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October 10, 2014

5 Photos You HAVE to Include in Your Wedding Slideshow

Filed under: DIY Wedding Ideas — PDWriter @ 2:52 pm

Wedding slideshows are the perfect thing to schedule between cocktail hour and dinner. It’s a moment of relaxation and enjoyment where everyone can sit back and be entertained. While the basics of a wedding slideshow are pretty straightforward, if you want to successful slideshow that you can keep for years afterwards, there are some photos you MUST include. These wonderful pixels include:

Embarrassing Kid Photos

Middle School Photo

This one is a must, and we’re not talking about cute toddlers in diapers, but truly embarrassing middle school photos that showcase the “transformation era” of both the bride and groom. This will give your audience a real hoot and show how far you’ve come!

Family Members that Got You There

Include some thoughtful photos of mom and bride, brother and groom, kids from previous relationships, and even grandma! These close family members support you and your new marriage, so be sure to have some touching photos of them. This will remind you and them how far you’ve come.

Engagement Photos

Whether you choose to grab a professional engagement photo or an iPhone image taken immediately after the big question, include this type of photo in your slideshow. It showcases that special time in your family’s life and brings back fond memories before your wedding journey began.

engagement-photo

Candid

candid

This may be easy for some couples and difficult for others. The truth is that candid photos can be just as heartwarming and lovely as staged, professional photos.

If you’re finding that all of your slideshow photos are hand-on-hip type of photos, go out and get goofy!

Including these candid photos will show the connection between bride and groom in a different way than staged photos.

Hobbies

hobby photo

If the bride and groom both love to travel, include some destination photos. If you both love cooking, show some action-in-kitchen photos. Including these hobbies further shows the love and bond you share and can be a great talking point for your distant relatives you haven’t seen in a while.

Okay, are there any slideshow photos we’re missing? Please comment below and tell us the best slideshow photo you’ve ever seen!

Looking for wedding invitations and paper products? Shop PaperDirect for DIY weddings!

[Photo via]

October 8, 2014

What to Give your Boss on Boss’s Day (October 16)

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 2:45 pm

Happy Boss’s Day!

If you enjoy working for your boss, why not show it with a gift this October 16th?

After all, being the boss can be tough. Here are some simple ideas that won’t blow anyone’s budget, but are nice enough to show you put some thought into it:

Engraved Star Paperweight by PaperDirect

Personalized Gifts

A personalized gift could include a small clock, business card holder or paper weight engraved with your boss’s name. You could also have a certificate printed that shows how many years your boss has been with the company, praises a milestone or just says Happy Boss’s Day.

Bluetooth Mini Keyboard

This is the ideal gift for the diligent professional who is always working, even after hours and on weekends. The Bluetooth keyboard connects to any late-model Android or Apple devices. The keyboard makes it easier for your boss to send emails, without hurting their thumbs. The best part about this gift choice is it’s not personal or too expensive, nor does not appear cheap.

Food or Drink

If your boss has a coffee obsession, get their favorite brand. Same goes with soda or beer. Better yet, if your boss is always munching on a certain snack, get a Costo-sized tub of it and gift it with a big bow.

Something Fun

Mini Plinko Game by PaperDirectThere are many games you can get your boss that are ideal for an office setting. A few ideas of this type of game is a dart board and darts, a desktop skee ball machine, a mini plinko game, or any other appropriately sized game that will fit nicely in an office. This gift will show your boss that it’s okay for them to have fun too, and it gives them a great way to wind down after a stressful day.

Office Decor 

If your boss’s office is drab and dreary, spruce it up with some sleek office decor. Some ideas:

  • Modern Clock
  • Potted Plant
  • Framed Photo of Boss+Employees
  • Sports team memorabilia
  • Clever sign

For all your motivational certificates, gifts, and invitation needs, be sure to shop online at PaperDirect. We offer a wide variety to gifts that will fit every holiday and event, ensuring you can find something perfect for any occasion.

October 1, 2014

5 Ways to Celebrate Customer Service Week

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Tags: — PDWriter @ 2:27 pm

Pristine Specialty Certificates by PaperDirectYour customer service representatives are the face of your company. They smooth out issues when mistakes occur. And, because every 2% increase in customer retention can be equal to 10% in cut costs, they can even save your company money.

During Customer Service Week, let your customer service staff know how appreciated they are. Five ideas for celebrating:

1. Recognize a different customer service representative each day of the week.

Happy customers tell 4 to 6 people about a good customer service experience, which means your reps can be your best marketers. Did one of your representatives go above and beyond to solve a customer’s issue? Did someone, through acts of excellent service, increase sales? Take the time to publicly praise those whose contributions keep your business running smoothly.

2. Give tokens of your appreciation to your employees.Excellence Recognition Coin by PaperDirect

Small perks and bonuses make your customer service team members feel appreciated. Offerings can include small boxes of chocolate, vouchers for a longer lunch break or small motivational gifts they can keep at their desks.

3. Send daily email tips.

Has a member of your customer service team discovered a way to solve a common problem? Share the information with the rest of your customer service staff. Be sure to credit the resourceful employee who discovered the solution.

4. Hold a customer service idea contest.

Employees are more motivated when they feel their ideas are valued. For Customer Service Week, hold a contest and have your employees submit their best new customer service ideas. Be sure to publicly thank all participants. Provide a small but meaningful prize to the employee with the best idea. Be sure to stay in communication with the employee to talk about how her idea is being implemented to improve your business.

5. Host an employee breakfast.

Swirly Stars Casual Certificates by PaperDirectInstead of the usual employee luncheon, bring in bagels, donuts, fresh fruit, specialty coffees and other breakfast foods to treat your employees. They will appreciate the morning break and the chance to enjoy a treat together.

Your customer service staff helps your business all year long. By taking the time to provide special perks each day of Customer Service Week, you can be sure that they know how much you appreciate them.

PaperDirect knows how important your customers are to you. Come to us to find paper products that make your print communications stand out.

September 29, 2014

September 22, 2014

What to Say When Presenting an Award [Script]

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 8:43 am
Shooting Star Certificate Jacket by PaperDirect

One of the most effective ways to make employees and volunteers feel appreciated is by presenting them with an elegant award in recognition of their service.

Awards in and of themselves are always welcomed by recipients. But why not go the extra mile and present the award in front of others along with a short, heartfelt speech about their contributions?

Don’t know where to begin? Here are a few tips, along with a sample script, that should help get you started.

The Opener

First, start with a funny or touching anecdote about the person if possible. This sets up the framework for what makes the employee, teacher, volunteer, student, or essential worker special. However, make sure it’s not too personal or potentially embarrassing.

Talk about Why

Describe some of the recipient’s accomplishments and relate it to why they’re receiving the award. Although they may have a long list of achievements, try to keep it relatively brief and play up the ones that are most significant.

Look Outside of Work

Give a quick, general description of the recipient as a person outside of their accomplishments. Are they funny or warm? Do they have other significant interests or hobbies? Are there particular quirks they’re known for?

Finish it Up

Wrap it up with the presentation itself and lead the applause.

Try This Sample Script

Feel free to use this as a template for your own presentation.

The first day Joan Henry volunteered at the Southview SPCA, she performed a miracle. In one dog run was a little scared poodle named Gigi. Gigi had cowered from everyone who tried to approach her and refused to eat, and the staff was getting concerned. Joan asked if she could try. The staff agreed but told her not to get her hopes up. Joan entered the run, sat down and remained perfectly still for the longest time. Finally, Gigi crept out of the corner, sniffed Joan and then, to our amazement, curled up in Joan’s lap and fell asleep. It was one of the most remarkable things any of us had ever seen.

Since that day 10 years ago, Joan has become an invaluable and beloved member of the Southview family. During that time, by some estimates, she has walked 10,000 dogs and scooped 25,000 litter boxes. She has helped organize fundraising events, assisted at vaccination clinics and got Southview set up on social media. And she’s done all this without ever being paid a dime.

Joan is passionate and compassionate, determined and soft-hearted. She has boundless energy, is quick to laugh and, as all of us here know, is completely obsessed with pistachio ice cream. Countless animals owe her their thanks and we here at Southview owe her even more.

Ladies and gentleman, the Southview SPCA’s volunteer of the year — Joan Henry!

Custom Plaque for Schools or Businesses

We wish you luck in creating your own speeches for recognition! If you’re looking for a high-quality award to present, look no further than PaperDirect’s selection of awards and certificates. Browse our selection today!

September 12, 2014

10 Simple Ways to Cheer up Your Staff

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 9:19 am
Stacked Stars Certificates by PaperDirect

It’s common knowledge that the happier the worker, the more productive they become. Therefore, as an employer, you will likely appreciate these 10 ways to cheer up your employees:

Acknowledge Accomplishments

Sometimes, all it takes to lift someone’s spirits is a simple thank you or acknowledgment of the hard work that they do. You can accomplish this by saying it person-to-person, or you can write a thank you note.

Create a Certificate or Award

Have a mini award ceremony and award an employee who has worked overtime or went above and beyond with a mini certificate. Or choose one of the many options standard size certificates at Paper Direct.

Give Bonuses

Awards and thank you notes are great, but if your company can afford it, offering dedicated employees bonuses is an even more effective way to increase morale.

Consider a Raise

Today, the cost of virtually everything is increasing. Therefore, if you can, raising an employee’s income is a great way to increase their happiness.

Offer Extra Vacation Days

If your budget does not allow for an increase in income, offer more vacation days as a way to show your employees you appreciate all their hard work.

Fix Up Your Office

Make the office a place that is positive for employees. For example, comfy couches, a TV in the break room, or a free drink and snack day are all great ways to improve employee morale.

free vending machine snacks

Listen

Many times, your employees will have a good idea for how to accomplish any given task–sometimes it may even better than your idea. Therefore, listen to your employees and recognize a good idea when you hear it, and be sure to give them the credit.

Have Fun, and Encourage Them to Have Fun

Every so often, have a “Goof-off Day.” Allow your employees to wear shorts and sandals, and encourage them to play some games for a few hours, such as darts or even go disc golfing as a group.

Fire a Problem-maker

It is your job as the boss to cut the dead-weight and fire an employee who is not doing their job adequately, or at the very least give them a warning. Cutting out the unproductive person and replacing them with someone who will pull their weight will help those employees who work hard each and every day.

Be Aware

Contempo Modern Certificates by PaperDirect

Finally, be aware of the morale levels in your office. After all, if you never gauge your employees morale levels, you can never seek to improve working conditions and overall employee happiness.

Follow the 10 tips listed above to raise your employees’ morale and in turn make your workplace more productive.

September 8, 2014

Cute & Lighthearted Songs for your Wedding

Filed under: DIY Wedding Ideas — PDWriter @ 9:59 am

Cute & Lighthearted Songs for your Wedding

While romantic, heartfelt love songs certainly have their time and place, some couples want to take a more lighthearted approach to their weddings songs and first dance.

If that’s you, browse this playlist and find a simple wedding song that can become a romantic favorite over the next years together. 

Songs:

Nothin about Love Makes Sense – LeAnn Rimes

Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars

Home – Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros

You and I – Ingrid Michaelson

1,2,3,4 – Plain White T’s

I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Cailat

Would You go with Me – Josh Turner

Ours – Taylor Swift

I Do – Colbie Caillet

Everything – Michael Buble

Wildfire – John Mayer

Your Song – Ellie Goulding

Marry you – Bruno Mars

Do you have an amazing wedding song you’d like to share? Comment below! 

September 5, 2014

The Do’s and Don’ts of an Unforgettable Office Party

Filed under: Office Fun — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:14 am

17It’s almost that time of year again. You know the one. Office party time!

Office parties can be a great way to show employees appreciation and give them a chance to relax and socialize. And it’s not just fun for employees; it has real workplace benefits like idea sharing, morale building and turnover reduction.

However, it’s important to structure office parties so that they’re fun but still retain a professional atmosphere. Here are a few do’s and don’ts when planning your next office party.

Don't

Put pressure on employees to attend

Let’s face it. Some people just don’t enjoy parties. Others may feel strongly that they want to keep their work and private lives separate. Respect their choices and feelings, and emphasize that party attendance is entirely voluntary.

 

Skimp on the refreshments

Make sure you have plenty of food and beverages on hand for the number of guests expected.

refreshments

Nothing will kill a party faster than an empty hors d’oeuvre tray. If you don’t have a budget for a big spread, there’s nothing wrong with a potluck. But make sure you provide the basics so that employees aren’t doing all the work.

 

Talk shop all night

Because of the relaxed setting, office parties can generate great ideas and innovations, and that certainly shouldn’t be discouraged. But try to remind employees to have fun and keep the festivities as un-worklike as possible.

 

Let things get out of hand

There’s a fine line between encouraging employees to have fun and letting things go too far. Keep an eye on the festivities and immediately address any behavior that is disruptive or making others uncomfortable.

If this becomes necessary, handle the situation in a calm, professional, respectful manner.

Do

Distribute a formal invitation

Although email invitations are nice, there’s nothing like receiving an actual printed invite. A formal invitation lends an immediate air of class to the event and shows employees how much they are valued.

Allow employees to bring guests

Guests help employees feel more comfortable and make the function seem less work-like.

Plus, guests let co-workers see what each other’s lives are like outside of the office setting. Feel free to put a limit on the number of guests they can bring, but definitely encourage them.

Pick a theme

Christmas TreeSure, holidays parties may seem to have their own built-in theme. But what about going the extra step and hosting a “Ugly Christmas Sweater” party or “Zombie Halloween Party”?

Themes add a little extra levity and creativity, and they’re great ice breakers and conversation starters.

Specify a dress code

If you decide against the theme idea, make sure that a dress code is specified in the invitation. This sets the tone for the party and takes pressure off employees by letting them know what to expect.

With a little thought and planning, your office party will be an event employees with appreciate and talk about for years to come!

August 29, 2014

5 Effective Ways to Promote Your Pumpkin Patch

Filed under: Business Marketing Ideas — Tags: , , , — PDWriter @ 8:52 am
Pumpkin Parade by PaperDirect

Autumn is just around the corner and with it comes crisp days, falling leaves and of course, Halloween!

As a pumpkin patch owner, your marketing window is short. Start advertising too soon and customers might forget by the time they’re ready to buy. Advertise too late and they may visit a competitor.

Plus, like most small business owners, your hands are already full with many other tasks. So effective, cost-efficient, and low-stress advertising is a must.

Luckily, with a little planning and a few simple and fun marketing strategies, your patch will be the one everyone flocks to!

1. Reach out to moms’ groups, schools, and daycares.

Contacting groups that cater to kids is a smart use of your marketing dollars. Create impactful but inexpensive flyers using festive seasonal papers with matching envelopes. Or opt for colorful postcards in oranges and yellows.

Be sure to handwrite the addresses and use a real stamp; these methods have been shown to increase both open and response rates.

2. Host family-friendly weekend events.

What mom or dad isn’t looking for a low-cost, wholesome activity to keep the kiddos entertained? In addition to increasing sales, these events will garner you the everlasting gratitude of frazzled parents everywhere.

Depending on your budget, make it as large or small as you like. Sack races, bobbing for apples, a bounce house and face painting are always big crowd pleasers. And don’t forget the hot cider!

3. Partner with a nonprofit.

Most nonprofits are eager to team up with local businesses to raise much-needed funds. Consider hosting a “Pumpkins for Charity” day and donate a portion of the proceeds to your favorite nonprofit.

Organizations that assist children and/or families are logical choices. With their help, you’ll reach more people than you would alone, and at the same time, create buzz and goodwill within your community.

4. Sponsor a pumpkin carving or painting contest.

Again, partnering with another organization will help cut costs and expand your reach.

Approach a local grocery store or keep an eye out for fall festivals in your area. Provide supplies and allow individuals to enter for the cost of a pumpkin. And bystanders will appreciate coupons and flyers.

5. Promote with big, colorful vinyl banners.

Whether you’re advertising an event or just driving passers-by to your patch, fall banners are the way to go. Scout out a few choice spots around town to display your banners. For added impact, come up with creative ways to hang them.

For example, hay bales or scarecrows are a sure-fire way to attract even more attention.

PaperDirect has a bounty of seasonal papers and banners that can help you carve out a tidy profit this fall! Come see them all at PaperDirect.com.

August 22, 2014

Team Building: Thinking Outside the Box

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:13 am

Teamwork Poster by PaperDirectThese days, the words “team building” is more likely to elicit groans than excitement from employees.

Many times what spring to mind are silly games or trust exercises. Plus, it can mean rearranging deadlines and interrupting already packed work schedules.

However, when done right, team building can be a powerful tool to improve morale, create camaraderie and increase productivity.

When developing a team-building program, ask yourself what the ultimate goal is. Is it to strengthen the bond between coworkers? To encourage creativity or spark new ideas? To work on a company problem or issue? Focusing on the goal will help determine which exercises or activities will best accomplish it.

Next, ensure that you provide a safe environment. It’s okay to ask participants to step a bit outside their comfort zone. But if an employee is terrified of heights, for instance, group bungee jumping can be hugely counterproductive.

Finally, try to think outside the box and escape from the predictable, worn out team-building exercises of years past. Pleasantly surprising participants with a non-traditional activity will set the tone and get the ball rolling in the right direction.

Here are a few fun and quirky ideas to inspire you:

Scavenger Hunt

As a kid, you probably participated in scavenger hunts at birthday or Halloween parties. Little did you know you were learning how to work together and problem-solve.

Turns out, grown-up kids like scavenger hunts, too! The hunt can take place in your office building, a nearby park or your entire city.

Break the group up into teams and give them a list of items to find. Include word clues, pictures, brain teasers, etc. Each “find” is worth a certain number of points and the team with the most points wins!

Team-Building for Good

Great-Job-CertificateWhat could be better for employee morale than giving back to a worthy cause? Choose a local charity for your company to support. Then ask employees to bring in donations that will benefit the charity. For instance, non-perishable food items for a food bank or clothing for a women’s shelter.

Teams will use these items to build or make something (without destroying the items, of course). It may help to come up with a central theme like “Great Buildings of the World” or “Paris Fashion Show.” Award points for ingenuity, design and overall creativity. Afterwards, disassemble the “building blocks” and deliver the donations together.

All in the Family

Micro Prize Wheel from PaperDirectWork-life balance is crucial to employee morale and productivity. Overwhelmingly, employees crave flexibility and time with their families, even more than money or benefits. So why not include their families in team-building activities?

Organize a Family Fun Day complete with face painting, a bounce house, sack races, food and drink. Have a smaller budget? Opt for a good old-fashioned ice cream social. Hold a charity raffle or give away door prizes from other local businesses. And be sure to host the event during work hours.

That way, employees get extra time with their families, instead of having to come to work with their families during the hours they should be off.

Swirly Stars Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

No matter which team-building activity you decide on, remember to recognize your employees’ accomplishments. PaperDirect has a full selection of awards and certificates that say, “Job well done!”

August 20, 2014

Wedding Slideshow Guidelines and Tips

Filed under: DIY Wedding Ideas — PDWriter @ 8:02 am

As the age of social media and ever-changing technology is upon us, it comes as no surprise that many people want to add multimedia elements to their wedding receptions. One of the most popular events at any reception is the wedding photo slideshow.

These wedding slideshow tips will help any bride and groom create a memorable, fun and sentimental montage for their guests to enjoy.

tips for creating a wedding slideshow

Variety

Choose a variety of photos from many different stages of life. Your guests will love to see those cute and slightly embarrassing baby photos, but don’t forget to add in some from the awkward teenage years and your early years as a couple.

Set a Time

Allow each photo to be displayed for approximately 2 to 3 seconds. This allows your photos to run in-sync with the song or songs that you have chosen for the slideshow, while also not lingering too long on the screen.

Your slideshow should continue moving at a steady pace in order to keep the interest of your guests.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Do not create a slideshow that lasts for more than 7 minutes.

Your guests may get antsy or lose interest if you make a slideshow that lasts for much more than this. The goal of 5-7 minutes works well, because it is about the same length of time as two songs.

Have a Backup!

cloudAlways back-up your slideshow on multiple platforms, including the cloud. You want your wedding day to be flawless, and this means you should always have a back-up plan.

Bring the slideshow on multiple discs, but also back it up in the cloud in order to make sure you can access it no matter what.

Music

Pick songs that have meaning for both the bride and the groom. The songs should also reflect the personality of the couple. For instance, a couple that is comfortable showing their romantic side might choose slow and meaningful songs.

Another couple that prefers to keep things fun and fresh might choose upbeat music that keeps guests smiling and laughing for the duration of the slideshow.

There are many aspects to planning the perfect wedding, and creating a stunning slideshow is just one of them. Brides and grooms also will want to prioritize the details of the day, including programs, napkins, invitations, menus and seating charts. To find the best paper products for all of your wedding planning needs, be sure to visit PaperDirect today.

August 18, 2014

10 Employee Service Award Ideas

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Tags: , , , — PDWriter @ 8:36 am
Formal Blue Standard Certificates

One of the best ways to ensure the success of your business is to secure the best and most productive employees — but hiring high quality candidates isn’t the only way to guarantee that you are going to get a good return on your investment.

You need to reward your employees and show them that you appreciate their hard work and effort. Employee service awards are a wonderful and affordable way to show your workers that you care.

These employee service award ideas are sure to be a hit among the workforce at your business.

10 Employee Service Award Ideas

  1. Provide your employees with a gift certificate to a local restaurant, allowing them to fully enjoy their time off from work.
  2. Create a certificate that allows them to enjoy a casual day of dress at work.
  3. Reward an employee with an extra day off to use as they wish.
  4. Throw a company party, allowing all of your employees to let their hair down and relax while at the office.
  5. Bring in breakfast as a surprise. Perhaps create a hot breakfast buffet, or opt for a continental breakfast of fruit, coffee, doughnuts, and bagels.
  6. Gift your employees with a token of your appreciation, such as an engraved plaque or
    a trophy.
  7. Designate a special parking spot for a top-notch employee, and rotate who gets to use it on a regular basis.
  8. Send a personalized thank you note to an employee who has put in extra effort or shown a lot of growth in recent weeks.
  9. Create awards for personal accomplishments that employees might achieve, such as running a marathon or celebrating a milestone anniversary.
  10. Design a certificate that provides employees with an extra-long lunch hour. Give it out every once in a while to employees who deserve a little reward for something they have done around the office.
Sienna Specialty Certificates

Your employees are an integral part of your business, so it’s essential that you recognize their contributions and the important role that they play.

These employee service award ideas will help you easily and effectively show your employees that you care, while staying within your tight budget at the same time. Your employees are sure to be excited when they receive a reward, and they will be motivated to continue to do their best for you and for the company as a whole.

For more great ideas on rewarding your employees, visit PaperDirect.com today.

August 15, 2014

Slogans Made Simple: Free Tagline Generators

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: — PDWriter @ 10:59 am

Taglines and slogans can be essential to creating buzz around your business. Everyone knows Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan. And of course, even after decades, most people can name the brand associated with “Where’s the Beef?”

But coming up with even the most simple tagline can be a lot of work. Luckily, there are automated online tagline/slogan generators that can help get your creative juices flowing. With most, users simply plug in a keyword to receive suggestions.

We tried out three of them, using PaperDirect” as our keyword, to get a feel for how they work.

Slogan Generator

This site has a nice, clean design and is simple to use. Plus, it gives you a few tips on how to create a good tagline or slogan. It created some decent ones but also came up with some that were totally out of left field.

The Surrealist Slogan Maker

Like its name, the Surrealist’s slogans are a little offbeat. But if you’re looking for taglines that are guaranteed to entertain you (even if you’ll never actually use them in business), this site is the place to find them.

Moxy Creative Tagline Generator

This fun interface allows you to select different data (product type, use, urgency) into robot-shaped graphic. The “robot” then spits out suggested taglines. The taglines are pretty basic and no matter what you enter, it’s the same variation of a central theme.

All were easy to use but there was a lot of variation in the quality of the taglines we received, as you can see below:

The (Pretty) Good

All You Need is PaperDirect and a Dream (The Surrealist)

PaperDirect, always a step ahead (Slogan Generator)

Try PaperDirect and Maximize Your Results – Soon! (Moxy Creative)

The Bad

Let the PaperDirect work for you (Slogan Generator)

PaperDirect, the fun overloaded. (Slogan Generator)

Go Home with PaperDirect at the Touch of a Button – Today! (Moxy Creative)

The Ugly

Big Chocolate PaperDirect (The Surrealist)

I Wish I Were a PaperDirect Weiner (The Surrealist)

Go Crack a PaperDirect (Slogan Generator)

If you’d like to try out a tagline generator, here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. Play around with the keywords; use your company name, your product or your industry.
  2. Prepare to spend time clicking through a lot of unusable material.
  3. Write down taglines that jump out at you and brainstorm with others about how to improve on them.
  4. Before going “live” with a tagline, ask yourself what you want the tagline to do (increase sales, build your brand, etc.).

In most cases, tagline generators won’t come up with the next award-winning slogan for you. They simply aren’t designed that way. But they can be a good jumping-off point to creating one that’s truly unique and unforgettable.

When you’ve finally settled on one, be sure to include it in all your business communications. The more customers see it, the more they’ll associate it with you and your company.

August 7, 2014

What Kind of Dog is Your Boss? [Quiz]

Filed under: Office Fun — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:53 am

Have you ever wondered what kind of dog your boss is? Maybe a kind golden retriever? A yippy chihuahua? Find out what kind of dog your boss is with our quiz!

Take the Quiz:


Then share your results (but maybe not with your boss)!

July 9, 2014

8 Bold “Save the Date!” Ideas

Filed under: DIY Invitation Ideas — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 10:45 am

Save the Date Modern Photo PostcardsIn the last few years, the process of announcing wedding dates has transformed into a game of one-upmanship on Facebook, with each couple eager to gain the most feedback from friends and relatives. While a social media announcement is essential in this day and age, there’s still something special about receiving tangible wedding announcements. Consider spreading the great news with one of these new ways to say save the date!

1. Movie Poster

Instead of standard black and white engagement photos, show your silly side by creating a parody of the poster for one of your favorite romantic comedies. Mr. And Mrs. Smith and How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days are both perfect for this approach.

2. Candy Wrappers

Who doesn’t like a sweet treat? Add a special touch to your save the date by ordering mints or some other type of candy, with all the essential information included on the wrapper.

3. Infographic

From informational articles to workplace flow charts, the infographic is the ultimate in effective communication. Offer up a modern touch to your save the date by sharing all the details in a straightforward, but unique infographic.

4. Old School Family Portrait

If you or your fiance already has kids consider including them in the save the date. A goofy 80s family portrait — complete with big hair and mullets — should provide plenty of laughs for the lucky recipients.

5. Puppy Love

If your family already includes a dog, feature your pooch in the engagement picture, as well as a cheesy pun such as: “It will be a pawsitively amazing experience!”

6. Calendar Magnet

Sand Save the Date Magnets

If there will be several events taking place in the lead-up to the big ceremony, consider sending a calendar magnet marked with all the important occasions. Feel free to spice up the calendar with a unique background picture.

7. Beachy Magnets

Magnets in general make excellent save the dates. If you’re planning on throwing a getaway wedding, consider sending beach-themed magnets to get your invited guests excited for the big trip.

8. Wedding CD

If you’ve already chosen the songs for your ceremony and reception, why not share them on an exclusive save the date CD? Feel free to share all the specifics related to the wedding on the front of said CD. If nothing else, this will provide a little entertainment for those forced to drive across the country for your big day.

Your save the date will communicate the essentials about your upcoming nuptials while also setting the tone for your ceremony. Think outside the box and send reminders that guests will remember in years to come.

June 30, 2014

How to Zero in on Your Target Market

Filed under: Marketing & Sales Promotion Techniques — Tags: — PDWriter @ 9:06 am

Color Bazaar Border Paper by PaperDirectYour company may have the potential to help a lot of other businesses, but you’re not likely to effectively reach them unless you zero in on your target market. You can do this with some helpful tips that make it easy to reach the companies you can benefit most.

Figure Out Who They Are

You can’t very well target if a specific audience if you’re not sure who they may be. While many businesses like to think that the entire world is or should be their target, that mindset doesn’t typically net results. The world is too broad a place to home in on the specific message or content that will draw in your ideal customers.

And that’s exactly what your target audience is: your ideal customers. They are businesses most likely to use your service and products. Set up a profile that outlines their common characteristics, such as industry, annual revenue, number of employees, company culture and other defining factors that can guide you in your marketing efforts.

Determine What They Want from You

Once you’ve outlined your ideal B2B customer, it’s time to determine what they want from your business. The most effective marketing strategies always highlight what the company can do for the customer. Can you save a company time and energy? Reduce their spending in key areas of their business? Focus on the biggest benefits companies can reap from your brand and make sure they’re mentioned in your marketing messages.

Reach Them through the Ideal Channel

Here’s where you need to figure out where your target businesses like to hang out. Certain social media channels, such as LinkedIn, are geared specifically toward business. Other means include emails, direct mail and face-to-face encounters.

Postcards by PaperDirect

Reach Them Like a Pro

No matter what channel you use to reach your audience, you want your content to begeared toward its recipients. That means your word choice, tone, style, layout and appearance of your content needs to be enticing to your target.

You can craft an ideal appearance for any message by choosing the appropriate font, colors and background. While marketing through digital channels comes with certain restrictions, direct mail letters, fliers, brochures and other physical marketing materials can enjoy a wide range of visuals, letterheads, borders and other eye-catching elements on your business communication that match the vibe of the audience you’re trying to reach.

Stuck on where to begin? Get inspiration from myriad options at PaperDirect.

June 27, 2014

The Ultimate Office Party Planning Checklist

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:56 am

Cascade Specialty Flat Invitations by PaperDirectWhether your idea of an office party is hosting your company’s version of Michael Scott’s Dundies or simply relaxing with a can of beer and a slice of pizza, you’ll want to make a point of acquiring all the necessary supplies ahead of time. No, you do not need an entire party planning committee to complete the job, but the items in this office party planning checklist could prove useful:

A Good Setup

You work in an office, so you should have plenty of chairs and tables on hand for your party, right? Wrong! Your average office party is plagued by a lack of decent seating. Some partygoers may prefer to stand, but be sure to have a few extra folding chairs on hand, just in case.

Consider renting a few high tops so people can stand while eating.

Classy Conversation

At each table, place a funny photo or board game. This will get the party going and set people up for an awesome night.

Munchies

Office parties definitely need good food
Teamwork Clips Magnetic Sculptureoptions. Have everyone bring in their favorite potluck dish or recipe. Try holding a contest for the best:

  • Dip Recipe
  • Cookie Recipe
  • “Junkiest Food”
  • “Healthiest Food”

You can’t go wrong with chex mix or pretzels!

Prizes

What fun is a game if it doesn’t feature a prize for the winner? Your prize could range from something simple, like food, to a special privilege, like an extra day off. If your budget can handle it, feel free to offer something more extensive, such as a gift card or even a weekend getaway.

Beverages

Non-Alcoholic Favorites: 

  • Orange Juice
  • Coca-Cola and Diet Coke
  • Redbull (if you’re office is feisty)
  • Iced Tea
  • Gatorade

Wines, Spirits, etc:

  • Mimosas
  • Bloody Mary Bar
  • Local Craft Beers

Invites

Majestic Greens Casual Invitations by PaperDirectDon’t just assume that the entire office knows about the upcoming party. An announcement at your weekly meeting or inservice may be helpful, but you’re best off sending out official invites for the big event. This can take place via email or, if you prefer the traditional touch, with special cards.

Don’t turn your office party into a boring, awkward obligation; with the right supplies and, more importantly, an optimistic attitude, you’ll have no problem throwing an exciting celebration that will be talked about for years to come.

June 20, 2014

Five Things Not to Do in Your Cubicle

Filed under: Office Fun — PDWriter @ 8:33 am

Nostalgic employees love to complain about today’s casual workers and their complete lack of respect. If you’re engaging in one of the following obnoxious cubicle activities, have some compassion for your coworkers and cut it out!

1. Taking Selfies

What to NOT do in your cubicle- #1 Office Selfie

Everybody loves a good selfie, but the office might not be the best setting for your photography masterpiece.

If you can’t resist the urge to pose for the camera, at least wait until you can capture an oh-so-classy mirror selfie in the office bathroom.

2. Make Out With Your Hot Coworker

What to NOT do in your cubicle- #4 Kissing Your Hot coworker

Sure, that guy from IT is attractive, but this isn’t a college bar — you don’t need to swap spit at this very moment.

The office hookup may be every bored worker’s fantasy, but you’re better off waiting until you’ve climbed the corporate ladder and scored a room with a door.

3. Air Out Your Stinky Feet

What to NOT do in your cubicle- #2 Feet on DeskYour feet are aching after that much-needed Starbucks run. Perhaps you should have considered the possibility of sore tootsies before you decided to wear stilettos to work. As uncomfortable as your feet may currently be, you’ll make your work neighbors even more uncomfortable if you decide to slip off your shoes.

You may be blissfully unaware of the rancid stench of your bare feet, but you’re coworkers aren’t as fortunate.

4. Clip Your Nails

What to NOT do in your cubicle- #3 Clipping Nails

Personal hygiene is a wonderful thing, particularly when you spend the majority of your time in an office environment. However, there is a time and a place for grooming and your cubicle is definitely not ideal. The sound of that nail clipper is sure to drive your coworkers bonkers. They’ll be similarly unimpressed with your dedication to dental hygiene if you insist on flossing at your desk.

5. Take A Nap

Remember George Costanza’s specially designed napping desk on Seinfeld? If you don’t possess one of these beauties (not to mention, a private office), you probably better down an extra coffee and return your focus to marketing and business promotions.

These are things not to do in your cubicle: live and die by them.

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June 9, 2014

Fun & Lovey Dovey Wedding Quotes from Disney Movies

Filed under: DIY Wedding Ideas — PDWriter @ 3:28 pm

Disney Wedding Quotes Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life, and you have probably agonized over every little detail. When it comes time to creating your wedding invitations, you will want to choose beautiful invitations that match the general theme of your wedding.

However, the words that are printed on your wedding invitations are just as important as the invitation color, design and pattern. Consider including a sweet Disney movie quote on your wedding invitation in order to set the mood for your big day.

Fun & Lovey Dovey Wedding Quotes from Disney Movies

Peter Pan Wedding quote1“You mean more to me than anyone in this whole world,” – Peter Pan.

Frozen Wedding Quote

“We finish each other’s… Sandwiches.” –  Frozen

Peter Pan Wedding Quote

“All it takes is faith and trust. And a little bit of Pixie dust.” – Peter Pan

The Rescuers Wedding quote

“To face the future with another who means more than any other is to be loved,” – The Rescuers.

 

Walt Disney Wedding Quote

“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” – Walt Disney

More Quotes:

“You’re the one that I’ve been looking for,” The Little Mermaid.

“Let me share this whole new world with you.” – Aladdin

“You are my greatest adventure,” The Incredibles.

“If you keep believing, the dream that you wish will come true.” – Cinderella

“Ohana means family. And family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” – Lilo & Stich

Incorporating a Disney movie quote onto your wedding invitation will allow you to express your love for one another while also relating to your guests at the same time.

Whichever quote you choose, it’s sure to make your wedding invitations uniquely yours. Now that you know what you want to say on your invitations, you need to choose a design. Check out all of the options available at PaperDirect today.

June 2, 2014

DIY Invitation Ideas for Small Weddings

Filed under: DIY Invitation Ideas — PDWriter @ 9:03 am

Pretty Petals Fold-Up Invitations by PaperDirectSmall, intimate weddings mean that you can put some extra details into your décor that would be too time-consuming or expensive for a wedding with hundreds of guests. That said, if you’re planning to do special DIY invitations, you’ll get gorgeous, custom results — just be sure to give yourself more time than you think you’ll need so you won’t add any wedding planning stress to your life.

Paper Direct’s wedding supplies will help you complete these DIY wedding invitation ideas that put an extra special touch on your small wedding.

Pockets

Who doesn’t love a pocket?

Use them for you wedding invitations by folding a paper doily or stitching a slim fabric sleeve for your invitations. When you don’t have a lot of invites to create, this adds an indulgent DIY touch of personality in your wedding colors. Just make sure that the outer envelope is large enough to accommodate the extra bulk!

Calligraphy

So you bought the perfect stationery that fits your wedding theme, but there’s a problem: how do you label everything with handwriting that’s elegant enough to match?

If your normal handwriting doesn’t look like a printing press or a pro calligrapher, consider a more budget-friendly tracing table (as long as your stationery is thin enough to allow light to pass through it). Just place a printed version of your label between the lit tracing table and your stationery or envelope and copy the perfect font into a handwritten detail.

Seals

Whimsy Heart Deluxe Embossed Seals by PaperDirect

With a small wedding, you can go ahead and put a little extra polish into finishing yourwedding invitations. Paper Direct offers a variety of wedding-themed seals to add sophistication to your envelopes once they’re ready to go. You can even choose one with your married initial for a custom look that doesn’t get in the way of the budget.

These DIY invitation ideas for small wedding will take the design of your stationery and envelopes to the next level and make your special day especially personalized and memorable.

 

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