your company's travel budget go further, by rewarding your company with On Business points every time your employees fly with British Airways.

Save money by redeeming points for a range of travel products including: Reward flights, Reward flight upgrades and Hotel accommodation.

Do you need help with sending documents, packages and boxes to international destinations? FedEx Express delivers to over 220 countries worldwide. If you need items delivered across Europe the next business day, to Asia within 2 business days or to the US by 10.30AM the next business day, visit fedex.com/gb or call FedEx on 08456 070 809. FedEx International Priority services are backed by our Money Back Guarantee.

In the spirit of sharing knowledge and ideas, DeskDemon are committed to bringing the experiences and concerns of our users to a wide audience. That's why we introduced Day in the Life, a close look at the work and career of individual office professionals. Our latest interview is a Day in the Life of Julie Phillips. She is the Office Manager and PA to the Director at TPAS Cymru. She shares her experiences of life in an organisation that is aiming to change and adapt with the times.

Check out DeskDemon's Discussion Forums - aka 'The Hub' to connect with thousands of other office professionals. Here, you can find discussions and help on everything relevant to the modern professional. And if you want something slightly less relevant, but guaranteed to brighten up your day, click on The Humour Zone. And, rather than just read what others have written, get involved. By registering as a DeskDemon user you can join the debate, sound off about a problem, offer support, or ask a question that's been bothering you. There are thousands of other office professionals out there waiting to hear your point of view.

Office meetings aren't there to be endured. They are a means, not an end; they should improve the office's functioning, working processes and cohesiveness through dialogue and decision-making. This article makes some important points about just what office or departmental meetings are all about and offers some suggestions about how you can breathe some life into yours. Time to put your meetings to work, to make everyone's job easier!

VenueDesk is DeskDemon's new-look one-stop nucleus for anything meeting or venue related. Here you can find a wealth of great articles on all aspects of meetings and reviews of venues. And to make your search for that perfect venue much easier, DeskDemon has created the easy-to-use VenueDesk Fast-Finder, featuring hundreds of great venues, including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and many more, all suitable for any occasion. However big or small your meeting, and whatever the function, VenueDesk can help you find the perfect place in the easiest way.

Need the latest business info at your fingertips? Well, look no further for up-to-date lists of everything: travel, finance, government contacts, entertainment - it's all here. You can also find a number of handy how tos here as well.

Influencing others is a skill and an art, without which working in today's workplace is very difficult. Influencing isn't about coercion; it's about winning support. Everyone can work on their skills in this area and this article introduces ideas about what can be done to make yourself a more effective influencer.

TrainingDesk is DeskDemon's nationwide training directory. Whether you want to learn something new or enhance your existing knowledge, source bespoke corporate training courses or seminars for your organisation, you will find it here. What's more, DeskDemon's nationwide 'fastfind' search facility will help you quickly and easily find the course - part-time or open, college or home based, distance or e-learning - you require, and a study method to suit your lifestyle.

The summer solstice may have just passed, but we are still in the time of Cancer until 23rd July. Check out what the stars have in store for you during the midsummer. And don't forget, when the stars change on the 24th, Ysanne's horoscope predictions will too!