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December 26, 2013

8 Outside the Box Networking Tips

Filed under: Business Marketing Ideas — PDWriter @ 9:12 am

Eccentric Personalized Correspondence Cards by PaperDirectYour connections matter. Business isn’t just about having specialized knowledge or skill; it’s about using those things productively in relationships with your colleagues, prospects, and customers. Networking is a great way to establish those relationships, and it doesn’t have to be a difficult or intimidating task. Here are eight networking tips to begin help you begin expanding your network—and your opportunities:

Notice What Others are Doing
Notice who the other players are in your community or market. Scan the local media or read relevant trade journals and blogs. When you decide with whom you want to connect, reach out to them. Great ways to do this include sending compliments on one of their achievements or passing on a clipping they might find interesting–but only if you’re sincere.

Stress Quality Over Quantity
It’s great to have a large network, but it’s even better to cultivate deep relationships. Having 2000 Linked-In connections means little if no one really knows you. Don’t become so focused on acquiring numbers that you neglect your current relationships.

Don’t Actively Network, Just Get Involved
There are other ways to meet people than attending networking events, and the natural connections you establish in these contexts are likely to be stronger and more meaningful. Consider joining a service group, like Rotary or Kiwanis, or getting involved in any industry-related organization.

Connect with Businesses Whose Customers Also Need You
Is there a group of service providers–with whom you aren’t in competition–whose customers might also need your services? For example, an in-demand copywriter might benefit greatly from being able to partner with an excellent designer. If that designer is you, work hard to make that connection.Elegant Border Personalized Correspondence Cards by PaperDirect

Follow-Up with a Handwritten Note
Email is easy to delete and even easier to ignore. Help yourself standout by following-up with new contacts via handwritten correspondence within 48 hours. Having some stamps and a stack of correspondence cards handy makes this gesture easy.

Ask Open-Ended Questions
Try to learn more about new contacts than just their names and industry. Ask your contact open-ended questions and encourage them to talk. When you finally exchange business cards, you will remember more about them, and they will remember your geuine interest.

Pursuit Business Cards by PaperDirectDon’t Be on Your Best Behavior
Instead, just be yourself. Your network needs to feel comfortable with the real you. If your behavior seems too guarded or forced, contacts will sense it and avoid using you as a resource.

Enrich Your Natural Network
Don’t just network in your industry or market. Think about your old friends and relatives. Do you know what they do? Do they know how to you help others in a business context? Make sure they do.

December 23, 2013

Best Of The Office TV Show Episodes

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — PDWriter @ 3:32 pm

Best Of The Office office Olympics

As an office employee, you may seek to keep all thoughts of work on the back burner as soon as begin the daily commute home. But comic relief often serves as the best solution to work stress, which is perhaps why, even after its finale, The Office remains such a popular television series. Next time you’re feeling anxious about that big ‘rundown’ or struggling to recall the best of the office at which you’re currently employed, check out one of these hilarious Office episodes:

1. Office Olympics

When the cat’s away, the mice play — or at least, Jim and Pam stage elaborate Olympic ceremonies. Between coffee cup races, paper football flicking and yogurt cap medals, this episode can serve as excellent inspiration for future bonding activities at your place of employment.

2. Beach Games

Another great idea for employee bonding? Enjoying a beach field trip, such as the disastrous beach visit featured in season three of The Office. Sumo wrestling and fire walking are not required, although; if they appeal to your Office-loving coworkers, why not give ’em a try?

Best Of The Office Niagra 3. Niagara

At the pinnacle of Jim and Pam aww moments stands Niagara, the two-part episode in which the beloved couple ditched their own wedding ceremony in order to experience marriage on their terms.

4. Scott’s Tots

Once again showing that he’s both clueless and kindhearted, Michael attempts to backpedal on a massive scholarship promise in hopes of improving high school graduation rates. Hilarity ensues!

5. Search Committee

Yes, the best of The Office antics usually took place under the supervision of Michael Scott, but there’s plenty of great post-Michael episodes as well. For example, in Search Committee, viewers enjoyed cameos from Ray Romano and Jim Carrey. What could be better?

Best Of The Office Dundies 6. The Dundies

Michael Scott loves employee awards, and, while his distinctions are not always politically correct, the concept of recognizing talented individuals does hold some merit. Of course, everyone’s favorite part of this episode is the steamy kiss between Jim and Pam.

7. Michael’s Last Dundies

Much has changed from season two’s Dundies to season seven’s version, but the ridiculousness of the awards remains the same as ever. And as one of Michael’s last episodes, it’s all the more poignant.

8. Goodbye Michael

Although not actually a series finale, Goodbye Michael seems a bit like the ending to The Office, Part 1. With brief goodbyes and rehashing of old jokes, it feels like the send-off Michael deserves.

9. Mrs. California

This is a Dwight-heavy episode with a particularly hilarious back-story involving “Dwight Schrute’s Gym For Muscles.” And of course, Andy Bernard’s catch-22 makes for a great triangle of awkwardness.

10. Finale

Aptly named, Finale does feel like fan service at times, but that doesn’t stop it from being a very touching end to a great series. Plus, the return of Michael Scott is definitely a good thing!

[photos via]

December 20, 2013

10 After Christmas Company Party Ideas

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — PDWriter @ 4:13 pm

After Midnight Postcards by PaperDirectDecember brings more chaos than most people care to deal with, especially during a season when people are supposed to be spending time with family. Adding a company Christmas party in the midst of a chaotic December isn’t always welcome, which is why many companies are transitioning to celebrate after Christmas instead of before. This year, consider these after Christmas company party ideas to throw a party employees will love.

After Christmas Party Ideas: Gold Balloons Postcards by PaperDirect

1. Schedule your party for mid-January, ideally before the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend. This gives employees time to get their bearings after the holiday without delaying the party too much.

2. Choose a venue that will make employees feel like they are being pampered. Costs will be lower than they were during the holiday season, so you can splurge and boost employee morale in the New Year.

3. Plan a winter themed party by decorating with white lights, snowflakes, and silver accents. It will still feel very festive without having to rely on Christmas decorations.

4. Shop in the clearance sections for decorations, tableware, and other party supplies. Stores often highly discount these in the days following Christmas.

5. Print the invitations yourself on simple and classy plain paper. Doing this step yourself saves money while still allowing you to send formal invitations instead of an e-mail memo.

6. Make employees sign a pledge at the door to not talk about work tasks and to ignore office politics. Everyone will have more fun if they can mingle freely without thinking about work.

7. Plan a fun activity or two for guests to participate in as they arrive. Ideas include decorating sugar cookies or talking to others about a fun question, such as, “What is your most ridiculous memory of the holidays from your childhood?”

Twinkles Casual Invitations by PaperDirect

8. Have employees vote their co-workers in for awards like high schoolers do in yearbooks. Some ideas include “most likely to become a senator,” “most infectiouslaugh,” and “best dressed.”

9. Have a white elephant gift exchange with undesirable Christmas presents. Employees will get lots of laughs from the ridiculous gifts their co-workers had received from well-meaning friends and relatives.

10. As employees are leaving the party, invite them to put comments in a suggestion box so you have ideas on how to make the company holiday party even better next year!

How to Reward Employees for Donating and Volunteering

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: — PDWriter @ 4:08 pm

Star Gala Specialty Certificates by PaperDirectLooking beyond your company to help others allows you to be active participants in your community and around the world. While many employees will be willing to donate and volunteer without any reward, offering incentives can help create positive emotions around the experience. Plus, recognizing and rewarding charitable activities helps develop a company culture where these activities are valued. Consider some of these low-cost ideas of how to reward employees for their charitable contributions.

Casual days: If your workplace has a dress code that is not strictly necessary for employees to stick to every day, offer casual days as a reward for charitable contributions. For example, give employees one casual day per can of food they bring in for a canned food drive. If employees need to dress up for client meetings or other purposes, specify when they are allowed to use their casual days.

Classic Specialty Certificates by PaperDirect

Thank you certificates: Create a certificate for employees each time they participate in a volunteer activity or give a donation. Although a certificate won’t cost your company much at all, employees are likely to appreciate the recognition. Set up a template to make it easy to create certificates whenever you need them.

Monetary donations for volunteer hours: Allow employees to increase the impact of their volunteer hours by matching each hour they volunteer with a dollar from the company to the charity of the employee’s choice. This can be the organization where the employee volunteers or a separate one the employee designates.

Special parking spaces: Designate a couple of parking spots right next to your building for special achievers. Each time you have a donation drive or volunteer effort, award these spaces to the employees with the highest levels of participation. This can be a very desirable award if you have a large parking lot!

Volunteer recognition banquet: Public recognition for a job well done can provide a significant emotional boost to employees who volunteer. Organize an annual banquet and invite all employees who have volunteered or donated during the year. If a full dinner banquet is out of your budget, consider a dessert banquet instead.

Hilarious Employee Recognition Awards for the Office

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — PDWriter @ 12:40 pm

Sparkling Stars Specialty Certificates by PaperDirectThe employees at your company do their best to deliver top-notch service each and every day, all the while maintaining a lighthearted workplace even in the midst of an occasionally stressful environment. This year, it’s time to give back in a way this humorous team will appreciate — with a set of hilarious employee recognition certificates! The kookier the categories, the better! If you’re struggling to come up with ideas worthy of your company’s silly employees, use the following suggestions to get you started:

Dundies From “The Office”

Sparkling Stars Specialty Certificates by PaperDirect

Are the employees at your company major fans of The Office? Why not steal a few ideas from Michael Scott and hold your very own Dundies? Feel free to christen the ceremony with a goofy name based on your company’s moniker, but don’t be afraid to outright claim the well-known Dundies name for yourself. Memorable awards from Michael Scott’s Dundies include Best Mom, Best Dad, Hottest in the Office, Busiest Beaver Award and even Whitest Sneakers In The Office. If you take this route, be sure that everyone in your office environment is relaxed and not offended by the jokes on The Office, as the last thing you want to do is create an uncomfortable work environment.

Video Game Terminology

Any gamers in your midst? Don’t hesitate to offer awards surrounding the lingo of their favorite hobby! Instead of Rookie of the Year, go with the Noob Award. Or, if there’s a person known for being both super nice and super into gaming, bestow this kind-hearted individual with the exclusive Halo Award. Have someone with impressive street smarts or a cool car? You could present the Trevor Award (from GTA).  And of course, the most musical employee is an obvious target for the distinguished award of Guitar Hero.

Awards For Early Birds And Night OwlsStars Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

Is there an employee well known for his or her penchant for arriving at the office at the break of dawn? This is you ideal recipient for the exclusive Early Bird Award. Of course, in addition to an early bird, pretty much every office has its own party animal, known for keeping the annual Christmas gathering going all night long. This individual, of course, serves as the ideal Night Owl award winner.

When it comes to humorous employee recognition awards, it always pays to think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to show off your silly side — the recipients will receive both a good laugh and the motivation that accompanies any type of thoughtful recognition.

December 19, 2013

How to Keep Employees Happy Once Christmas is Over

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — PDWriter @ 3:43 pm

Swirly Stars Casual Certificates by PaperDirectAfter the last gift is exchanged at your company’s Christmas party and everyone heads to their cars, you can finally relax on way home. The event was a success, and spikes in morale and team spirit are sure to follow—at least for awhile. Unfortunately, the status quo is always waiting for a chance to level any gains that in enthusiasm or productivity your festivities may have generated.

Don’t give it the chance!

Instead, consider taking proactive steps to keep employees smiling—and engaged—during the long stretch until next year’s holiday season. If you’re wondering how to keep employees happy, here are three ideas to get you started.

Keep the Information Flowing
Make sure your employees have a solid understanding of how the business is doing, what projects and opportunities you see down the road, and how they are helping to meet the company’s current goals. While keeping your employees in the loop isn’t as fun as throwing a Christmas party, it does communicate value, trust, and appreciation, all of which are foundational to employee happiness.

Establish Company Traditions and Celebrations throughout the YearBirthday Card Assortment by PaperDirect
Flip through any calendar in the office and you’ll find that December isn’t the only month with dates printed in red. Consider organizing an employee get together for Independence Day, or any other holiday that seems appropriate. Send out customized greeting cards to recognize employees’ birthdays and consider starting an annual potluck meal for no other reason than just to enjoy each other’s company. Instead of having a single party at Christmas, your employees can look forward to a regular rhythm of work and celebration.

Provide Individualized Recognition and Rewards
When your employees perform well, be sure to recognize the achievement. Traditionally, a business might do that at evaluation time through a merit increase, but the truth of the matter is that more money is not the right reward for everyone. Some of your employees might be better served by an acknowledgement presented a company dinner, being taken out to lunch, or by receiving a certificate printed on stock from PaperDirect to display in their office.

All of these ideas may be simple and inexpensive, but they can go a long way to keeping everyone in the office happy on the other 364 days you’re not celebrating Christmas together.

December 18, 2013

The Ghost of Business Future: 5 Tips to Guiding the Department into 2014

Filed under: Marketing & Sales Promotion Techniques — PDWriter @ 8:52 am

Snowy Splendor Specialty Border Papers by PaperDirectAs the marketing director in your company, you’re responsible for helping the business grow by attracting new and loyal customers to increase sales and profit. While keeping your eye on the big picture of demographics, traditional marketing and social media advertising, you must also guide your department in the right direction. A few business tips for 2014 can help you and your department prepare for a productive and successful year.

5 Tips that Promote a Successful Year

  1. The Leadership Sets the Tone. Provide all the instructions you want to your team; but if you don’t do as you say, your credibility will go out the window. Lead by example, teaching your department how to deal with clients, other departments and each other.Carefree Christmas Border Papers by PaperDirect
  2. Teach and Encourage Effective Communication. Excellent clientcommunication is the hallmark of a successful marketing department. Utilize all forms of communication, including face-to-face, phone, email and letter. Go the extra mile during the holidays by using Christmas border paper to share the Christmas spirit and thank clients for their business. Extra efforts such as this set you apart from the competition.
  3. Encourage a Niche Focus. The big picture is important, but your department can help clients achieve further success with the ability to focus on niches. Rather than trying to appeal to the masses, attracting a smaller group who’s passionate about your client’s focus will prove to be more effective.
  4. Delve into Psychographics. As a marketing department, you might know that your general demographics consist of women between the ages of 25 and 49. But knowing the psychographics — what their hobbies are, their political affiliations and charitable interests are — is equally important.
  5. Promote the Concept of Retaining Customers. Your company will spend five times as much trying to bring in a new customer than retaining a current customer. New clients are important, but don’t invest your efforts in them at the expense of existing clients.

The Ghost of Business Future

Lurking amidst all the habits and skills you teach your department is the ghost of business future. The efforts made today impact your company today and during the next year. Guide your team toward a successful year by incorporating business tips for 2014 right now, before 2013 even comes to an end. Your clients will appreciate your efforts at a time when many other businesses slack off, and so will your boss.

How to Manage Employee of the Year Nominations

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 8:14 am

Impressions Standard Certificate Paper by PaperDirectEmployee of the year nominations are important to businesses. It shows that the employer cares for its employees. However, when a business gives out recognition certificates, they can’t look cheap or the employees will be gathering around the proverbial water cooler. Paper Direct uses quality stock and ink to print certificates so that your employees know that you really mean it when you recognize them.

Using quality awards not only makes you look professional to your employees, but it also boosts their confidence in their jobs and makes the happy. When you have happy, smiling employees, they tend to smile while they are doing their jobs. Their interactions with customers are also better, and this makes a customer want to come into your business again and again. There is nothing worse for a customer to come into a business only to face a sourly employee.

In addition to recognition certificates, you may want to do something special for the employee. Some businesses give a cash bonus while others may give a Christmas gift or Gold Balloons Casual Certificates by PaperDirecttake the employees out to lunch. In addition to employee of the year, you could also give a runner up and a third place recognition certificate to additional employees who went above and beyond during the year.

Instead of using typical square-bordered certificates, you may also want to consider some of the more decorative choices, including the gold balloon certificate. The gold balloons signify that your employee gave you golden service throughout the year. You’ll find many different designs to help you tell your employee that this is not just a “thing” you feel you have to do, but that you really do appreciate their help. Other ideas include medallion stars and the lamp of knowledge certificate.

Pristine Specialty Certificates by PaperDirectRemember, keeping your employees happy is an inexpensive way to bring customers back. Happy employees tend to draw customers back time and time again. When you use quality certificates for employee of the year or other employee awards, your employees will know that you really do appreciate them.

December 17, 2013

Funny (but Appropriate) White Elephant Gift Ideas

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 3:14 pm

Twinkles Casual Invitations by PaperDirectSpice up any office Christmas party with a white elephant gift exchange where each employee brings a creative or funny gift to play a ridiculous swapping and stealing game. The success of the event depends largely on whether people manage to find the balance of gifts that are funny, yet still appropriate for the setting. Try some of these funny white elephant gift ideas that are sure to get at least a few laughs after they’re opened.

Batteries with toy not included: People get plenty of gifts that require batteries but have small print on the box saying “batteries not included.” This time, do the reverse for your white elephant gift. Doctor up a package of batteries to make sure the recipient sees your “toy not included” message.

Old Fashioned Santa Fold-Up Invitations by PaperDirect

Coupon to give away a task: The boss is really the only one with the authority to create this gift, but it may be a popular one for employees to try to steal from each other. To limit abuse of the privilege, specify that the task must take an hour or less to complete and that the boss will do it.

Tickets to the gun show: Make a play on the classic cheesy pick-up line and print tickets to attend the best gun show in town. For bonus points, add a hand-drawn set of guns on the tickets, and maybe even a cheap frame to hang the tickets in a cubicle.

Ridiculous wall calendar: These days, you can find a wall calendar focused on just about any theme. Go beyond the classic kittens or pretty landscapes and branch out into a calendar of piglets, honey badgers, or firemen.

Anything with bacon: For some reason, bacon is an easy way to turn any gift into one that will get a few laughs. These days, you can buy bacon-flavored salt, chocolate with bacon bits in it, and even bacon-scented soap. Pick your favorite to wrap up a funny white elephant gift.

As seen on TV gifts: Just about anything in an “As seen on TV” box will make a perfect white elephant gift. These items are only useful to a miniscule fraction of the population, and everyone else gets a good laugh as they wonder who would have ever bothered to market the item on TV.

5 Low Cost End of the Year Staff Appreciation Ideas

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Intricate Scroll Standard Certificates by PaperDirectThe holiday season is a good time to think about offering your employees some well-deserved positive feedback. Workers are motivated by many factors besides their paychecks, so even if you need to keep your end-of-year expenses down, you can find great ways to validate your employees’ hard work. Here are five staff appreciation ideas that will brighten the holiday spirit at your office and help everyone start off the new year with fresh energy.

Create new opportunities for flexing schedules

According to the Center for Talent Innovation, the perk that means the most to employees of all ages is having some individual flex in their schedules. If you can reorganize the workflow to build in some new flexibility, employees will feel that you respect their needs as human beings and family members outside the context of the office.

Provide your staff with a chance to help othersStar Gala Specialty Certificates by PaperDirect

If money is tight for your business, you can build employee morale by giving each staff member a modest sum and asking them to choose a charitable recipient for their donation. Harvard Business Review tested this notion of “prosocial bonuses” and employees receiving the ability to give to others reported more satisfaction with their jobs than an equivalent group did after receiving personal cash bonuses. Those charitable donations can be deducted from your company’s taxes later.

Participate in an office potluck lunch party

Rather than underwriting a restaurant meal for your staff, clear the calendars for an afternoon and decorate a meeting room or lunch room with a few seasonal items. Encourage each person to bring specialty foods for an office-wide potluck, and be sure that you and other managers take time to prepare something as well. Employees will feel personally valued if higher level staff actually put in the hours to prepare some good food, rather than simply buying a contribution.

Offer appreciation in writingExcellence Specialty Certificates by PaperDirect

In his book, “1,001 Ways to Reward Employees,” motivational expert Bob Nelson reports that over 99% of employees find personal praise to be very important. Putting your appreciation into writing and personalizing it creates a long-lasting memento that will energize the employee every time they read it. Browse through PaperDirect’s blank certificates to find a design that perfectly conveys the appreciation that you want to express.

Arrange for praise from higher up

Good supervisors take care to offer appreciation on a relatively frequent basis — but how often does an employee have the experience of being recognized and thanked by one of the high-level executives whom they rarely see? Your staff members will feel truly appreciated if you can arrange for an upper-tier manager to personally stop by and express appreciation.

Shopping online at PaperDirect is a way to enter the holiday mood and get your creative juices flowing.

December 16, 2013

8 End of the Year Party Ideas

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 1:23 pm

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Another year has come and gone, and it’s time to celebrate with your employees and coworkers. Your company probably throws an annual end-of-the-year bash, but that doesn’t mean it has to be predictable. These 8 end of the year party ideas are not only creative and unique, but also fun and festive. This is sure to be the unforgettable year that has people talking well into February about how much fun they had.

8 End of the Year Party Ideas

  1. Host an office tree lighting ceremony. Besure to create custom Christmas banners ahead of time announcing when, where and what time the tree lighting ceremony will be.
  2. Plan a winter wonderland ball. Decorate the space in shades of white and blue, and complete the look with twinkling lights. Ask everyone to come in their best formal wear, and dance the night away.
  3. Throw a New Year’s Eve bash for all of your coworkers. Now that the excitement of Christmas has come and gone, it might be the perfect time to celebrate another successful year with your company. Plan a party complete with champagne, appetizers and music, and ring in the new year with all of your favorite corporate pals.
  4. Instead of celebrating the holidays, throw a prom-style dance. Ask everyone to come in their old dresses, tuxes and gaudy suits and dance to music from the past while making memories for the future.
  5. Plan a destination party to someplace unique in your area. Perhaps throw your end-of-the-year gathering at the local zoo, or an interesting museum. This allows the event to become more about the experience than the party itself.Tropical Santa Border Papers by PaperDirect
  6. Make your Christmas party a reverse Christmas in July party. Throw a beachbarbecue, wear your best summer clothes and pretend you are watching fireworks fall from the sky instead of soft, white snowflakes.
  7. Head to a local charity and donate your time. This can be considered a corporate bonding experience, and also helps you give back to the community.
  8. Throw a karaoke party for everyone at the office. Laugh with one another as you embarrass yourselves singing out-of-tune to your favorite hits.

Whether your company will be celebrating Christmas with everyone at the office, or you plan to avoid the holiday festivities all together and want to throw a generic party, you can have fun with your theme and make it a memorable event. Get all of the paper products, banners and corporate party favors and gifts that you need at PaperDirect.

It’s On Us: 15 Customer Appreciation Event Ideas for VIPs

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — PDWriter @ 8:57 am

Customer Appreciation Ideas wine tasting In business, your customers are your significant others. And just like lovers, customers need to be wined, dined and told repeatedly how much you adore and appreciate them. To show your customers just how much they mean to you around the Christmas holiday season, try spoiling them with some of the following customer appreciation event ideas.

  • Christmas Play
    Buy a block of tickets for a Christmas play, such as “A Christmas Carol.” Make sure to arrange for a cocktail hour in a nearby location beforehand so that you can have valuable face time with your clients.
  • Concert
    Know of a big-name act coming into town? Then purchase a block of tickets for your VIPs.
  • Christmas Party
    Host a fancy Christmas party for your VIPs.
  • Rent a Suite
    Spoil your VIPs with a suite at a football, hockey or basketball game so that your guests can enjoy the sporting event in style.
  • Fine Dining
    Secure a private room at one of your town’s best restaurants and host a special dinner for your VIPs.
  • Buy a Table
    Purchase a table at a well-known industry or charity event and invite your VIP customers to the special occasion.
  • Wine Tasting
    Arrange for a wine tasting event either in a restaurant or at local wineries.
  • Casino Night
    Set up gaming tables and distribute chips to your guests, which they can then turn in for prizes at the end of the night.
  • Amusement Park
    Some amusement parks are open during the Christmas holiday, so why not take your VIPs out for a day of fun?
  • Cooking Class
    Have a chef teach your guests how to make holiday meals or cookies.
  • VIP Night
    If you own a retail store, schedule a night where your VIPs can enjoy special discounts, giveaways and refreshments.
  • Invitations
    Use only high quality invitations for your VIPs, such as those available through PaperDirect. Your invitation is the first thing your customers will see and will be very telling about how you feel about them and the effort you are putting into your event.
  • Invite Key Personnel
    It’s important to invite both important personnel from your company as well as the VIPs to your event so that they will have an opportunity to get to know one another in a non-work setting.
  • Presents
    Treat your VIPs like the celebs they are and hand out swag. Include at least one promotional item with your company’s name and logo on it. But be sure that these items are not cheaply made, as this could reflect badly on your company.
  • Offer Transportation
    Fairy Light Holiday Postcards by PaperDirectIf your customer appreciation event will be including alcohol, it is in everyone’s best interest if you also provide transportation.

Treating VIPs to appreciation events is one of the best ways to cement long-lasting relationships with your customers, so don’t skimp. Remember, a customer in hand will always be one of your company’s most valuable assets.

Don’t forget to send these invites out with PaperDirect’s festive Christmas invitations! 

December 13, 2013

Employee Recognition Gift Ideas for the Christmas Season

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips,Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: — PDWriter @ 10:42 am

Personalized Checkmark Mugs by PaperDirectAs a manager, you know that when your employees feel appreciated, they will identify more with the welfare of your business and produce higher quality work. It’s important to provide positive feedback throughout the year, but the holiday season is an especially crucial time to let your staff know that you have noticed their hard work. Here are five creative employee recognition gift ideas:

Personalized coffee mugPersonalized Thumbs Up Mugs by PaperDirect

A personalized coffee mug is something your staff person will see and handle every day, and the message of appreciation will be at their fingertips even in the midst of stressful days. To add a bit of sparkle to the gift, fill the mug with little goodies before giving it to your employee.

Create a recognition certificate

Triumph Specialty Certificates by PaperDirectValidating your employee’s efforts through one of PaperDirect’s formal recognition certificates is a way to say that you are seriously grateful for their contributions. The official quality of such a certificate lends a momentous feeling to the occasion.

Take the employee out to lunch

Extend an invitation to lunch at an upscale restaurant and be sure to consult with the staff person about which day will work best for them. During lunch, keep conversation fun and easygoing, so that your employee doesn’t feel put on the spot to demonstrate high performance levels while they’re eating. If possible, allow a bit of extra time for this lunch; go ahead and order dessert and coffee. Even fifteen extra minutes will communicate a sense of special recognition to your employee.

Give a gift you’ve grown or made

Do you have a fruit tree or flower garden at home? Do you like to bake? Sometimes the clearest way to honor the time and effort your staff member contributes is to give some of your own time back to that person. This type of gift acknowledges your common humanity and softens the power differential between the two of you.

Put a commendation letter in their HR file

As wonderful as your employee may be, it’s likely that sooner or later the person will move on to another position. When you put a letter in their file (and give them a copy on paper as well), you are providing a solid boost for their future. Wherever they choose to take their skills in the future, your letter will be a testament to the high caliber of their work.

If you’re looking for ways to offer creative recognition to your employees, PaperDirect has a style and idea that will suit the occasion.

How to Motivate Employees to Stay on Task Before Christmas Vacation

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — PDWriter @ 8:51 am

Presents Fill-In-The-Blank Gift Certificates by PaperDirectAs a business manager, you know there are certain times of the year when your employees are more productive. One of those times when employee productivity may wane is right before a Christmas break or holiday vacation. Between festive parties, yummy goodies in the office, buying gifts, and preparing for the holidays, the holiday season can have many employees thinking about everything and anything besides work.

Despite the holidays, all successful business owners know that it is vital to motivate employees year round, not just at certain times of the year. Here are a few practical tips on how to motivate employees during the holiday season:

1) Hold December or January employee reviews. Employees seem to step up their game before their annual review. When employees know that their review (and possible pay raise) are just around the corner, they won’t slack off during the holidays.Swirly Stars Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

2) Show your appreciation. Nothing motivates an employee more than showing that you appreciate the work they do. Customized employee standard certificates are an affordable and thoughtful way to let an employee know that you recognize their hard work.

3) Host an out-of-office holiday gathering. Many people are naturally in extra good spirits around the holidays. This tends to lead to more socialization around the water cooler than usual, resulting in less employee productivity overall. By hosting an out-of-office holiday party, you’re conveying the message that there is a time and place for celebrating the holidays, which isn’t in the office during work hours.

4) Review end-of-year goals. Goals are a great way to keep employees motivated and on track. While the progress of goals should be monitored throughout the year, a end-of-year goal check might just be the thing needed to motivate an employee to stay on task before their Christmas vacation.

5) Give a holiday bonus. Money is another almost foolproof way of motivating employees, whether it’s the holiday season or not. But when you tie in a holiday bonus to the holiday season, employees can associate quality work with their holiday bonus.Zippy Dots Blue Personalized Thank You NoteCards by PaperDirect

Remember, every employee is unique and is motivated differently. Some employees thrive on recognition via a card or certificate, while others simply need a literal pat on the back. The good news is that at PaperDirect, we have a variety of options to motivate employees, whether that’s a customized post-it note, informal personalized thank you card, or the more formal standard certificate.

December 12, 2013

Cute Ideas for Your Ugly Sweater Party Invitations

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — PDWriter @ 8:28 am

Candy Cane Lane Holiday Postcards by PaperDirectTime for a party!

Are you looking for a different twist on the traditional office holiday party? Maybe something with a bit more zing than the tried-and-true Christmas music and cocktails? Then consider an ugly sweater party! Wearing something really wacky — or downright tacky — can put everyone in a goofy, festive mood. It’s easy to find outrageous holiday sweaters at the mall, or, for the truly adventurous, the Salvation Army. Like this theme? Great! Now you need to put some thought into your invitations.

Ugly Sweater Party Invitation Ideas:

The invitations for your ugly sweater party need to be as wacky as the party itself. No quiet and staid invitations for this soiree. No way! Below are a few cute ideas for your ugly sweater party invitations.

  1. Go with vintage glam – Find copyright free vintage photos to upload. Look for people from yesteryear sporting outrageous sweaters. You know the kind, the ones with giant Charlie Brown stripes across the chest or a hokey reindeer with a red pompom nose.
  2. Try puttin’ on the dog – Start with printable Christmas invitations, then add a picture of your own adorable pooch. Put him in a big, floppy sweater and, voila! Your party has a mascot! Make sure he looks sad in the photo, then add a silly caption like, “I wouldn’t wear this sweater for just anyone.”
  3. Ask your staff to strut their stuff – Show everyone just how ugly a sweater can be. Snap a shot of your most holiday-minded employees previewing the ugly sweaters they plan to wear. For a touch more style, let them portray a bit of old Hollywood. Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney in “White Christmas,” for example.Whimsical Wonderland Casual Invitations by PaperDirect
  4. Get a little crafty – Round up a few old sweaters and get out the scissors! Use a tiny sweater template and cut out a “real” sweater to glue on the front of each invitation.

Whichever idea you use, make sure your invitations are clear. Add when, where and who can come, of course, but don’t forget to emphasis your theme. The last thing you want is for a customer or a favorite contractor to show up in their most beloved winter sweater without realizing that sweaters — at this party — are the joke. And, for more great party invitation ideas, visit PaperDirect. Shop around a bit then check out using the easy online order form!

December 10, 2013

10 Best Office Christmas Party Games and Activities

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — PDWriter @ 10:56 am

Old Fashioned Santa Fold-Up Invitations by PaperDirectMake this year’s office Christmas party one to remember. Before sending out those Paper Direct invitations to ask everyone to the party, plan some super Christmas party games and activities:

  1. Who Am I? All you need are sticky notes, pens and an imagination. Write down names and place them on players’ foreheads. They have to ask questions to guess who they are.
  2. White Elephant Gift Exchange Set a price limit for gifts and draw names for a fun exchange.
  3. Fill the Wagon Pick a charity and fill a wagon with toys and gifts for those in need. Local social services agencies can suggest programs to support.
  4. Two Truths and a Lie Everyone must reveal three secrets; other players must guess which is true and which is a lie. The one who fools the most people with their real and fake facts wins.
  5. Sticker Stalkers Players have sheets of 10 stickers that they must surreptitiously stick on others. The first to tag 10 players wins.
  6. Photo Booth Set up a corner with a camera, remote and props for funny pictures.
  7. Funny Employee Awards Make silly awards for things like Best Baker and Funniest Monday Morning Stories. For the ultimate effect, print the awards on official-looking certificate paper.
  8. Holiday Gift Hot Potato Like musical chairs, but the presents move. Turn on music and pass a gift around. Whoever is holding it when the music stops is out and keeps the gift.Winter Snow Casual Invitations by PaperDirect
  9. How Did We Meet? Draw names, then make up crazy stories about how you met the person you are paired with. Funniest story wins.
  10. Christmas Carol Charades Act out your favorite Christmas carols. Everyone will love the hilarious results.

Games and activities like those above help you and your office mates bond, which makes you an even more effective team. Create some great memories together that will make for warmer relationships throughout the year.

December 9, 2013

5 Ways to Say “Thank You for Your Business” during Christmas Time

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — PDWriter @ 8:48 am

Classic Santa Christmas NoteCards by PaperDirectIt’s that time of the year, the glorious season of giving, and you’re looking for ways to say thank you for your business to those top customers or enterprises that you partner with regularly. Save time and money by partnering with Paper Direct, where a vast selection of customer appreciation gifts for Christmas can be personalized to capture your holiday message perfectly.

Personalized Notecards

One of the easiest ways to say thank you for your business is just to go ahead and say so with seasonally appropriate Christmas notecards custom tailored for your business. Dress up your notecards with matching envelopes, decorative self-adhesive seals, and you may even consider including a gift certificate of sorts offering a free or discounted service in the future.

Custom Gift Certificates

Say thanks for your business and entice them to continue working with you by sending customers, clients, and collaborates a customized gift certificate. Offer discounts, free services, inspections, or whatever concept is appropriate for your business. You can order blank certificates and printable gift certificates, and we offer templates to ensure that your gift certificate papers print perfectly the first time.

Personalized and Motivational NotepadsKraft Flower Personalized List Pads by PaperDirect

More ways to say thank you for your business include inspiring or business-worthy notepads. These can say, “thanks,” “great job,” or have the recipient’s name or business head imprinted for a professional look. Find your ideal customer appreciation gifts with PaperDirect’s extensive selection of personalized and motivational notepads.

A Customer Appreciation Reminder All Year

Post-it® notes are one of our favorite ways to say thank you for your business. After all, who doesn’t find these nifty notepads handy? Whatever size, shape, color, or design you’re looking for, you’ll discover that PaperDirect offers an extensive selection of customizable and blank Post-it® notes

2014 Winter Custom Printed Magnetic Calendars by PaperDirectMagnetic Calendars

By far, one of the most popular ways to say thank you for your business happens to be a customer’s favorite to receive. Magnetic Calendars tend to end up on the refrigerator rather than the trash, meaning that your message of “thanks” and your business logo is seen all year long! Magnetic calendars are clever, appreciated, and a great way to show customer appreciation at Christmastime.

There are plenty ways to say thank you for your business, and PaperDirect gives you to access to the widest selection of business, corporate, and personalized Christmas gifts and stationery at the absolute best prices. Shop PaperDirect today!

December 6, 2013

Best Christmas Card Messages for Small Businesses

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 2:44 pm

Snowy Day Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirectChristmas is almost here, and with it, a rush of holiday greetings. As a business leader, it’s in your best interest to send a brief note to any important contacts, including clients, vendors and industry associates.

When crafted correctly, Christmas correspondence offers these contacts a great reminder of your presence in the business community, while also bolstering their impression of your company. However, a poorly-written business Christmas card can have the exact opposite effect, which is why you want to put your best effort into writing an interesting and relevant Christmas letter.

Write A Touching, But Succinct Message

Your typical business leader wades through dozens of Christmas cards, at minimum. Going through these can be exhausting, particularly if each sender chooses to include a lengthy recap of every single happening from the past year. Here are some simple messages to start you off:

your family (1)

your family

christmas-message

 

Keep your business Christmas card messages on point by highlighting one or two significant developments, before moving on to the reason for the season. Ultimately, your business talk should be sandwiched with holiday language, beginning with a Christmas-related greeting and ending with your best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.

Feel free to add a personalized note if you’re on close speaking terms with the client — this can reinforce the notion that, yes, you really do care, and no, this is not a mere form letter.

Choosing The Right CardShimmering Votives Holiday NoteCards by PaperDirect

What tone are you hoping to infuse into your Christmas message? Are you looking to joke around in a light-hearted manner? Or is a more religious overtone more appropriate in your situation?

Either way, the card you choose can make or break the overall message, no matter how well you craft the written content.

As you browse through the vast selection of Christmas note cards from PaperDirect, be sure to choose an exterior that actually reflects the overarching concept. Thus, a jokey note will work nicely with a Santa card, while images of candles or ornaments better reflect a more serious message.

Don’t ever make the mistake of underestimating the power of a well-crafted Christmas card. Whether you’re reconnecting with old clients or hoping to strengthen a more recent connections, the perfect business card will set you on a straight course towards success in the new year. Take your time as you draft an appropriate holiday message, for the ensuing impression could make or break your client relations.

December 5, 2013

5 Original Christmas Newsletter Templates

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 2:15 pm

Winter Rose Frost Newsletters by PaperDirectWith the holiday season just around the corner, it is time to think about your annual Christmas Newsletter. Let your clients/customers know how special they are to you this year.

Christmas Newsletter Template

1. Warm Wishes

Sending warm wishes your way for a memorable holiday season. We have had an amazing year at [Business Name] and cannot wait to see what the New Year brings.

We look forward to serving you.

[Business Name] [Hours of Operation]

[Address]

[Phone]

[Fax]

[email/website address]

2. Joyous Holiday Season

All of us at [Business Name] hope you have a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with prosperity and health. We hope to serve you in the coming year.

Happy Holidays!

[Business Name]

[Hours of Operation]

[Address]

[Phone]

[Fax]

[email/website address]

3. Continued Patronage

This holiday season is the perfect time to thank you for your continued patronage. May the New Year bring you and yours joy, prosperity and above all, health.

[Business Name]

[Phone] [Fax]

[email/website address]

[Address]

[Hours of Operation]

4. The Wonder of the Season

Best wishes for you and your family. May you experience the joy and wonder that the Christmas season can bring.

Happy Holidays!

We hope to continue serving you in the coming year.

Cordially,

[Business Name]

[Hours of Operation]

[Address]

[Phone] [Fax]

[email/website address]

5. Thank You for Your Patronage

May you find peace, joy and laughter this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

Thank you for your patronage.

Season’s Greetings,

[Business Name]

[Hours of Operation]

[email/website address]

[Address]

[Phone]

[Fax]

Choose Your Favorite Holiday Scene to Share with Your Clientele

At PaperDirect, you can find beautifully crafted designs to make your newsletter stand out this holiday season.

Examples of Christmas Borders

Christmas border paper designs are available to suit anyone’s taste. Some examples include papers with:Twigs and Berries Border Papers by PaperDirect

One of the best things about shopping for your Christmas border paper online is that you can see it before you print it. Choosing your border, adding your template and then printing your Christmas Newsletter is fun, quick and easy at PaperDirect.

December 2, 2013

7 Ways to Welcome Colleagues to Town During the Christmas Season

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — PDWriter @ 11:37 am

Whimsical Wonderland Vinyl Banners by PaperDirectIf you’re the one in charge of welcoming colleagues to town who are traveling during the holiday season, you will want to make their travels as festive and bright as possible. The Christmas season can be a difficult time of the year for people to travel and be away from their family, so take the time to show your colleagues around a bit. These ways to welcome colleagues to town should help you get a head-start on your planning.

7 Ways to Welcome Colleagues to Town

  1. Create a Christmas banner that lets them know your office is a place filled with Christmas cheer. Choose one of the Christmas signs designs that you feel best fits the mood of your office during this special season.
  2. Plan a Christmas cookie exchange with everyone in the office so your colleagues have sweet treats to enjoy during their stay. Ask everyone to bring a dozen cookies to share with one another.
  3. Invite your colleagues out for a dinner and drinks after work at a local restaurant. This will allow you to show your colleagues around town while also getting to know them at the same time.
  4. Take them on a tour of local Christmas light displays. This tour of the local area could make them feel more at home.
  5. Check out local museums and zoos, and see if any organizations in your area are hosting special Christmas events. If they are, take the time to bring your colleagues to one or two of these special events.
  6. Host a White Elephant exchange in order to promote camaraderie among your colleagues. By bringing in silly and useless gifts, your coworkers and your out-of-town colleagues will have plenty of laughs together while also establishing an important bond that is necessary for team work in the office.
  7. Plan an office Christmas decorating party, and get your colleagues in on the action. It will help your out-of-town colleagues feel vested in your location.

Take the time to make this Christmas more special than it has ever been. Not only will your colleague who are traveling on business to your location this time of year appreciate it, but your full-time local employees also will enjoy the festivities as well. This is your chance to bring Christmas cheer to everyone in the work place. For all of your paper products and Christmas event needs, visit PaperDirect today.

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