Most vendors want their products likened to sexy machines such as Ferraris, Ducatis or fast jets.

But storage vendor NetApp has gone for a slightly more sturdy machine - the Vespa.

A couple of us here on CRN were sent model scooters through the post today - with an attached press release featuring the strapline: "Go further, faster with a Vespa".

"Vespa scooters are flexible, light and very efficient when it comes to economy.." it read.

And then the classic IT marketing bit....

"Similarly NetApp's storage solutions are flexible, innovative and help midsize businesses to stay ahead of the IT curve.." it said.

Help!

And then it all becomes clear.

The NetApp new product range has been code named VESPA.

Oh. I see what they did there.

Of course, I'd have been more impressed if they had sent a real working Vespa through the post.

THAT is what I would call a marketing campaign.

We are all working harder than ever, but not actually achieving that much, according to the latest Report on Jobs from KPMG.

In the words of Bernard Brown, partner and head of business services at KPMG: "The total number of hours worked per week in the UK increased by 8.4 million in the first quarter of 2012....yet judging by recent economic output data, there is a concern that we are working harder, but not necessarily smarter."

So how do you 'work smarter', exactly?

Pretend you are doing loads of work, when in fact you are reading about the latest slebrity gossip and enjoying some downtime?

Run around the office looking flustered and from floor to floor, pretending you are on a mission, when in fact you are saving yourself from a trip to the gym later?

Or just get on with the job in hand as best you can and just do your best without stressing about it.

There is no doubt that those of us lucky enough to be in employment are being asked to do more and more as part of our normal job expectations - it is just what has happened in the ever challenging world of work.

Of course it is all about harnessing the right technology to make the job easier, but first you need access to the technology. Not always the easiest thing in the world and often like getting blood out of a stone from stretched budgets.

KPMG also claims the number of temporary/contract staff appointments have fallen at the fastest rate since July 2009 and to add to the gloom, pay growth is still weak. 

Unless you are Fortune 100 management material that is. Bitter? nah, not me.

London continues to underperform, while the Midlands is classed as a strong performer.

And, in great news for our sector - demand for staff rose at the fastest rates for the IT sector, compared with other sectors.

So don't get too stressed. You are in demand!

But I still don't get the working smarter malarky. Who deems it to be smarter in the first place?

Last night saw the launch of CRN's first ever Sales and Marketing awards, aimed at celebrating individual and team success in our industry.

Held at the swanky Kensington Gardens Hotel in London, the miserable weather did not stop play and spirits were high.

With 16 winners there was plenty of celebrating in true CRN party style - so I'd like to say well done to all those winners and also those Judges commended winners too.

I'm off on holiday until 4 July - sadly nowhere warmer or less rainier than the UK - but I'll take it!

I hope you all have a great week and see you in July.

The full list of winners is in the news section of channelweb, and there will be a full write up with pictures of all the winners, in a forthcoming CRN July issue. Enjoy.

See you all soon!