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November 6, 2013

How to Reward Employees for a Job Well Done

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 4:57 pm

Glass Container Small Star by PaperDirectAfter a year of hard work, your employees are looking forward to spending the Christmas season with their friends and family. As a business owner or manager, this is the time of year to show your appreciation for the people who work for you. You will want to know how to reward employees for doing a superb job, while also providing incentive for them to continue their hard work into the New Year.

How to Reward Employees for a Job Well DoneMoney Machine Gift Box by PaperDirect

  • Offer them a dress casual day or jeans day to use during the month of January. January is a long, cold and often depressing month. Giving your employees a chance to wear their favorite hooded sweatshirt or comfortable pair of jeans can boost their morale during the dead of winter.
  • Provide your employees with gift cards to a nice, locally-owned restaurant in the area. Give them a chance to take their spouse, partner or children out for a good meal and enjoy a night on the town. Showing that you promote the local economy and support small businesses also will impress your employees.
  • Give your employees a special Christmas gift at the holiday party. This does not necessarily have to be a big and expensive item, but it can be something useful and unique. Items with your company brand name are always a hit, such as a travel coffee mug or a new water bottle. Try to choose items that any person would use in their daily lives.
  • You Do It ALL NoteCards by PaperDirectWrite each employee a personal note of appreciation. This may seem like a small reward, but it will speak volumes to your employees. Many people go to work each day feeling like the job they do goes completely unnoticed, and they don’t expect to get this type of letter from their boss at the end of the year. It also presents the perfect opportunity to announce an additional reward or gift that the employee will be receiving.

No matter what reward or gift you decide to give to your employees, know that they will feel respected and appreciated. This goes a long way in increasing productivity throughout the entire calendar year, and also helps you to retain the best talent in your field. Don’t forget to invest in the best paper products for your Christmas party invitations and incentive letters. For all of your corporate Christmas needs, visit PaperDirect today.

Thank You Note Etiquette for Christmas Gifts to the Company

Scripty Thank You NoteCards by PaperDirect

At Christmas time, it’s not uncommon for clients and vendors to send presents to the companies they worked with over the past year. Although your business might have been the one providing the services to the client, it’s important to say “thank you” after receiving a gift. According to manners expert Emily Post, thank you note etiquette dictates that you send a note any time you receive a gift from someone who isn’t a close friend, especially if you aren’t able to say thanks in person.

Do: Write the Note as Soon as Possible

Vintage Elegance Specialty Thank You NoteCards by PaperDirect

It’s ideal to write out a thank you note for a Christmas gift as soon as you can. Try to write the note the same day, or the next day at the latest. Putting off writing the note means you’re likely to forget to do it. If you’re swamped with end-of-the-year work during the holiday season, have an employee write the note. Read and approve the note before it’s sent.

Don’t: Use a Form Letter

Depending on how many gifts your company receives at Christmas, it can be tempting to write the same thank you note over and over. Doing so will save time, but it will also make your clients and other gift-givers feel that you don’t actually appreciate the presents.

Customize each note, stating the name of the gift-giver and the item they gave. You can describe how your business will use the gift or simply express gratitude that the person took the time to think of your company. Write the notes by hand on Christmas note cards for an extra personal touch.

Do: Send an Actual Note

Holiday Holly NoteCards  by PaperDirect

In the era of email and text messages, sending an actual, paper note seems a little outdated. While it’s okay to call or email the gift-giver right away to say thanks, it’s also good thank you note etiquette to follow up with an actual card. A physical note lets the gift-giver know that you appreciate his or her thoughtfulness and that you hope to continue to do business with them in the coming year.

PaperDirect has the supplies you need to get ready for the Christmas gift-giving season. The site makes it easy to order thank you cards and other Christmas stationery online.

November 5, 2013

Inspiring Christmas Newsletters that Would Melt Even Scrooge’s Heart

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 4:00 pm

Golden Glimmer Newsletters by PaperDirecrtIt’s Christmas time!

Christmas is nearly upon us, and it’s time to think about your Christmas newsletter. For business owners, inspiring Christmas newsletters need to strike a delicate balance. You are, after all, addressing a tender, sentimental time of year deeply rooted in religious tradition. But, you’re also reaching out to business associates and need to maintain a degree of professionalism. Having a hard time finding just the right balance? Here are a few tips for writing truly inspiring Christmas newsletters while remaining professional.

Remember, it’s Christmas!
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration. Keep your newsletter bright and cheery. Include an old-time cookie recipe, for instance, and holiday decorating tips. Or, add the secret to making rich, dreamy, homemade cocoa.

Remember your AudienceWinter Rose Frost Newsletters by PaperDirect
You may be sending your newsletter to business associates, customers and suppliers, but the holidays are about people and their families. Direct your newsletter to them. Save talk about marketing and sales figures for another time.

Be Approachable
Business relationships can often be impersonal, and that can actually hurt sales. Christmas is the time to open up a bit. Share a favorite Christmas memory from your childhood, for instance, or describe a treasured family holiday tradition.

Use Christmas Stationery
Save the plain white paper for another time; it says, “Business,” not, “Christmas.” A Christmas newsletter should be colorful and appealing, but not so visually stimulating that your message gets lost in the shuffle.

Remember the Less Fortunate
Keep in mind that the holidays can be difficult for people who are struggling financially when writing your newsletter.  Write about charitable works of your employees, as well as those of your own. Encourage everyone to do what they can for others during the Christmas season.

Pine Perfection Newsletters by PaperDirectExpress Your Gratitude
If nothing else, Christmas is a time of gratitude. Use your Christmas newsletter to thank everyone who has made your life a little better over the past year. Your employees and customers all deserve a “thank you” for making your business the success that it is.

If you keep these principles in mind, you’ll create a Christmas newsletter that will touch people’s hearts. And, if you want to find other ways to brighten up the holidays, visit PaperDirect. They make it fun and easy to shop for invitations, gift certificates, and greeting cards – everything you need to make this Christmas season truly sparkle!

Fun Christmas Games for Everyone from the Intern to the CEO

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 9:14 am

Holiday Christmas parties can either be either a drag or a blast, depending on how well you plan. Rather than carrying office hierarchies over to the company party, choose games that will help everyone feel like equals – and have some fun! Try these Christmas games for everyone at your party this year.

Fun christmas Games for the OfficePuzzled Cards

Divide the number of guests by two and find that many Christmas cards. Cut the picture of each card in half and mix the halves together in a basket. As guests arrive, have each guest draw a card half from the basket.  The next step – mingling with fellow guests to find their “better half!”

Gift Wrap Twins

Once everyone has found their match, have these pairs compete together in a fun gift wrapping game. Distribute boxes, scissors, tape, gift wrap, and ribbon to everyone and give the pairs three minutes to wrap the box as nicely as possible. The catch is that each person can only use one hand!

Oven Mitt Unwrapping

Rather than raffling off prizes to guests, make them work for them. Put a gift wrapped in many layers of paper, a die, and a pair of oven mitts on each table. Guests pass the die around the table, each rolling it, until someone rolls a six. That person takes the oven mitts and attempts to open the gift as others keep rolling the die to see who goes next. Whoever finishes unwrapping the gift gets to keep it!

Fun Christmas games for the officeHoliday Charades

Once everyone is loosened up, play a fun game of charades to end the party. Divide guests into teams of about five people, and if you have a large company, divide the room into many head-to-head battles of two teams. Have each team create Christmas-themed charades prompts for the other team to act out. Everyone will get some good laughs from this game!

Of course, before you host a fun party full of Christmas games for everyone from the intern to the CEO, you’ll need to get them all there. Choose classy Christmas party invitations that set off the event as a fun and festive one that everyone will enjoy. When you choose invitations that mesh with the fun company culture you’ve created, employees will come to the party ready to play these fun games!

November 4, 2013

How to Write Your Company’s Very First Christmas Newsletter

O Christmas Tree Newsletters by PaperDirect

Sending a Christmas newsletter to employees, supporters, clients, and customers gives a glimpse of what has happened during your first year as a company. Even if you already know how to write a company newsletter, adjust your approach a little for the Christmas season. Your newsletter should have a warmer feel because of the holidays, it should also be a snapshot of the whole year, plus a peek at the year to come. Follow these tips as you write your first company’s Christmas newsletter.

Reach a Broad Audience


You likely haven’t built up a huge mailing list of people in your specific business niche, which means your newsletter needs to appeal to a wide range of people. Choose general interest stories and don’t pack them with technical data and industry abbreviations.

Christmas Fantasy Newsletters by PaperDirect

Share Your Success Story

One of the key articles in your Christmas newsletter should be an overview of what your company has accomplished over the year. In addition, thank your readers for their contributions, which could include time, money, expertise, or loyalty.

Write Descriptive Headlines


People are often bombarded with newsletters during the Christmas season, so yours might get tossed aside if nothing grabs people. Write catchy headlines that are a complete sentence with a verb, which helps hook the reader.

Create Compelling Leads


As you write the articles, remember that readers may not dig for the most important information if it’s hidden in the middle of the article. Create a strong lead sentence that makes the information easy to find and draws in readers who are actually interested in knowing more.

Luminous Holiday Newsletters by PaperDirect

Discuss Goals for Next Year


The Christmas season is a time to reflect and to look forward, so finish your company newsletter with your upcoming plans. Show people that your start-up is here to stay, and that you have exciting new developments ahead.

After you have written the newsletter, it’s time to tackle the layout. Articles are easier to read when they are arranged in two or three columns. Make the most important headlines the largest, and use no more than two fonts for the entire newsletter. Also, rather than printing your Christmas newsletters on plain paper, choose festive Christmas paper to match the celebratory feelings of the season. Your newsletter will not only get read, but it is likely to be displayed alongside other Christmas cards during December.

8 Corporate Christmas Party Ideas

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 7:36 am

Poinsettia Petals Casual Invitations by PaperDirectThe office Christmas party is back. Whether you have a lot of employees or just a few, ring in the holiday season this year by holding an event to celebrate a year of hard work. Go beyond the basic office party with one of these corporate Christmas party ideas.

1. Hawaiian Luau

Throw a Hawaiian luau to get your employee’s minds off of the cold temperatures outside. Decorate a Christmas tree with leis instead of tinsel and silk hibiscus flowers instead of ornaments. Teach employees to hula and limbo.

Penguin Pals Die-Cut Holiday Greeting Cards by PaperDirect2. Give Back Party

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas by holding a “give back” party for your company. Ask employees to bring in items to donate, such as canned goods and winter clothing. Spend part of the party writing Christmas greeting cards to people who are ill or lonely during the holidays.

3. Bowling with Santa

Reserve a few lanes at a local bowling alley for this year’s party. Bowling will give people an activity to focus on while they mix and mingle with co-workers. Someone from the company, perhaps the boss, can dress up as Santa and give up small gifts to employees as they bowl.

4. Cookie Swap

If you are looking to hold a low-key, relaxed party, try having a cookie swap. Ask each employee to bake (or buy) a batch of cookies to bring in. During the party, workers can trade cookies and share their Christmas plans.

5. FiestaFiesta Vinyl Banners by PaperDirect

Turn your office Christmas party into a “Feliz Navidad” party. Decorate the office with bright colors, hang a piñata and serve Mexican favorites, such as tacos.

6. Awards Show

Your corporate Christmas party is an ideal time to recognize the hard work of employees. Hold an awards show themed party, complete with a red carpet and podium. Give out awards in categories such as “Cleanest Desk” and “Most Sales.”

7. Casino Night

A casino-themed Christmas party is a great option if you plan on inviting spouses and family to your company party. Set up tables for card games such as blackjack and poker. Use a deck of cards with a Christmas theme to make things extra festive.

8. Comedy Club

If your budget is big enough, hire a local comedian to entertain your employees during the Christmas party. You can also purchase tickets for the group to a performance at a nearby club.

Hopefully one of these corporate Christmas party ideas inspires you. After all, a company Christmas party gives you and your employees a chance to enjoy time together, celebrate the holiday and reflect over the last year. Use PaperDirect to order cards, certificates and place cards for the perfect party.

November 1, 2013

10 Corporate Holiday Card Messages That Don’t Sound Corporate

Sparkle Tree Specialty Holiday Postcards by PaperDirect

The holidays are a time of year when business owners start thinking about how they will craft corporate holiday card messages to show clients and partners they care about them and appreciate their business. The main challenge is in determining how to make each message sincere and professional, but not too “corporate.”

If you can’t find the perfect card, don’t stress – you can customize your own Christmas cards and postcards!

Here are some corporate holiday card messages to get you started – feel free to mix and match these Christmas messages to create your ideal corporate holiday card:

Ways To Start Your Messages:

Happy Holidays Burgundy Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirect

Warmest winter wishes for continued success and an enchanted holiday season…

Wishing you the gifts of the season: Joy, Peace and Hope…

May the magic and the wonder of the Christmas season stay with you throughout the coming year…

Best Wishes for a holiday season filled with joy…

Warm Winter Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year…

Best wishes for a happy new year filled with health, happiness, and success…

Wishing you a festive holiday season and a very happy New Year…

One of the joys of the holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you and wish you all the best in the coming year…

Best wishes for a happy holiday season – our sincere thanks for your loyalty and goodwill throughout the year…

In warm appreciation of our association during this past year, we extend our very best wishes for a happy holiday Season…

Words to Keep in Mind:

  1. Happy Holidays
  2. Season’s Greetings
  3. Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year
  4. Joy to the World
  5. Warm Holiday Wishes
  6. Happy New Year
  7. Tidings of Joy
  8. Holiday Blessings
  9. Celebrate!

Creating corporate holiday card messages that don’t sound corporate need not be difficult or stressful – in fact, it can be easy and fun. Just speak from the heart, be sincere, and you’ll be able to show clients, partners and associates you really care about them and appreciate doing business with them.

Use these corporate holiday card messages and ideas to get you started, but feel free to improvise and customize your message as appropriate for your brand and your goals for the upcoming New Year. For the perfect card to contain your non-corporate message, shop PaperDirect’s range of holiday cards.

9 Tips for a Sparkling Business Christmas Letter

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 9:57 am
Sapphire Christmas Border Papers by PaperDirect

Christmas is coming, and that means it’s time to create your annual business Christmas letter. This holiday season; take the time to really make it sparkle!

Spice up your business Christmas letter and make it stand out this year with these nine tips:

1. Accentuate the Positive

Write your business Christmas letter in a cheerful manner. Open with a positive message like:

“One of the blessings of Christmas is the opportunity to send warm Holiday greetings to our customers during this joyous time of year,”

or

“We’ve been very busy but full of cheer this Holiday season here at _______ we wish you a very Merry Christmas.”

2. Short and Sweet

Brevity is appreciated during the busy holiday season, so get to the point and write your main highlights in a succinct and impactful way.

3. Show Some Personality

Write your Christmas letter in a voice that characterizes the company brand, vibe, and personality; be professional yet accessible.

4. Write to Your Audience

Who are your customers?

Keep your audience in mind as you compose this year’s Christmas letter and choose content, phrasing, design, and fonts accordingly.

5. Begin with the End in Mind

What sort of reaction are you hoping for from your readers? Imagine how you would like them to feel while reading your letter and what impact you’d like that reaction to have on your brand.

6. Make Use of Professional Software

Organize your contacts using a printable Christmas card list (many are available for free online) to group recipients and to manage mailings. Software and/or templates should also be used to professionally design your letter.

Glee Tree Border Papers by PaperDirect
7. Avoid Too Many Embellishments

Business Christmas letters are sometimes used as a platform for bragging about accomplishments and advertising the business. Don’t go overboard and use your Christmas letter as an overt marketing tool. Now is the time to be personal and genuine.

8. Choose Photos Wisely

Be selective if including photos in your Christmas letter. Share them sparingly; include just one or two high-quality shots that really capture the essence of your business.

holiday envelope for business letters

9. Use Quality Paper

Finally, don’t skimp on the materials you use for your business Christmas letter. From the paper you use to the envelope you mail it in, make sure your business Holiday letter is printed on paper worthy of your business and how hard you work each day.

For some examples of Christmas letters, view our post: Sample Business Christmas Letters. 

October 29, 2013

5 Easy Thanksgiving Potluck Recipes Your Co-Workers Will Love

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — Tags: — PDWriter @ 11:07 am

When you have to be at work in the days leading up to a holiday, the least you can do is plan a fun event to keep everyone’s spirits high. This Thanksgiving, have an office potluck earlier in the week, or the week before. Not only will you get to eat delicious food, but you can also take the chance to try one of these Thanksgiving potluck recipes and see if it’s one you want to make again on Thanksgiving day!

easy thanksgiving potluck recipes cranberry dip1. Cranberry Dip: Someone always arrives a bit early for a potluck, so stave off hunger with a delicious spicy cranberry dip! Adding some horseradish, honey, and lemon to a classic jellied cranberry sauce turns it into something special. Serve it with miniature hot dogs and apple slices for dipping.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Even people who don’t typically like Brussels sprouts can’t refuse these delicious ones! An additional perk is that you’ll only need to spend about 10 minutes of active time making them. Here is a great recipe for roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts!

Easy thanksgiving potluck recipes cornbress dressing 3. Cornbread Dressing: Instead of the typical stuffing from a bag that you may expect to see at a work potluck, make something more unusual. The Pioneer Woman’s cornbread dressing puts a bit of a twist on the classic dish by using cornbread instead of regular bread, and adding sausage and apples.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole: When people don’t want to wait until dessert is served to get a few bites of something sweet, they’ll appreciate a sweet potato casserole. The candied pecan topping is to die for, and the buttery sweet potatoes underneath are delicious as well.

easy thanksgiving potluck recipes apple cheesecake 5. Apple  Cheesecake: Rather than debating whether to make an apple pie or a pumpkin cheesecake for dessert, surprise people with these apple cheesecake bars. If you’re pressed for time, you can even start with a store-bought cheesecake and just make the apple cinnamon topping.

If you’re the one planning the Thanksgiving potluck, you have a few additional responsibilities besides bringing your dish. You’ll need to print out Thanksgiving invitations so people know about the lunch. It also may be worth assigning a specific type of dish to each person so you don’t end up with a whole buffet line of pies. You can even recommend some of these recipes to people who may be willing to cook them!

October 22, 2013

5 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Office Ideas

Filed under: Marketing & Sales Promotion Techniques — PDWriter @ 8:25 am

Pink Ribbon Round Address Labels by PaperDirectOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time to remind everybody in your office and beyond about this deadly disease. Increasing awareness may save someone’s life by helping to catch cancer early. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the word out; using some simple breast cancer awareness month office ideas does the trick without killing your budget. Remember to think pink with our selection of pink paper.

Self-exam Calendars

Print up a calendar for the coming year, October through October, on a single sheet of paper that each employee can take home and hang in a convenient spot as a reminder to do a monthly breast self-exam. Mark one day each month as the suggested exam day and make the calendar easy to display by putting a magnet on the back or punching a hole at the top. Print on bright pink paper as a reminder of breast cancer and use cardstock to make it durable.Pink Woman Profile NoteCards by PaperDirect

Group Fundraiser

Employees in offices that work together to achieve a common goal are more likely to think about breast cancer awareness. Set a goal of raising enough money during the month to pay for mammograms for women who need some financial assistance. You can plan a fundraising event or just have office workers gather pledges. Print the pledge card for each employee on pink paper as a reminder.

Regular Office Memos

Print all of your office memos and notices on pink paper throughout the entire month of
October. Add a header or a tagline about breast cancer awareness month to remind or
educate employees. Include such things as notes about how early detection increases the cure rate or add a reminder that men can also fall victim to breast cancer.

Special Business Cards

Use the office printer to print special business cards using pink business cardstock or pink ink for use during the month of October. Print each person’s regular information on the cards and add special breast cancer awareness tips as suggested by the American Cancer Society on the back. Cards like this get a lot of attention from everybody that sees them.

Pink Coupon Border Post-it® Notes by PaperDirectBulletin Board Notices

Use pink paper for all notices posted to the employee bulletin board in the month of October. Using different shades of pink will help to keep them all from looking the same. Use a neon or other bright pink paper to post weekly awareness reminders about regular checkups, self-exams and ways to help breast cancer victims. These will stand out from the other memos and are sure to get noticed.

Hopefully one of these great Breast Cancer Awareness office ideas inspires you to take on the challenge and support breast cancer awareness. Looking for other great items to make a difference in the office with? Check out our selection of recognition pieces.

October 19, 2013

National Make a Difference Day – Saturday, October 26

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 8:54 am

national make a difference day The people you work with can make or break your company’s success. It’s important to take time for activities and efforts that make employees feel good about themselves and one another. One of the best things you and your team can do together is participate in events like National Make a Difference Day.

For over two decades, people have come together on National Make a Difference Day to help improve the world we live in. Millions of people all over the country participate every year, making it the world’s largest national service day. There are projects for people with a wide array of interests, from feeding the hungry to volunteering at youth events.

When your team comes together to volunteer, it helps them bond with one another. Seeing each other outside the office helps increase rapport. And, you all feel more deeply connected to the community where you live and work.

You and your team can join an existing project, or, create one of your own. Ask your employees about the causes that they feel passionate about and what skills they have to share. You may also wish to pick a project that relates to the work you do at your company. For instance, a building supply company may donate a day improving a local playground.

Don’t forget to award those who participate. PaperDirect offers a wide array of gifts to give employees to show your appreciation for donating one of their days off. Fill a Make a Difference Day tote bag with items like water bottles, participation pins and handwritten notes of thanks. Don’t forget to include small snacks and drinks to keep your team refreshed out in the field. Those who show up to give back will appreciate the gesture.

October 18, 2013

5 Tips for Organizing a Company Golf Scramble

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:59 am

Let's Golf BrochuresOrganizing a company golf scramble is one way to build stronger teams on the job and off-the-clock. While some company organizers work with the local golf club planner to develop a charity event or semiannual outing, there is nothing wrong with in-house planning to save some money. Make it more fun by tailoring the event to fit your group!

One of the first steps in hosting a successful scramble is getting the word out. Printing sign up sheets, personal invitations and bulletin notices on golf-themed paper will generate buzz and encourage participation. Here are five more tips for organizing a golf scramble:

Flighted or Handicapped

Making the competition fair and balanced means giving everyone a chance at winning the prize. Especially if you expect more than four to six teams, establishing flights is normally considered the best approach. Encourage everyone to list their skill level and handicap – if they have one – on the sign up sheet. Decide if you want to tee off both nines or use a shotgun start based on the number of teams and the skill level variance.

By the Numbers

Decide how many teams will be allowed, tee off times, how teams will be assembled and when registration fees are due.

Establish the FeeCountry Club Golf Postcards by PaperDirect

Everyone wants to know the fee in advance – and if it includes a continental breakfast, a post- competition luncheon or a simple spread of beverages and snacks. Include this information on all invitations, brochures and flyers.

Coordinating envelopes and themed RSVP cards are available with many of our invitation styles. You could also design a PaperDirect custom postcard invitation that will double as an entrance coupon for the golf scramble.

Prizes, Gift Bags and Categories

Make if fun. If you are using gift bags, decide early what to put in each bag. Every office has someone that has that coveted entertainment gene. Enlist help from the office “party-girl” for inspiration.

Determine the payout and which flights and places will qualify for prizes. Some suggestions include longest shot, straightest drive and closest to the pin.

Back Nine Golf Border Paper by PaperDirectsNeed a Do-Over?

When printing the rule-handout, don’t forget the mulligan rule. Decide if mulligans are allowed and if so, publish the fee.

Planning a company golf scramble takes organizational skills and expert recording keeping abilities. Ordering your event banners, custom invitations and registration sheets online with PaperDirect will get you to the tee on time – no mulligan required.

October 15, 2013

5 Keys to the Best Dental Waiting Room on Earth

Filed under: Business Marketing Ideas — PDWriter @ 12:29 pm

Smiling Tooth Letterhead by PaperDirectAs a dental office manager, you probably try to minimize the time that your patients spend in your waiting room. However, it is inevitable that some people will spend their time waiting to see the dentist while relaxing in this area, so it’s important that you make your dental waiting room as comfortable and inviting as possible.

5 Keys to the Best Dental Waiting Room on Earth

  1. Provide free Wi-Fi. Kids can play games and adults can catch up on news or work. This small gesture can immediately make going to the dentist office less of a hassle.
  2. Offer your waiting guests a complimentary cup of coffee, or a treat such as a cookie or granola bar. This allows your dental waiting room to feel more like a home than a cold and isolated doctor’s office. You will want to be welcoming to your patients, and show them that you care.
  3. Design patient education materials that will help your patients become more informed as they are waiting to see the dentist or hygienist. Creating these materials on high-quality letterhead will help to maximize your impact while minimizing your cost. When printed on the best paper, these materials will last for months at Smiling Tooth Postcards by PaperDirecta time despite the fact that patients are handling them every day.
  4. Create awards that recognize the youngest patients that visit your office. Children are often intimidated by the dentist, so take this opportunity to show them how fun it is to visit the dentist while they are waiting for their appointment. Clean Teeth Awards and Patient of the Month awards are a great way to recognize young children who are visiting your office.
  5. Dental Logo Business Card by PaperDirectProvide plenty of entertainment for your patients of all different ages. Create a play area for children to use while they are waiting. Purchase reading materials such as magazines and newspapers for your older patients to peruse before their appointment.

When you take the time to create a comfortable, soothing and relaxing space for your patients, you will notice that your patient satisfaction rates will skyrocket. The dental waiting room is the place where your patients make their first impression about your practice, so make sure you create a positive space. For more information on ways to improve your dental waiting room and products you can use, visit PaperDirect.com today.

October 11, 2013

How to Create Custom Church Programs for Christmas

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 7:51 am
Poinsettia Swirl Specialty Programs by PaperDirect

They say Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year,” and rightfully so. It’s a period marked by joy and goodwill, spending time with family and friends and, of course, gifts and great food.

Christmas Scroll Programs by PaperDirect

But there’s one other part of the Christmas holiday that’s looked forward to by all, both young and old, and that’s the church Christmas programs that are put on by the children each year. Such masses are typically the most crowded, as church-goers flock to them to see the children play various roles in the reenactment of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, while these programs are enjoyed by everyone, nobody perhaps takes greater satisfaction in them than the children that are performing. After all, they’ve worked hard to perfect their parts and put on a good show over the previous several months. They’re the stars of the show and they’ve earned it.

That’s why custom church Christmas programs make a nice touch around the holiday season, especially to hand out for churchgoers during the services.

  1. Creating custom Programs gives your hard working children some much deserved recognition, as they’ve prepared such presentations for the whole church community to see and enjoy.
  2. Programs help the church community follow along better, as they’re able to see which child is playing each character.
Bethlehem Star Programs by PaperDirect

Christmas is a great holiday and so much goes into making the holiday season a memorable one each year. The church Christmas programs are a big part of this and also a big part of helping to get people into the holiday spirit. Creating programs for these events just goes to further benefit this cause and give props to the children who are the stars of the show.

What’s more is that such programs can also be custom made, to include any news or upcoming events that the church also has planned throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. Common items to also include might be the church logo, church phone number, address, and website.

Yes, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. And church Christmas programs for those special occasions help make it even more wonderful. Find more information on custom church programs today.

October 3, 2013

Place Card Etiquette for A Company Banquet

Filed under: Event Planning Tips,Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 7:46 am

Estate Specialty Folded Place Cards by PaperDirectIf you’re the one who has been assigned with the task of organizing a company benefit, you will likely feel as if you’ve got your work cut out for you. A typical office environment can play out a bit like a soap opera, and if there are guests from out of town, or even International visitors, it can make the task that much more challenging. When figuring out how to approach place card etiquette, it is best to take things one step at a time.

Making the Seating Chart

In the United States, seating at a business banquet or similar event has not always been a big concern. In other countries, for example China, this is taken very seriously. The driving force for making a seating chart is honor, or the perception if it. If a company gets this wrong, future business dealings could be put at risk, potentially costing the company money.Euphoria Folded Place Cards by PaperDirect

Identify who is supposed to be considered the host, and sit them near the head of the table. Many suggest that the host should not be exactly at the head because it invites a separation between the host, guests of honor, and other people who are attending the meeting. The most honored guest should be seated to the right of the host, and the next most honored should sit on the their left.

Several things might put a person in position of honor including position in the company,

  • Representation of an International branch of the company, or a partnering company
  • Executive or manager at a company where a merger or other major transaction is on the table.
  • A person who has recently received an award of recognition
  • A person celebrating a birthday or retirement

Of course, everyone wants to feel important, therefore there needs to be a protocol in place that will keep some members from feeling as if they are so far down the totem pole that they are insignificant. If there are any tense relationships within the group, for example colleagues that were once in a relationship, care should be taken to see that their place cards are not next to one another.

 	 Wine Tasting Folded Place Cards by PaperDirectAddressing the Place Cards

The name you put on the place card is also important because it makes an impression and can play a large role in how much a guest or colleague feels respected and appreciated. If the banquet is an event where all parties may not know one another, tent cards should be used rather than flat cards. This means the occupant’s name should both face them and face outwardly in order to allow for networking.

Place card etiquette dictates that the formality be consistent throughout the addressing of the place cards. The most formal will have a title, and the full name of the guest, i.e.. Mr. Michael Jones, rather than Mike Jones. If he is the only “Mr. Jones” this is all that needs to face his place setting.

Whatever method you use, stay consistent. You may want to be formal for the top 3 or 4 guests of honor, and informal for subsequent guests. Much of the decision will depend on the company culture. A person’s everyday email signature may also indicate the appropriate way to address their card.

The Guest’s Role

In many cases, guests may not agree with seating arrangements, and may want to move a place card. Doing this without consulting the host is not advisable, and may make that employee seem unprofessional. However, guests that do make requests should be accommodated.

Ordering Place Cards

Regardless of the tone of the banquet, place cards need to look professional, and you can see that this is taken care of by ordering from Paper Direct. There are several designs to choose from, and the cards can either be ordered blank or preprinted, whichever is preferred.

September 27, 2013

Building Customer Loyalty One Birthday Card at a Time

Filed under: Marketing & Sales Promotion Techniques — Tags: — PDWriter @ 7:18 am

Birthday Gifts Deluxe Greeting Cards by PaperDirectBuilding loyalty with customers means compelling them to buy into your business and brand as much as your products. Offering a stand-out product or service that meets a genuine need is primary, but building loyalty with customers runs a close second.

Marketing researchers have found that brand loyalty can run very deep; customers develop a sense of commitment to businesses they feel connected with. Scott Davis, author of Brand Asset Management, describes a successful brand as credible, unique, sustainable and as having a valued place in the customer’s mind. The loyal customer perceives the brand and business as having benefits that set it apart from competitors.

Birthday Balloons Custom Greeting Cards by PaperDirectOne powerful way to connect with your customers on a personal level is by remembering their birthdays. Linking your business with the thoughtful gesture of a tangible, paper birthday card will make an impact humanizes your business in a memorable way.

Direct mail, including birthday cards, reaches closer to 100% of your target audience than e-mailed messages. The main hurdle to direct mail marketing is getting your envelope opened and read instead of tossed into the recycle bin… but who would risk throwing away an envelope resembling a birthday card? A birthday card would never be considered “junk mail.” It’s pretty much a given that a mailed birthday message will be opened, appreciated and remembered.

A typical direct mail response rate is around 1%; Birthday Card marketing could quadruple that. Even a 4% open rate could potentially bring your business an exponential number of new sales. Most importantly, the gesture will cultivate a sense of ongoing goodwill about your business.

Here are some tips for successful Birthday Card marketing:

• Start collecting the birthdays and mailing addresses of all of your clients. Ask them to opt in to receive a free birthday offer. (Not many people will say no to this!)
• Choose a pre-printed birthday card design that conveys the heart and warmth you’d Dancing Gifts Birthday Deluxe Greeting Cards by PaperDirectlike your business to convey.
• If your business is small, have all your employees sign their names to each card mailed. If this is not practical, have a heartfelt general message printed onto the card.
• Include a free offer or discount coupon inside the card that is valid during their birthday month.

Sending birthday wishes is a simple and affordable gesture that can go a long way in building loyalty with customers.

September 25, 2013

5 Awards Ideas for Students that Say “Keep Up the Good Work!”

When it comes to students, a little award can go a long way. Whether you’re emphasizing behavior or trying to motivate students to be good friends, awards for students should be part of your day-to-day teaching, outside of the awards for academic achievement that are built into the school year. As you consider creative ways to award your students, consider these five award ideas for students:

Stacked Stars Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

The “Faithful Friend” Award

Reward your more social students with their very own “Faithful Friend” award. When you see students going above and beyond for friends, consider awarding them. This is behavior you want to encourage, as being a good friend is a valuable life skill, so have a stash of “Faithful Friend” awards to hand out.

The “Happy Helper” Award

Confetti Stars Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

Teachers and educators want to foster a sense of community in the classroom, and one way to do this is to encourage your students to help in the classroom. Rewarding those who help with an eager attitude will create a community of helpers. Add some “Happy Helper” student awards to your stash.

The “Excellent Effort” Award

If you’ve been teaching for long, you know that all your students are different, and they all learn differently. Sometimes, a simple “good job” or “excellent effort” goes a long way to boosting a student’s confidence in the classroom. When you catch them giving their all, they should be awarded for this, even if you can’t give them an “A” on the grade card. Reward them for their effort with an “Excellent Effort” certificate showing them that you noticed.

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The “Classroom Creativity” Award

Creativity is sometimes stifled in the midst of the daily grind of the school year, but you want to foster it in your students. Purchase some “Classroom Creativity” award certificates to give out to those students who show superior creativity in art, imaginative play, or writing activities. The more you reward creativity, the more it will grow.

The “Class Citizen” Award

Do you have a student who is careful to follow the rules? This student may not get much positive reinforcement from peers, especially if he is apt to tattle. Reward the good behavior, while working on the tattling at another time, with the “Class Citizen” award. This will show that you value a student who pays attention to the rules and tries to follow them, and it might encourage other students to follow.

Students who do well academically are rewarded many times throughout the school year. You can ensure that others get awarded for their strengths as well with these creative award ideas for students. Ordering them couldn’t be easier with the help of PaperDirect. Simply find the award you love, customize it for your specific category and order conveniently online!

September 18, 2013

Dental Appointment Cards That Won’t Get Lost in Their Wallet

Filed under: Marketing & Sales Promotion Techniques — Tags: — PDWriter @ 9:23 am

Dental Smile Magnet by PaperDirectDental appointment cards can help to keep any dental office’s chairs full and busy. They also assist clients in keeping their teeth and gums their healthiest. According to the CDC, good oral health has been linked with a lowered risk of major chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Although most people know that oral health is crucial to a high quality of life, unfortunately many of them can be resistant to going to the dentist on a regular basis. Reminder cards make it much easier for your patients to stay on track and be aware of their next appointment. Dental Logo Business Card by PaperDirectDental appointment reminders come in several different types:

• Mailed dentist appointment reminder postcards.
• Magnets.
• Standard appointment cards.
• Sticker appointment cards.

Dental offices should consider making use of several of these types of reminders for maximum exposure, response and results. One powerful approach is to use an Appointment Sticker Card along with a mailed dentist appointment reminder card. Here is an overview of both types and how they can be implemented in tandem:

Smiling Tooth Postcard by PaperDirectDentist Appointment Mailer Postcards.This type of dental reminder is the more traditional of the bunch. It is usually filled out by the client when they arrive for their appointment so that it has their current address. It is then mailed to them a week or two before their next regularly scheduled appointment.

Appointment Sticker Cards.Unique and so convenient, Sticker-style dental appointment cards make for an unforgettable way for patients to recall, remember and be on time for their next dentist appointment. Sticker Appointment Cards help to reduce patient no-shows since the patient can stick the round diecut sticker wherever they choose — on their calendar, desk blotter, date book or appointment book — wherever it will best help them to remember their upcoming appointment.

Handy Appointment Sticker Cards won’t get lost in their wallet; the sticker feature sets it apart from the rest, and it’s far more likely to do what it’s supposed to do — keep your clients on track with their dental appointments. Appointment Sticker Cards feature:

• Bold, colorful, appealing design.
• Micro-perforated 65 lb. cover stock paper includes round diecut sticker for your client’s calendar.
• Can be easily personalized with PaperTemplates.

From now on, have your patients leave with sticker dental appointment cards, then follow up later with printed postcard mailers. Order today at PaperDirect.

September 12, 2013

Program Designs for Your Church’s Christmas Events

Poinsettia Swirl Specialty Programs by PaperDirect

Program designs are must-haves for your church’s Christmas events. They also send a very important message. Most people who see the programs will no doubt be church members. However, others will be newcomers and/or members of the community. They might be scoping out a new church to attend all year round, and Christmas is the most common time of year to do that. What do you want to say to your current, and possibly future, congregation?

The message you send might depend on the situation. A program for a children’s church event should bear a less structured motif than the overtly religious one used for a Christmas Eve service. One decorated with snowmen lends itself well to the time of year while letting those who see it know the event is centered around children. The children’s portion of your church’s Christmas pageant, special sales to benefit the less fortunate, and other child-focused events could even have their own program.

Christmas Scroll Programs by PaperDirect

A community Christmas program should include a festive and more fanciful design. A pretty poinsettia swirl would work perfectly for your church’s Christmas fair. Or perhaps you might prefer a simple Christmas scroll instead. No matter which design you choose, these programs can list what’s for sale at Christmas fair booths, or direct fair-goers to food stands, rest rooms, or the information booth.

There are program designs perfect for every Christmas event that your church hosts. Ask your pastor or church secretary to check out the wealth of ideas for programs available through PaperDirect – THE source for all things paper.

September 10, 2013

Holiday Card Sayings for Your Business: Now’s the Time to Order

Peridot Stars Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card  by PaperDirectSending out holiday business cards is a simple way for business owners to express to clients and employees how their impact on your company is truly appreciated. However, many people are unsure what to say when sending out holiday cards for a business. As a business owner, you want your message to be impactful, yet simple and sincere at the same time.

Here are a few simple holiday card sayings that are perfect for any business; yet customizable to suit your needs and the needs of your company.
10 Holiday Card Sayings for Your Business

1. Warmest holiday greetings and best wishes for the New Year

2. Wishing you a happy holiday from all of us at (your company name here)

Colorful Globes Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirect3. Sending you sincere thanks for your loyalty and business this year. Happy holidays and best wishes in the coming year

4. Best wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year

5. From our family to yours, wishing you a happy holiday season

6. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year

7. Seasons greetings and best wishes to you and yours

8. Wishing you a year of peace, love, and hope. Merry Christmas!

9. ‘Tis the season… Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

10. Wishing you good tidings, from our family at (your company name here) to yours.
Berry Tree Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirectWhatever message you send, your efforts are sure to be appreciated by everyone who receives your holiday card.

Now is the perfect time to order your holiday business cards; before the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season takes over. Too often, waiting until the last minute forces us to scramble to order and get cards out on time. Don’t let that happen this year; order your customized holiday cards today!

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