Valentine’s Day: Products We Love [VIDEO]

Some of the folks at Perry Office Plus are sharing their favorite products this Valentine’s Day:

As you can see, we had a hard time with the giggles – but we managed!

In case you missed it…

• Uni-Ball Jetstream 101 (http://bit.ly/AhFTJB)
  Seriously smooth writing and the Uni-Ball ‘Super Ink’ won’t smear.
• Sharpie Retractable Markers (http://bit.ly/zoCZEc)
  Special mechanism keeps the marker from drying out when retracted.
• Smead FasTab Hanging File Folder (http://bit.ly/zYeVwU)
  Built-in tabs make filing a much easier task.
• HON Nucleus Chair (http://www.hon.com/Products/Chairs/Nucleus-Series.aspx)
  Call Jessica (800) 234-6605 for options and pricing on this great chair.
• 5-Hour Energy Drink (http://bit.ly/ylVfcn)
  Yep, we sell that, too!
• Scotch Shoe-Style Tape Dispensers (http://bit.ly/xJpf8e)
  So adorable and yet functional!
• Un-Du Adhesive Remover (http://bit.ly/yqnzkk)
  You can remove a sticker, tape or label and can RE- USE it!
• Sharpie Gel Highlighter (http://bit.ly/xFJEBm)
  This crayon-like highlighter won’t dry out if you leave the cap off and doesn’t smear ink/printing.

And yes — we LOVE our customers! Happy Valentine’s Day!

3 Unique Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Office

Try one of these ideas to shake up the Valentine’s festivities at your office this year.

1. Sweets & Recipe Swap

Instead of swapping a dozen or more cards, encourage everyone to bring a sweet (or healthy-sweet) treat to share and include the recipe for others to copy.

2. Love What You Do

Try some team-building this Valentine’s Day! An Entrepreneur.com article shared the suggestion of Nicole Williams, a Connection Director at LinkedIn, of celebrating the holiday with a ‘Love Board’ “Where everyone can share what they love about their job.”

3. Volunteer & Spread Some Cheer

Whether it’s a half day at the local soup kitchen or a favorite non-profit, there are plenty of people who need help every day of the year, including on Valentine’s Day. The folks at your local children’s hospital, domestic violence shelter, or nursing home would probably love homemade Valentine’s cards or cookies.

Something beyond the norm could bring a little life to the holiday!

Products to Help the Re-Users in Your Office

Whether the people in your office re-use boxes, envelopes or file folders, here are some tools that can help.

The Package Re-User

Profile: Always hunting down a box or used envelope to re-use for shipments, spends their time and Sharpie markers scribbling over old postage, mailing labels and other markings from the boxes they confiscate.

THIS CAN HELP: Avery TrueBlock Technology [on perryop.com]

Avery Shipping Labels with TrueBlock® Technology leave no traces of previous markings or labels because everything underneath is covered up and out of sight. Just stick these labels on used boxes and packaging and watch as old, distracting scrawls, postage and previous shipping labels magically disappear. Reduce waste and the cost of shipping by reusing old packaging while maintaining a professional look. Plus, it’s from Avery so it’s smudge-free and jam-free, too.

Still loyal to your trusty Sharpie? Upgrade to a Sharpie Professional Chisel-tip Marker for just $2.97 each on perryop.com.

The File Folder Re-User

Profile: Rummages through files to find outdated, unneeded folders that can be reused for current projects and uses a lot of “white-out” and extra labels covering up old file names.

THIS CAN HELP: Post-It Removable File Folder Labels [on perryop.com]

Office filing is simple with removable file folder labels from Post-It. Available in 2 different sizes (2/3″ x 3-7/16″  or 15/16″ x 3-7/16″) and either white or assorted primary colors for easy filing, these labels stick securely like the quality Post-it products you’re used to, but remove cleanly so you can label and re-label without ending up with a stack of labels. Microsoft Word Templates available!

Prefer things the old-fashioned way? Grab a 10-pack of Bic Wite-Out EZ Correction Tape at perryop.com!

Any other re-users in your office we can help?

Administrative Professionals: Making the Most of Changing Times

** An Administrative Professionals Week Post **

The times they are a-changing, right? With changes in the world and workplace, the role of the administrative professional changes, too. These are some of the things have affected change in the workplace and ways both employers and admins can make the most of them.

1. The Economy

Not only are office workers asked to do more with fewer resources, they are in many cases being asked to be the force behind cost controls. Many admins who are adept at saving their company time, are looking for even more ways to proactively save money, too.

Takeaway for the Boss: Companies that empower their admins to cut costs in reasonable ways could reap the benefits of having more eyes on the bottom line.

Takeaway for Admins: If you don’t already know, you have more opportunity to be a spending watchdog than almost anyone in your operation. When you spot and report waste, you become that much more valuable.

2. Technology

Admins know all the best tricks and shortcuts – and their co-workers know it! So it’s not unusual when the questions go from “What’s the best way to do this?” to “Can you help me fix this?”

Hey, Boss: Providing training and education for your admins and you’ll have some IT back-up  and someone to train new employees.

Admins Should Know: Getting some training – there are videos and free webinars online that can help – for software like Microsoft Office, Outlook, accounting software and even knowing how to troubleshoot the printers and other office machines can make you next to irreplaceable.

3. Web Marketing

Updating the company website and maintaining the company Facebook page and other social media outlets often falls to a marketing or technical staff member. But in small companies, guess who knows more about what’s actually happening and who has the skills to get the message out there?

So, Boss: If you’ve got a web-savvy admin, consider putting them in charge of the various online marketing opportunities. First, discuss the desired image and message you want to project online and then monitor the feeds.

Hey, Amazing Admins: Using social networking sites like Linked In and Facebook may be good for entertainment and even professional networking, but expanding your knowledge and watching what others are doing on sites like Facebook and Twitter can give you a better idea of how to market your company there, too.

What are some other ways that admins and their employers are adapting and making the most of changing times?

3 Helpful Websites for Office Managers

*** An Administrative Professionals Week Post ***

All great office managers and administrative professionals know tricks of the trade, shortcuts and where to go to get the information they need. Here are a few more you might not know about yet, but are great tools for your know-how arsenal.

Smead Organomics Website

Great tips, solutions and ideas for your filing needs. There’s even a forum where you can post your questions and get answers. GO NOW>

Bonus: If you subscribe to Smead on YouTube, you could win $50 in Smead products.

Free Project Design Software from Avery

Whether you import your address list and print Avery products online, or download the easy-to-use template software, there are four easy FREE ways to get your printing project done right. Check out DesignPro or Wizard for Microsoft office. GO NOW>

Bonus: Need some clip art for your next project? Avery has some!

Free Webinars & Podcasts

• Adecco is offering a free webinar to help administrative professionals increase communication and productivity by cultivating healthy working relationships. It’s called “Managing up: Effective Strategies for Succeeding in the Workplace” and it will be on Thursday at 1:00pm CST. GO NOW>
• The American Society of Administrative Professionals has a number of self-paced webinars available as well. Check out: Success is an Inside Job: What It Takes to Go Places Personally and Professionally
• Rather listen while you work? Check out the International Association of Administrative Professionals website and their many free podcasts that you can just click and listen to for free. Topics include How To Get Your Exec To Send You To Conferences/Training, Creating a Customer Service Culture, Perfect Phrases, Resiliency, Creative Project Management, Becoming the Super-Competent Admin, How to Get Noticed at Work and much more.

Know of any other free websites or resources that Administrative Professionals could benefit from?

5 Meeting Tools for the Image-Conscious

You have a compelling message, right? That upcoming meeting needs to be just right? Here are five products that you might consider for your next meeting or presentation:

1.Oxford YourStyle Custom Folios

Quickly and easily create a personalized presentation right at your desk. Print a  logo on the corner and adhere it with adhesive strips for a right-from-the-print-shop look. Premium grade paper is strong and durable, while a slightly metallic shimmer gives your documents sophistication.

2.Rolling Computer/Catalog Case

Roll into your next meeting with all your documents and supplies neatly stored and ready for use with this affordable rolling case. The dual-zippered front pocket provides easy access from top or sides to files or your laptop. Exterior pockets on both sides for storing extra notepads or pens. Sensitive materials? Dual combination locks.

3.Post-It Super Sticky Name Badges

Say good-bye to name badges that barely stick and fall off easily. Say hello to 3M’s latest badge that move with your clothing, stick securely and remove cleanly. Create professional-looking badges with your laser or inkjet printer. Watch this cute commercial to see the difference!

4. Kensington Wireless Presenter with Laser Pointer

With a classic, contoured design and four easy-to-use buttons, this presenter gives users the ability to point, zoom, skip and modify a presentation from anywhere in the room. The 1GB of built-in memory lets you store multiple presentations directly on the device, which conveniently stores inside the presenter.

5. Avery Index Maker for Dividers & Binders

It’s not easy being beautiful, but for professional-looking results in minutes, Avery Index Maker® Dividers makes it easier than ever. Create custom dividers that apply all at once so they are perfectly aligned every time – no more hand-written or unevenly labeled dividers!

Watch a demo video on the Avery website>

And don’t forget other meeting essentials, such as:

• Mints – Office Snax Peppermints
• Notepads – Universal Perforated Writing Pads
• Easel & Easel Pads – Universal brand pads & easels

Happy Meeting!

Office Trends 2010: What your office furniture should be doing for you

As responsibilities are consolidated and the business environment shrinks, office furniture is becoming more focused on making office workers more efficient and comfortable. Here are three things your furniture should be doing for you this year:

1. Affordable Comfort: No More Ergonomics vs Economics

Office workers spend more time at their desks than ever before, so ergonomic seating is a must. That used to mean a lot of additional costs – but not today. So much of today’s furniture is designed to be ergonomically sound… and economically appealing, too!

A Great Example: HON Ignition

Application: Seating

Unify your office with a single look and provide a seating option for every application, from reception to task chairs to conference rooms. Plus, give each person the features they want in a chair, providing the highest level of comfort  – all without the hefty price tag.

SEE IT: See all the ways Ignition can serve your seating needs >

The very versatile Allsteel Stride

2. Customizable: Managing Generations
As more young people enter the workforce and seasoned workers waiting longer to retire, many offices have two or three generations collaborating in a single work environment. To accommodate their vastly different work styles, furniture should be customizable.

A Great Example: Allsteel Stride
Application: Systems Furniture

Stride is a complete platform of surfaces, storage, and space division. Multiple options for storage and organization adapts to the worker, rather than the worker adapting to the space, making it a more personalized and productive place to work – for different tasks, job functions and work styles. Plus, Stride focuses on sustainable practices every step of the way, so it’s a “green” product, too.

TRY IT OUT: Check out the Stride Configurator to design your own custom workspace>

3. Multi-Tasking: Do More With Less
In a tight economy, manufacturers know your furniture has to multi-task as much as you do, so you get the most bang for your buck.

A Great Example:
HON Vicinity

Application:
It does it all… storage, desking, workspaces and more!

A flexible full-office solution, Vicinity can be used from the reception area, to offices, to the copy room and everything in between. It’s expandable, reconfigurable, and completely customizable to the space it’s in and the people using it.

VIDEO: See an animation of HON Vicinity in action!

So, how do you get there?
Call us. One of the knowledgeable furniture consultants here at Perry Office Plus can help provide the solution to your specific office challenges.

Whether you are facing relocation or squeezing more employees into a smaller footprint, we provide a complimentary consultation to discuss the best way to use the space you have for what you need.

Our services include space planning, total project management, assembly, installation and reconfiguration. Call us and make your space work for you!

Request Your Furniture Catalog or other furniture information>

Contact our Furniture Department Today! 800.234.6605

OUR SERVICES: Space Planning & Design Consultation, 2D & 3D Renderings of Your New Space, Delivery & Professional Installation, Repair & Warranty Service, Reconfigurations, Project Management

2 (of 100) Ideas for Better Organization

Here are two of the 100 Ideas for Better Organization, from SMEAD:

23. AVOIDING INTERRUPTIONS
Ever feel like your work day is fueled by a string of interruptions? Urgent or not, these time bandits can make it difficult to get work done.

• When interrupted, assess right away if the issue can be handled within five minutes. If so, go ahead and deal with the interruption. If not (and if it isn’t urgent), schedule a time in your calendar later in the day to discuss the issue.
• Set regular times in your calendar to meet with colleagues, supervisors and subordinates. This way multiple questions and problems can be discussed at one time.
• Send out a weekly project update electronically to avoid repeating the same conversation with co-workers and teammates.

* * * *

32. ACTIVE PAPERWORK

While creating a To Do list will make sure you take action on important tasks, you still need a home for holding the paperwork, so you can find it easily when needed.

• Sort active papers into piles that reflect the action you need to take. Examples include: To Do, Pending, Waiting for Follow-up, To Pay, To Call, To Write, To Read, To Enter and To File.
• Place either a wire step file or a Smead Premium Expanding File off to one corner of your desk. For the step file, label long-lasting Smead Colored Folders for your action categories. For the desktop file, label the tabbed sections for the action categories you will use. File the papers from your categorized piles into the appropriate folder or section, until the related task pops up on your To Do list.

Click here to download 100 Ideas for Better Organization (PDF).

5 Ways to “Green” Your Break Room

As the first official day of Spring approaches and green begins sprouting out all over, it’s a great time to do some “greening” of another kind!

The break room is one of the easiest places to conserve energy, reduce waste and be a little more environmentally friendly. There are great products and ideas that can help. Here are five:

1. Buy recycled or recyclable. Nowadays, there are recycled alternatives to just about every paper product out there, including paper towels, napkins, facial tissue, and toilet paper.

2. Get natural. Use cleaning products made from safe, natural and not-toxic ingredients to prevent exposure to the hazardous synthetic chemicals conventional cleaners often contain. Seventh Generation’s environmentally responsible line of cleaning products have been sought out by green-conscious consumers for nearly 20 years. Most items in your office products catalog will identify their recycled content.

3. Dust with a damp cloth to ensure that dust, which can collect toxins, is removed from surfaces and not stirred back into the air.

4. Literally add green with plants. Modern office buildings spew out hundreds of chemicals from the new carpets, paints, upholstery, computers and plastics. Many studies have confirmed the advantages of having plants around because they make our environment a healthier place in which to work. Researchers have found that one potted plant per 100 square feet of floor space can help clean the air. The best plants for this use? Palms, lillies, rubber plant, ficus, english ivy and the ever-popular spider plant. Plants also help regulate office humidity, which can prolong the life of your office furniture and other expensive materials.

5. Add a reycling bin for plastic bottles and/or aluminum cans. Then all you have to do is get it to the recycling facility occasionally and the work is done.

Don’t forget to take our “Green Office Challenge”. The first 75 entrants who send in the correct answers will receive a recycled tote bag filled with “green” goodies!

Have a great green Spring!

5 Easy Ways to Add Some “Green” to Your Office

This St. Patrick’s Day, when you wear green, consider the “green” things you can do to help out the planet AND your business!

All month long at Perry Office Plus, we’ll be sharing ways you can be a little more “green”… not because it’s trendy or “in”, but because every little bit helps. Taking care of our earth and being good stewards of our resources makes good sense as human beings and as responsible businesspeople, since most of these tips will actually save your company money in the long run.

Tip #1: Add a water filter to your break room tap and reduce the amount of plastic water bottles used. We use a Brita filter.

Tip #2: Get the most from your copy paper and print on both sides for your “everyday” printing needs. Plus, stop and consider if you really need to print that email or file. In the U.S., over 40 percent of municipal solid waste is paper—about 71.8 million tons each year.

Tip # 3: Use Energy Star compliant equipment that will reduce the amount of power consumed when not in use. Just look for the Energy Star logo!

Tip #4: Heating, cooling and ventilation accounts for 39 percent of the energy use in a typical office. Use automatic setback thermostats to adjust the temperature for weekends and evenings, and keep the blinds closed.

Tip #5: Use online meeting tools such as GoToMeeting, rather than traveling when possible.

Stay tuned for more tips and cool products to save you money and bring a little “green” to your office this spring.