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March 31, 2014

How to Improve Employee Turnover Rates

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 8:51 am

Festive Star Casual CertificatesA high employee turnover hurts your company’s bottom line. It’s also not great for morale, as employees seem to come and go, and staff members aren’t able to form strong working relationships. Keeping your employees happy is a key part of lowering your turnover rate. If you aren’t sure how to improve employee turnover, try implementing one or more of these ideas to make your workplace a desirable place to be.

Hire with Care

Stardust Casual CertificatesOne great way to reduce turnover is to hire the right person for the job. Being right for a position means not only having the ability to perform the job, but also to get along with people in the office. When you interview candidates, get a feel for their personalities. You might also want to find out why they want the job. You want an employee who really wants the job, not someone who’ll take the position only until something better comes along.

Recognize Employees

Everyone wants to be recognized for their hard work. Make your employees feel like they are part of the team by regularly offering awards certificates and recognition to the hardest workers. Consider starting an employee of the month program, which recognizes a person who has gone above and beyond.

Make Sure Pay is Right

Pay is a big issues for both employees and employers. People are likely to jump ship if their pay isn’t in line with their position or if they haven’t received a raise in a long while. Do some research to find out if what you’re offering employees is in line with similar positions at other companies.

You might also want to consider boosting benefits to convince people to stay. For example, you can begin to offer flexible work schedules to staff or offer bonuses for employees who perform especially well over the quarter or year.

Remember That Your Employees are People

Gold Balloons Casual Certificates by PaperDirectAlong with being paid fairly and receiving recognition for their efforts, most employees want to be treated like human beings. You’ll reduce turnover if you remember that sometimes your workers need a day off or that sometimes a team member will have to work from home as he or she cares for a sick child or spouse.

When thinking of ways to lower your company’s turnover rate, think of the things you’d want from an employer. Odds are likely that the things you’d hope for in a job are similar to the very things your team members want.

March 27, 2014

Why Business Cards Are Still Important

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:23 am

Endeavor Business Cards by PaperDirectIn the digital era that focuses on all things paperless, it might seem like the traditional business card is irrelevant, however it couldn’t be further from the truth.  While the use for the business cards may have changed in recent decades, it’s still an important tool for any business person to have in their arsenal. There are many reasons why business cards are important, and professionals will continue to find them useful in the coming years.

Why Business Cards are Important

  • Business cards make it quick and easy to communicate with new clients. Business cards include a lot of important contact information — and it can be cumbersome to verbalize a business phone number, mobile phone number, fax number and e-mail address. Business cards are the quickest and most efficient way to provide vital information to another business person.Apex Business Cards by PaperDirect
  • Business cards are a visual representation of your brand and allow you to make a strong first impression with another professional. A logo, photograph or keyword can be used on your business card in order to make a statement about your business, your career and your professional goals.
  • Business cards add legitimacy to your position and to your business. If you do not have a business card, another client might think that you don’t take yourself, your position or your company seriously.
  • Business cards are still an accepted and expected part of the 21st century business world. Whether you are going to an out-of-town conference, a networking event or a business lunch with new clients, you will be expected to have business cards on hand to distribute. It may seem outdated and antiquated, but the business card is still important.

Most professionals in the business world come equipped with digital tools, apps and products that simplify their lives. However, while a smartphone is handy and can be loaded up with hundreds of apps that improve efficiency and productivity, it’s simply not Equilibrium Business Cards by PaperDirectas powerful as a small business card tucked into a person’s pocket.

Business owners and managers should still make business cards a priority, and create them for each employee who works for them. Young entrepreneurs should be encouraged to design cards that showcase their personality, their passion and their drive. The business card is and will remain an important part of professional life in the 21st century. To see dozens of business card designs and options, visit PaperDirect today.

March 26, 2014

15 Creative Perks to Keep Employees Happy

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 8:37 am

Sometimes small businesses need more than just competitive compensation to keep employees happy. If you’re looking for some creative perks, consider one or more of the following. They will certainly keep employees working hard!

Creative Perks:

keep employees happy

Bring Your Dog to Work day.

It’s all in the name. Dogs have been known to calm the stressed while boosting moods. Plus, many people dislike leaving their dogs alone all day. Have a weekly or monthly day where dogs are welcome in the office.

Weekly Breakfasts.

How often do your employees show up late because they’ve been waiting at the drive thru? Supply breakfast every once in a while- your employees will show up on time, focused and ready to work.

Summer Hours.

There are many ways to offer summer hours. You could give employees Friday flex schedules; offer extra summer vacation days, shorter work hours, or anything else. Since summer is such a popular time for travel, parties and family gatherings, your employees will definitely appreciate this!

Surprise! You’re off.

Plan a secret day off- announced the day before.

Fun and Games.

Bring a ping pong table or other game into the office. Have a Wednesday playing session or allow employees to use it every time they finish a project.

Happy Hour.

Hosting a happy hour is an easy one. Whether you decide to sponsor it or not, employees enjoy creating relationships outside of work.

Casual dress code.

Employees appreciate having a casual workplace. Whether its one day or all week, consider this simple perk!

Fantasy Football, March Madness, Etc.

Have a little office competition by supporting efforts to organize a league or team.

Office Gym/ Discounted Membership.

If you don’t have an office gym, consider paying for a portion of your employee’s gym memberships. It has been proven that healthy employees are happier and produce better work.

Fitness Incentives.

If gym memberships aren’t in your budget, offer fitness incentives to your employees. This can look something like “The Office” weight loss competition or giving one extra personal day to every employee that has a membership on their own.

Birthday Off.

Happy Birthday! When it’s your employee’s birthday, they get a holiday!

Free Spotify/ Rdio account

If your employees are working at their computers and listening to music, offer to pay for their Spotify or other music accounts. Most of these services run about $10/ month and help your workers get in the groove.

Summer sports tournament.

Get together once a week after work and play kickball, softball or volleyball.

Monthly raffles

Give away simple prizes like baseball tickets, business SWAG or Starbucks gift cards.

Applause award

Stacked Stars Certificates by PaperDirectEvery month, recognize a hardworking employee by honoring them in front of the company. Hand them an award certificate and see them glow.

Hopefully one of these creative perks sparks some action. Keeping your employees happy and fulfilled is important and can reduce turnover while improving company reputation. For more ideas on employee recognition, visit PaperDirect.

March 17, 2014

9 Ways to Boost Student Morale

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Spring is nearly here, which means the end of school is nearly here. With summer so close, you might notice that your students are starting to get daydream in the classroom. From elementary schools to high schools, finding ways to boost student morale will help them reach the end of the academic year without a drop in grades or a loss of interest.

1. Plan a Field Trip

One way to get students excited about learning again is to get them out of the classroom. Plan a field trip to a museum or historical site that is relevant to what your students are studying.

If you have a tight budget, visit a public park and learn about the native plants and animals.

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2. Hold an Awards Ceremony

Create award certificates that recognize student’s achievements each week or month. Hold a short awards ceremony at the end of certain days or weeks to hand out the certificates. Giving out an award for perfect attendance, top test scores, or most creative essay will encourage students to keep working hard, even as spring fever sets in.

3. Get Interactive

Think of ways to get students involved in what they are learning. If you’re studying an historical event, have students act it out. Some popular activities include: The Oregon Trail and Student Government.

4. Focus on Interests

Students are more likely to pay attention if what they are learning interests them. Try to tie the lessons into contemporary students’ interests or assign projects that relate to their individual interests.

encourage students to set goals

5. Set Goals Everyday

Keep students going through each school day by asking them to set a small, achievable goal at the beginning of each lesson. The students can share their goals with others or keep them private if they prefer.

6. Offer Extra Credit

Some students love the sound of extra credit. Offer the chance to earn a few extra points on a test or essay by asking a particularly challenging question. If the students answer correctly, they get a bonus. If they don’t, it doesn’t hurt their score.

7. Ask Students How They Are Doing

Get a read on your students by asking them how they feel at the start of class. If students are having a bad day, they can give you a thumbs down sign. If they’re having a good day, they can give a thumbs up.

8. Add a Game

Games make class time go faster. Students learn while having fun. One of our favorite ideas is to have a Jeopardy! style contest in which students have to answer class-relevant questions in the form of a question.

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9. Be Encouraging

Always have a kind word to say to your students. They might not get the answers right all of the time, but keep in mind that they are trying.

When student morale is high, your students are more likely to engage with you and to do his/her best. And when everyone is getting involved and doing their best, grades will soar–giving you more opportunities to recognize their success. Implement any or all of the above ideas to boost student morale at your school.

March 12, 2014

An Insider’s Guide to Hosting a Golf Tournament

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — Tags: — PDWriter @ 9:51 am

So you want to host a golf tournament? Be warned – it takes a lot of planning. But if you do it the right way, golf tournaments can net you a lot of money – which is why they make such great fundraisers. But we repeat, it’s all about preparing for the tournament that dictates whether or not it will be successful. So with that being said, here are some tips for hosting a golf tournament:

The Basics:

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Before you can really start planning the event, you need to tick a few important things off your “to-do” list:

Pick a course: Pick a course that golfers will want to play. Also, make sure the staff is accommodating to the type of tournament you want to run. We recommend shopping around for a course, see what things courses in the area are willing to offer.

Golfers: Decide how many golfers you’ll allow. Obviously, the more that play, the more money you can make. Generally speaking, however, we’d recommend capping golfers at 128.

Extras: Decide if you’ll do more than just the tournament. For instance, many tournaments offer post-golf lunch or dinner.

Promote it:

After you’ve got the basics down, then it’s time to promote your tournament. We recommend creating a brochure that explains the tournament in an easy-to-read format. Print this brochure on golf-themed stationary and include a registration form. Then, get to work passing brochures out. Leave a stack at the course’s front desk, pass them out to people in the community, ask local golf pro shops if you can leave brochures in their stores. You may even consider taking out an ad in the newspaper to get the word out.

Hole sponsorships:

Back Nine Vinyl Banners by PaperDirect

Generate additional revenue for the tournament beyond just golfer entries by selling hole sponsorship’s to local businesses in the area. But be sure that these sponsorship’s are done well in advance so that the businesses you sell to have plenty of time to get their materials to you so their information can be printed correctly.

Get volunteers:

As the day of the tournament draws near, assemble a team of volunteers that will check golfers in, pass out goodie bags (tees, golf balls and water bottles make for great items in this) and monitor play on the golf course. Your team should be doing everything to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly to see that every golfer has a positive experience, win or lose.

March 7, 2014

5 Unique Wedding Banner Ideas

Filed under: DIY Wedding Accessories — PDWriter @ 9:21 am

last minute wedding banner While attaching a “Just Married” sign to the bumper of the bride and groom’s car is a classic wedding decoration (the DIY placard has been featured in countless films over the years), you might want to stray from the typical on your big day! If you want to surprise the newlyweds or your guests, you’re going to have to come up with something original and customized. Here are 5 unique wedding banner ideas to consider:

1. Photo booth

If you want to set up some type of photo or video booth for guests, add a custom banner as the background. Whether it’s a romantic quote or silly scenery, the photos will create amazing keepsakes.

2. Add a Quote

wedding banner pinkAdd a photo of the newlyweds, an inspirational quote, or a romantic line from a classic film to the wedding banner. From “Casablanca” to “As Good As It Gets,” there are numerous romantic movies to choose from. Find a quote that best suits the couple in question.

3. Entrance/At the Table

Make the bridal party table stand out by hanging a congratulatory banner as they arrive to the reception. Wait to hang it until they arrive and the bride and groom will be surprised and honored!

4. Making your Exit

As the bride and groom exit their wedding, consider ordering a wedding banner to bid them farewell. You could design the banner with their honeymoon destination, well wishes from family and friends or a simple Mr.  & Mrs. photo. Then, place the banner on the back of their getaway car to let everyone know.

5. Direction Banner

Wedding Couple Vinyl Banners by PaperDirectIf you’re having a large wedding, your guests might need some direction. Consider creating a banner that directs them to each different locations including: parking, ceremony, cocktail hour and reception hall.

To find more unique wedding ideas and order banners, visit PaperDirect Wedding.

March 6, 2014

What to Include on Graduation Announcements

Somerset Foil Invitations by PaperDirect

Deciding what to put on graduation announcements seems like a simple task, but being creative and elegant at the same time can be difficult. Here are simple tips for graduation announcements:

1. Basic Info

You’ll want to include all the necessary information like place and time, but you still want it to be interesting. Some ideas:

[FULL NAME]
Is graduating with honors from Central High School
On May 26th at 7pm
At the World Area

Come Celebrate [FULL NAME’s] graduation
From Central High School
May 26, [YEAR] at 7pm
More details to follow

Central High School is honored to announce that
[FULL NAME] is graduating.
Join us at 7pm at the World Area on
May 26th [YEAR]

Your announcements need to be recognizable and capture the proud feelings and high spirits while maintaining a professional tone. After all, graduation is a social event, so make sure your announcements are socially acceptable!

2. Quotes for Graduation Announcements

Simpatico Silver Foil Invitations by PaperDirect

“How can I make my graduation announcements different?” you may be asking. “Aren’t the students’ names, class, and list of events enough?”

They are. But many students don’t want to settle for enough. More importantly, many students and parents don’t even know they have options. Having custom options makes your announcement even more unique!

You can set yourself apart by using inspirational quotes that can be printed on the announcements.

Some popular achievement quotes:

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
-Franklin D. Roosevelt

“A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.”
-Vince Lombardi

“I know you’ve heard it a thousand times before. But it’s true- hard work pays off.”
-Ray Bradbury

3. Other things to include on graduation announcements

Dignity Blue Foil Invitations by PaperDirect

It’s fine if a student wants to mention his or her participation in a favorite activity, such as sports, cheerleading, drama, clubs, or high school band. The same goes for mentioning which college he or she plans to attend after graduation.

However, you should encourage families not to mention the students’ awards won, games played, honors won, etc. when you help them with graduation announcements. Most other people will find it in poor taste.

The exception to this rule is when the graduating student is valedictorian, salutatorian, graduating with honors, or is receiving an honor that is directly related to the graduation ceremony or the type of diploma they will receive.

Order graduation announcements and party invitations today from PaperDirect!

March 5, 2014

Last Minute Wedding Programs!

Filed under: DIY Wedding Accessories — Tags: — PDWriter @ 10:22 am

Daisy Dots Programs by PaperDirectWeddings can be stressful! When it’s your job to plan the big day, you know that almost everything has to be done months in advance. The bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses need to be ordered and fitted, the invitations have to be chosen, sent to the printer and mailed out, and the florist, caterer and baker need to be booked well ahead of the wedding.

In all the hustle and bustle of planning weddings, at least there’s one thing you can usually hold off on until the last minute: the wedding programs! If you choose desktop printable paper and an accompanying design template, you can print the programs off a few days before the wedding and they’ll look professional and sophisticated.

A Few Last Minute Ideas:

Avalon Specialty Programs by PaperDirect

Avalon Wedding Programs:

This simple and elegant blue foil program allows for easy and fast formatting.  We send the programs to you and you design and print them on your own. These ship out fast so you can get them in time!

Loops Specialty Programs:Loops Specialty Programs by PaperDirect

These are a bit more fancy and fit into almost any color scheme. Choose between silver or gold foil and print at home. Download a free template to help you with designing your program.

Island Tropics Border Papers by PaperDirect

Island Tropics Border Paper:

If you’re having a beach or tropical-themed wedding, choose this simple and inexpensive designed paper. Simply order and print at home!

Simple Blossoms Border Papers by PaperDirect

Simple Blossoms Border Paper

This is another inexpensive option that is perfect for a spring/summer wedding. This minimalist design is charming and whimsical.

View our entire selection of wedding programs.

What to Include on the Programs

Wedding programs give guests an idea of the order of the wedding ceremony and the details.

Adornment Specialty Programs  by PaperDirectThey should include:

  • names of the bridesmaids
  • names of groomsmen
  • flower girl
  • ring bearer

The program should also list the names of anyone who participated in the ceremony, such as the soloist or friend who read a special poem, plus the name of the officiate and any ushers.

Include the order of the ceremony in the program, to give guests an idea of what to expect. List the processional first, then the songs, readings or traditions, such as the unity candle, in the order they will occur. Next, list the vows, the ring exchange and the pronouncement of marriage. If the ceremony includes hymns sung by guests or a reading from a book, you can include the lyrics or words in the program, too.

Often the bride and groom include a special message to guests at the end of the program.

When you need paper for wedding programs in a hurry, check out PaperDirect. Orders are shipped the same day for your convenience.

March 4, 2014

How to Make a Professional Company Letterhead

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 10:12 am

Debonaire Foil Border Papers  by PaperDirectA professional letterhead elevates your business communications and projects your brand. Modern tools and improved printer technology mean that it is possible to make professional letterhead right in your office.

Choosing a Professional Font

There are thousands of free and paid fonts available. Consider your business’s branding and image when choosing the one that is best for your letterhead. For a modern feel, look at fun options like Coolvetica or Abraham Lincoln. More reserved or authoritative brands may prefer classic fonts like Garamond or Bookman.

Look specifically for fonts that have been optimized for print; ones which are geared toward screen display, such as Georgia or Verdana, will not have as crisp and clean an appearance as those designed with print in mind. Limit your design to one serif and one san serif font for a clean, readable and professional look.

What to Include

Blue Elegance Foil Letterhead by PaperDirectWith all of the points of contact modern businesses have, it can be hard to decide what to include on your company’s letterhead. When deciding how to make a letterhead for your business, include the options your clients are most likely to use and those that best display your firm’s strengths. At minimum, include the company name, logo, street address and phone number. You can also include an email address and the company URL if you have room.

Valuable Online Tools

Not a designer? You have nothing to fear. There are a number of tools online to help you create the perfect letterhead for your business. When learning how to make a letterhead, look at examples online from other businesses and take note of features you like. Then, use online design software or handy free templates to put your vision into action.

As you design your letterhead, think about the paper that best represents your business. PaperDirect offers a number of options, from earth-friendly recycled stationery paper to thick and creamy parchment. Come to us for paper worthy of your business image.

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