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Profile: Rummages through files to find outdated, unneeded folders that can be reused for current projects and uses a lot of “white-out” and extra labels covering up old file names.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

** 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?

Cassie Crum, First National Bank Texas

“Cassie Crum is the administrative assistant for 2 Regional Managers at FNBT. She has an outstanding work ethic, working hard to ensure both RM’s are taken care of, 10 District Managers have everything they need on a daily basis and tracks over 300 employees with various bank initiatives. When I need a certain report, folders made for a meeting, last minute agenda’s made for a meeting, Cassie is responding with the information within the hour. Cassie treats all us like we are her family. She organizes our Manager Meetings and gets everything done with minimal to no help, taking care of her Managers. Cassie makes all of us feel special and for that I want her to be recognized for all her hard work and efforts.” – by Sue Owens, First National Bank Texas

Both Cassie & Sue will receive a new HON Ignition office chair! Thanks to everyone who entered! Here are a few of the stand-out entries:

Jamie Dedrick: Jamie always has a smile on her face even when it is so busy that she cannot even take a breath. She will always stop what she is doing to help other coworkers at any time of the day. – by Tessa Belden, First Community Mortgage, Killeen

Donnie Kinard: Donnie is very enthusiastic, always energetic, highly motivated, and has a positive attitude. No request is to big or small for Donnie. She is very knowledgeable on all policies, new and old. Donnie is very dependable and prompt on meeting all deadlines. She is an extremely valuable asset to the organization of which she has dedicated 18 years to. – by Loretta Grisham, Bell County Public Health District WIC, Temple

Shameka McClain: She is a very hard worker and spends hours on the computer crunching numbers and making sure everything is great on our website, in our system, and that guests are satisfied. – By Dorene Burlew, Candlewood Suites

Sharon Evetts: Sharon is the administrative assistant to the CEO/CFO of CMHS. She has worked in that position for over 30 years. Her constant smile and desire to help anyone that she can makes her a dream to work with. Sharon is the first face people see when they enter administration. She is a wonderful example of the spirit of excellence. Her work ethic is strong and she encourages others by example. – by Kathy Brady, CMHS

Dolores Hott: Dolores is such a pleasure to work with. She is very professional and yet very personable at the same time. She gets stuff done and done right and works overtime and helps where ever help is needed. She doesn’t just sit in her office like some bosses do. She gets in the middle of things along with the rest of us. She is so considerate of everyone and everything and willing to help anyone at any time. She knows her stuff and she gets stuff done. – by Brenda Lichti, TTI Communications/A&M University, College Station

Charlene Kirkland: Charlene is over several different departments and always makes time for everyone when they need her help. She is the back bone of this hospital and without her and all her hard work this place would not be the same. – by Megan Mohler, Coryell Memorial Hospital, Gatesville

Sharon Collins: has gone through health problems but this has not dampened her attitude about her work and the people around her. She is in charge of Dean Hunt’s office of the entire CTC Central Campus. She has always volunteered to assist anyone with questions and always has her door opened to students, faculty and staff. Sharon has kept our office and many offices up to date on campus materials and procedures. No matter what adversity she is facing she greets all who enter her office with her sweet smile and caring personality. – Helen Clements, Central Texas College, Killeen

Carolyn Bennett: Carolyn strives to always treat everyone with the utmost respect, providing superior customer service to all. Carolyn’s primary focus is to assist the Director of Public Works perform the duties of her job, but also to answer many Public Works questions, ranging from solid waste schedules and pick-ups, to water leaks and wastewater overflows. Many times, customers are calling because they are not happy, and Carolyn does an excellent job of listening, responding, and helping. She is truly a deserving worker who is to be commended for her service to her fellow neighbors. – by Nicole Torralva, City of Temple

Barbara Hayward: Mrs. Hayward truly goes beyond an Office Administrator. She keeps every record of our students neatly organized. She pleasantly greets all our parents in our office and makes them feel welcome to our school. Ms. Hayward is also accredited to saving one of our teachers when they were choking. She keeps our offices clean (she has even carried out the custodial duties) and always has a pleasant attitude, willing to help parents, teachers and students at any time. – by Beth Owens, Temple ISD

Kristie Evans: The backbone of the office. She works like a well-oiled machine. There is nothing she can’t do, but if she were to come upon something new, she would find the way to make it work.  Many other departments depend on Kristie for training and skill  and the knowledge that she possess in court administration and coordination. She brings both laughter and discipline to work every day! – Sophia Chapman, Brazos County, 85th District Court, Bryan

Diana Barnard: Diana is my Chief Deputy Clerk. She is my right hand and my left on some days. Diana is extremely conscientious, meticulous, and most attentive to the needs of the Bell County Clerk’s Office. Each and every day she goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the office is running smoothly, taking care of things before most others even know things need taking care of. – by Shelley Coston, Bell County Clerk, Belton

Hilda Sappenfield: Hilda works as the Administrative Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator for Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity. She shows excellent customer service skills, a heart for the people, takes the extra step of providing referrals to other agencies that may be able to help. She never lets anyone requesting help leave without referring them to another agency. She maintains a database with information on other organizations so she’s ready no matter what someone may need. She organizes/coordinates all volunteers for the job site, store, office. Hilda cheerfully trains a each new group of transient volunteers. She looks for ways to save. She provides feedback/suggestions to improve, keeps me updated on current events that we can tie into/that we can use to help improve our organization including ways to show appreciation to our volunteers. Hilda never complains about any task, she stretches our resource to make do. – TJ Conner, Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity, Killeen

Michelle Cosper: Hardworking, dedicated, always willing to help others, willing to go the extra mile. Michelle is someone who you can always go to with any questions or problems and she will always find the time to help in any way she can. – by Christina Rodriguez, Heart of Texas Landscape and Irrigation Co, Belton

Wanda Reid: Wanda has been taking care of the needs of our staff for 25 years now. She knows what we need and when we need it at all times. She also keeps us on a budget and knows what we don’t need. She is the best person to work with and always knows the right things to say to cheer up the office. She is a wonderful co-worker, friend, mother and grandmother to all of us! – by Misty Leofsky, Miller Heights Elementary, Belton

Heather Sellers: Heather came to the school shortly after the other administrative assistant left suddenly. While she was coming in to a new job with basically no transition assistance she immediately began to get things organized. She learned very quickly and it was not long before she was implementing useful changes. Heather is not only an asset to the school due to her organizational skills, but she is also very friendly and cooperative with all. She can be seen vacuuming, keeping score for soccer games or delivering lunches. No matter what the task Heather is willing to help. – by Tonnia Phelps, Memorial Christian Academy, Killeen

Debra Rowe: She hired on with our agency on Feb. 1 of this year. She is the most efficient and reliable secretary that I have met in all of my tenure with this agency. In just a few months, she has proven herself to be invaluable to our company. She is dedicated, morally sound, proficient in her work and in her personal appearance. Because of her, I am on the road to recovery and I think that I speak for our entire agency when I say that we are so much better as an administrative office due to her skill and style. – Sue Jordan, Bell County Public Health District, Temple

Irene Perez: Irene is the secretary to our school principal, Mr. Jimmy Cox. That is a huge job in itself, but she is so much more than that. She is our voice of reason, glue that keeps the ship afloat, and general all-around go-to girl. In a few words, she runs the show. And she runs it with democracy, grace, and an ever open heart. Her demeanor is a constant reminder to all of us that every day is blessing, and to strive for the best within ourselves. – by Jane Letts, Mays Middle School, Troy

Susan Stokke: Susan is our Chief Administrator and a leader in our firm. She is responsible for personnel, customer service and a myriad of administrative duties in all of our 11 offices. Susan shares her cheery smile and winning attitude with everyone she encounters – whether she is changing A/C filters, handling time/attendance issues or checking weekly reports. She takes care of tasks around the office as most people say, “that isn’t my job” without a second thought. If it needs to be done, Susan does it. No task is too petty or too great. She is friendly, outgoing, fun and a very hard worker. It seems like she is always at the office, but still she finds the time to be a great mom and wife, a runner and a special friend. She cares about people and our community and shows this through her actions. Our entire staff adores and looks up to her as the kind of person we aspire to be. Of course, because of the kind and humble person she is, she would deflect credit to others if she heard this. – by Lisa Griffin, The Carlson Law Firm, Killeen

Michelle Garcia: Mr. Listi has a very hectic and demanding schedule. And without Michelle, he would have an even harder job. She keeps his calendar, makes his travel arrangements, communicates with citizens and elected officials, runs interference, organizes the office, anything that needs to be done – and all with a smile and a great attitude. – by Cristy Daniell, City of Belton

Patricia Lewis: She is a hardworking and dedicated admin. Her attention to detail is vital in our workplace. When dealing with the public, she is friendly and professional in handling each situation. Our office is responsible for working with several volunteer agencies and committees. Patricia is efficient in maintaining records of each volunteer and event that our office handles. She is also responsible for maintaining our personnel time cards, monthly reports and budgets for five separate committees. – by Sheri Watson, City of Killeen

Donette Templeton: Donnette has been with our company for three years. She single handedly set up our office in Temple some 2 years ago. She always has a “can do” attitude and is always helpful. Most of our staff is out in the field taking care of our patients and Donette is always available to help staff members with questions over the telephone, investigate problems with payroll or mileage reimbursements and goes above and beyond in being helpful to staff members, vendors and our patients and their families. Donnette would be aghast if she knew I was nominating her, but she deserves a huge pat on the back for the wonderful job she does and for the continued positive attitude she exudes. – by Catherine Hausenfluke, Lighthouse Hospice, Temple

Beth Gallups: Mrs. Gallups is more than worthy of this award because she is a dedicated and positive employee. Her passion for what she does is obvious from the first moment you speak with her. She has a genuine and compassionate heart and always has a positive attitude. Mrs. Gallups commits all of her energy into ensuring that her job is completed to the highest of standards with unwavering motivation. She is supportive of her co-workers and is a constant encourager. – by Joshua Merillat, US Army, Copperas Cove

Thank you to everyone who entered and nominated a deserving co-worker!

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?

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!

Over the last few months, we’ve been asking questions via a poll on our website and paying close attention to our customers. We’ve been listening to what you need and want from us as a supplier and we’re working hard to give you the right solutions.

Here’s what we learned and what we’re doing to respond:

You Told Us: Search is the most important online feature.
Our Solution: Online search capabilities will be vastly improved. We are thrilled — and we think you will be, too — that the new website will let you easily find any product, using simple keywords or item numbers. Drill down into various categories and features until you find exactly what you’re looking for, in seconds.

You Told Us: Email is the best way to stay in touch.
Our Solution: Automatic emails regarding delays. We know you want to stay in the loop when you place an order. If you provide us with your email address, we can keep it on file and notify you automatically when there are issues with your order, such as a back order or shipping delay, so you can plan accordingly while we work to correct the issue.

You Told Us: Knowing more about your past purchases would be helpful.
Our Solution: Online reporting for tracking spending & access to past invoices. You will now have the ability to print and export reports directly from our website to review your spending. Reports can be customized to show the information you need to make solid business decisions about your purchases. You’ll still be able to access past orders and invoices when needed.

Keeping Things Flowing Smoothly
There are major improvements happening on our side of things as well, so your experience will be that much better from placing the order to delivery. We will be better informed about situations with orders and accounts so we can solve problems here before they become your problem.

Important: Print Your Favorites List!
As we get the new website ready for you, there is only one small detail we’ll need you to do. If you rely on your online Favorites List for placing orders, it would be good to print those lists and save them for the new website. While we can carry over your username and password for a smooth transition, we are unable to carry over your Favorites List. We know this is not ideal and we apologize.

As always, we are here to help and we encourage you to call us with any questions or concerns you have (See our Contact Page). We are prepared for there to be a few hiccups here and there but we are working hard to get all the kinks out before the website goes “live”.

In the end, we believe you will really like the new site and it will make ordering office supplies so much easier and, dare we say… enjoyable?

Heather Cox, Activities Center Coordinator
Harker Heights Parks & Recreation

That’s the note that Furniture Consultant Lea Shawstad got from her customer this week after their new HON Vicinity was installed.

What’s so great about HON Vicinity?

It’s a storage system from The HON Company. Easily adapting to different work environments, workstyles and functions, Vicinity ensures users can stay organized and stage their work while also finding space to store all their “stuff”. It stores anything, goes anywhere, and supports any workstyle.

Vicinity’s column-based design and versatile kit of parts make it easy to customize a wide range of functional solutions: public and private environments, task-oriented spaces, supply-intensive areas and more. Components attach easily and securely to columns – and they’re just as easily reconfigured to meet evolving demands.

Configurable cabinets provide storage for a wide variety of items, from binders to supplies to equipment. Cabinets can be open or closed, equipped with locks or not, specified with shelves or outfitted with translucent SecureFit accessories.

Here are just a few ways Vicinity could be used in your office:

DISPLAYS OR COPY ROOM. Unique articulating shelves can be used to display and organize materials. Great for literature displays in public spaces. A handy work surface near the copier is helpful on big print jobs.

WORKSTATIONS. Individuals can organize and stage their work in an active storage zone that includes worksurfaces, cabinets, shelves and files.

RECEPTION. Vicinity looks more sophisticated than conventional storage lines, so it’s ideal for high-profile areas like reception stations. Here, open shelves can display art and promotional materials while files and cabinets provide easily accessible group storage. Works well with HON Initiate panels, too.

Want to learn more? Call a Perry Office Plus Furniture Consultant for more information on this line of HON furniture or for help with your other workspace needs. They offer free, computer-aided space planning services to help create just the right workspace, reception area or meeting space for your needs. Call (800) 234-6605.

The Flaunt series is lightweight, sturdy and super stylish. Stitched accents on the seat and back give it a sophisticated, contemporary look. Padded loop arms increase comfort and the cool chrome frame make it a great a variety of spaces. The sturdy five-star base with casters offers easy mobility.

Perry Office Plus Furniture Consultant Lea Shawstad says office chairs should be functional but attractive, too. “A lot of workers don’t necessarily sit at their desk all day and just need a place to touch-down during the day. This chair is great for uses like that,” she says, “Or informal meetings in an updated conference room. The guest chairs would be perfect in a contemporary lobby.”

She adds that, “Rather than feeling down about the economy or business being slow, many companies are finding inexpensive ways to inject some fun and style into their work day. Bright accents can boost optimism and energize your team.”

Need more reasons to make this part of your office ensemble? Prices start at $224 for the mid-back manager’s chairs and $169 for the guest chairs. You can choose from red, camel or black and start warming things up!

Our furniture consultants are happy to help with questions about this series or any other furniture needs you have. Call today for a free consultation: (800) 234-6605.

Perry Office Plus was asked by HON to donate the chairs locally.

Perry Office Plus Furniture Consultant Lea Shawstad says, “Because of the purple, UMHB was the first place I thought of, so I called Mike Frazier. He was thrilled.”

Mike says the new chairs will help fill out different seating areas around campus.

The chair is a HON Invitation 2111 Guest Chair in Natural Maple and Mulberry.