by Diana L. Martin

Over the years I’ve written many articles about organization – things like filing organization, use of office reference systems, supply closet storage organization and desktop organization.  Today I’d like to discuss desktop organization again, but this time, instead of talking about your physical desktop we’re going to discuss your digital environment.

by Diana L. Martin

At one time or another, we’ve all experienced the dreaded black lines down our copies or stood frustrated at the copier trying to clear a paper jam. And you probably swore under your breath at it because you needed the copies for a meeting that was scheduled to start in five minutes. Malfunctioning printers and copiers can be a constant source of misery in an office.

The good news is……….they don’t have to be! The simplest reasons that technology malfunctions are that it’s not properly maintained and/or people aren’t trained on how to use it.

Here are 7 ways to keep your copier/printer running smoothly:

by Diana L. Martin

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different descriptions for office paper? Some websites list it as copy paper, some list it as printer paper and some list it as multipurpose paper. Aren’t they all the same thing? Why can’t everyone list it the same way?

Well. truth be told, they’re not all the same - there are two main differences. It’s pretty simple, so let’s look at each of them and I’ll explain.

by Diana L. Martin

It’s the new year, and you know what that means - time to clean out last year’s files, put them in storage and set up new files for the new year. Ugh. Nobody looks forward to that job.

Do you know what else needs to be organized? Your workspace! Creating and maintaining a well-organized and efficient work area is crucial for productivity and today I’ll give you some basic tips to declutter, organize and optimize your work environment. These tips apply not only to your individual desk but also to common areas and storage closets. Organization is key to a well-run office!

By Diana L. Martin

It’s practically impossible to pick up a newspaper or magazine and not find an article about sustainability. Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it impacts many aspects of our lives, including the way we work. Office environments can have a significant impact on our planet and adopting sustainable practices in the office not only benefits the environment but also enhances your company’s reputation. Let’s explore some of the ways your business can contribute to a greener future.

by Diana L. Martin

In today’s fast-paced business world, companies are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance the customer experience and improve operational efficiency. One such trend gaining popularity is the use of chatbots to handle customer service inquiries. Like any technology implementation, there are both advantages and disadvantages to replacing your customer service staff with chatbots.

by Marisa Kenyon

If you're someone who ships a lot of things, big or small, then there is a high chance you've had issues with items damaged in transit.  Whether it's due to mishandling by the carrier or inadequate packaging, these damages can accumulate over time - in both money and frustration.

Fortunately, there are a few innovative and unconventional ways to safeguard your shipments all the way from carrier to customer. So, let's think outside the box (pun intended!) and explore some effective methods to ensure the protection of your packages along their journey.

by Diana L. Martin

You're used to reading this blog and seeing new product reviews, helpful tips or things like suggestions on how to make your office environment better - and I enjoy writing those articles for you. Well, today is going to be different.  No sales pitch.  No "how to" topics.  No jokes.

Today I'm going to ask you a question that many companies never ask their customers.  Why?  Maybe they're afraid to hear the answer, but in today's business world if you don't know this answer your company may not be around later to ask it.  So here it is....

by Diana L. Martin

Even in today’s fast-paced digital world, printers in both home and office settings remain indispensable. Whether you need to print important documents, vibrant marketing materials or cherished memories captured in photographs, finding the right printer is crucial. However, with a plethora of options available in the market, selecting the perfect printer that matches your specific needs can be a daunting task. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential considerations, features and factors to help you make an informed decision. From understanding different printer types to evaluating print quality, speed and connectivity options, we have all the insights you need to navigate the printer landscape and find the ideal device for your home or office environment.

A positive work culture not only enhances employee satisfaction but also promotes productivity, innovation, and overall growth. While there's no one-size-fits-all formula, certain principles can guide businesses toward fostering a positive company culture. Here are some strategies to consider…

by Marisa Kenyon

Picture this: You enter a room and instinctively reach for the doorknob to open the door. As you do, you expect to find the light switch conveniently placed on the right side, just like it is for about 90% of the population. Being right-handed has its advantages, subtly woven into our daily lives, often going unnoticed until they are absent.

But what about the remaining 800 million people on this planet? Left-handed individuals find themselves in a world designed primarily for the right-handed majority. Sure, you can scout specialty stores for left-handed spatulas and other tools, but what truly deserves your investment?

by Alex Plachta

Not everything is easy to draw! In fact, I’d argue that almost everything is hard to draw! Illustrator and Photoshop can be challenging for the novice creator and photographing items is not always the simplest process. There are plenty of sites where you can purchase images, but on some jobs (like this blog) you might be able to find something totally acceptable - and high quality - without having to pay for the rights to the image. Here are two sites where you can find free images for whatever you’re designing. 

by Diana L. Martin

Last month I wrote about combatting Delayed Decision Disorder and offered some suggestions on ways to organize your filing systems to better work with the way your brain operates. This month, I’m going to expand on the topic of organization and dive into a slightly different issue.

When it comes to protecting sensitive information, shredding documents can be the perfect solution. However, manually shredding a large number of documents can be time-consuming and tedious. That's where the GBC AutoFeed+ Home Office Shredder comes in…

Are you always on the lookout for products that can make your office run more efficiently? 3M’s Scotch Cushion Lock Protective Wrap is no exception. Designed to take up less storage space and make shipping items a breeze, there are countless benefits this product can bring to your workspace.

by Diana L. Martin

So we're a few weeks into the new year.....  You've got all your year-end paperwork done, files are boxed up and put in storage and your 2022 taxes are ready to be filed.  

.....Now that you're done rolling on the floor laughing, I'll get serious.  Organizing your office will help you save time and money.  There's actually a term for this - it's called Organomics®.  According to Organomics.com, Organomics® is:

by Diana L. Martin

The cold & flu season has been upon us for a little while now, along with the ever-present coronavirus, which means cleaning and sanitizing are top priorities in the office (and at home). A recent addition to the janitorial space promises to make your cleaning faster and easier, save the environment and save you money. It’s called Zep Pro-Tabs All Purpose Cleaner Dissolvable Tablets. There’s also a second version for the bathroom.

by Diana L. Martin

Here we are - the beginning of a brand new year. I love this time of year because with the new year comes new products and new toys for me to play with and test! Based on the emails I get from all of you, I know that many of you are like me - you’re pen geeks and you love to try out new models. Well today, I have a brand new writing set that you can take with you on the go. It has all the tools you need for jotting down those notes in the car (while you’re parked, of course - no writing while you’re driving).

Introducing the Serve Set 5-in-1 Stationery Set…

by Kim Schroeder

Within the past couple of years, we have seen an increase in open workspaces.  The intention was that employees could collaborate, share knowledge, and be more productive overall. Corporate America thought this was an ideal solution for encouraging teamwork.  We now know that this is not always the case.  There are current studies that show that an open work environment can be more disruptive.  The lack of privacy, along with the added noise, can do the opposite of what was intended and inhibit an employee’s ability to concentrate, therefore decreasing productivity. 

by Diana L. Martin

We're almost to the end of another year - do you know what that means? It means that it's time to check your date stamps. Are you on the last year band? Do you need to order a new stamp?

Some customers are confused by the process of ordering a custom stamp. They know basically what they want, but, when their office products dealer asks them for details, suddenly it seems not so simple. It needn’t be difficult – we’ll walk you through the process.