PaperDirect Blog PaperDirect Blog

January 8, 2018

Fight the Post-Holiday Slump: How to Keep Employees Motivated

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 1:13 pm

how to keep employees motivated

As we all know, coming back to work after the relaxation and excitement of the holidays can be a struggle. Unless all your employees made a New Year’s resolution to excel at work this year, you might notice a lull in the first few week of the new year as everyone gets back into the swing of things.

Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to get your employees excited and motivated about the new year as soon as they get back to work. Here are four ways to fight the holiday slump and keep your employees motivated.

1. Set a goal with a reward system

One of the best ways to get people motivated is through a reward system. If you want to engage your employees after the holidays, give them an incentive to work harder. Outline the main goals your company has in the new year and create a contest that’ll have employees working to reach those goals. Healthy competition keeps everyone on task and giving 110%. Incentivize your employees with a free lunch, small prize, or certificate for the winners.

2. Take a work retreat

Give your staff a day to get them revved up for the new year by doing some team building activities outside of the office. Even though you just returned, a retreat is an excellent way to have your employees re-engage and align with your goals for the year.

Retreat ideas could include trying an escape room, playing laser tag, or completing a high-ropes course. Look for activities that require your employees to work together as a team.

3. Let your employees have a say

Ask your employees to voice their opinions about the way that things are being done. Your employees will feel more invested and appreciated when they are being heard. Set up a suggestion box or individually ask them to create a list of things they think would benefit the group. Be sure to implement some of their ideas so they know that their opinions are valued.

4. Add one small perk

Sometimes all your employees need is one small perk to regain their motivation at work. Cater their lunch once a month or stock the break room with free snacks and drinks. Send out invites for a monthly happy hour at a different location each month. Showing your employees appreciation through small perks will, in turn, help them to feel more motivated and invested in their work.

If your employees are struggling to get back into work mode, help to jump-start their go-getter attitude by investing in them, and they will give back ten-fold. Try one of these ways how to motivate your employees to create a positive, motivating workplace throughout the year.

Looking for additional ways to boost employee morale? Check out PaperDirect’s recognition products to help engage and motivate your employees for a prosperous new year!

December 29, 2017

7 Fun Days to Celebrate in the Office

Filed under: Office Fun — Tags: , , , — Megan Duffy @ 9:00 am
fun days to celebrate in the office

Just because the winter holidays and parties are coming to a close doesn’t mean that you have to give up the celebrations with your coworkers. Office gatherings like parties and group outings can drastically improve morale, which, in turn, increases office efficiency.

Sure, you’ve got all the big holidays covered, but you can also plan small celebrations for uncommon holidays. Here are some alternative holidays to add to your calendar to keep your office fun and functional all year long.

National Puzzle Day (January 29)

See if your entire team can put together a complicated jigsaw puzzle in a single day. Team members can work on the puzzle when they need a break or between meetings. If they assemble the puzzle by the end of the day, reward them with a complimentary meal or an afternoon off.

puzzled post-it notes giveaways

First Day of Spring (March 21)

If you work in a small office, go for a walk or host a picnic so your employees can enjoy the spring weather. If it’s still a bit chilly, consider taking your staff out to lunch instead.

Earth Day (April 22)

You can take Earth Day as an opportunity to get outside once more, or you can get your office organized to volunteer at an environmental charity. Your team will love helping out organizations who need it, and they’ll get outside the cubicle to enjoy nature.

Superman’s Birthday (June 30)

Celebrate the birth of an icon by taking everyone out for a movie, or by bringing some superhero films into the office. Whether you’re watching Superman films or you just take some time to check out a new flick, your office will appreciate the break.

The Dundies (September 20)

Demonstrate your employee appreciation by getting some certificates made up with silly awards for each person in the office. Be sure to host a screening of The Office’s Dundies episode!

picnic theme casual invites

World Food Day (October 16)

Organize a potluck in the office or cater some unique international food for your employees to try on World Food Day. Whether you taste Ethiopian cuisine or sample some unique Chinese dishes, your employees will enjoy bonding over delicious food.

Stay at Home Because You’re Well Day (November 30)

Your office will think you’re the best boss ever if you plan for everyone to stay home and work from the couch. Your team can use their laptops to work remotely, and they’ll love getting to work in their pajamas for the day.

No matter what fun days you decide to celebrate in the office, you’ll have to get the word out to your employees. Browse PaperDirect’s selection of invites and stationery to help spread the word!

December 27, 2017

The Top 6 New Year’s Resolutions For Work

Filed under: Helpful Resources — Megan Duffy @ 9:14 am

new years resolutions for work

You’ve made it through another 365 days at the office. Are you ready for the next round? Before you start writing January dates on all of your business correspondence, map out a few New Year’s resolutions for work.

The American Psychological Association says the key to making these ideas work is by starting small, making changes one at a time, asking for help, sharing your accomplishments with others, and remembering that you are a work in progress. Never down talk to yourself for taking a step backward or not meeting a goal. As long as you’re moving forward overall, every small step counts!

Workplace Changes to Make in 2018

After you’re done vowing to help wash dishes in the break room, and limit yourself to one piece of cake per office celebration, get down to business with these productivity-focused New Year’s resolutions for work that will boost your 9-to-5 happiness and creative output.

1. Be on time, every time

Reduce stress and anxiety by being early to a meeting or conference session. You’ll gain a few minutes to network and settle in, which reduces stress and sets you up for an attentive meeting. Set an alarm on your cell phone and notification on your digital calendar as added reminders.

2. Try a new problem-solving approach

We know that staring at a computer screen when you’re stuck just doesn’t work. This year, take a new approach to problem-solving. Get up and go for a walk. Or, close your eyes and meditate. When the boss asks what you’re doing, say, “Brainstorming solutions for X.” You’ll earn brownie points for honesty!

3. Share a daily compliment

Find the positive in whatever is going on at the office, even on the most stressful days. Whether you share kind words with your cubicle mate about her new hairstyle or feel bold and speak up to a superior about an idea of theirs you admire, talking about good things brings the positive energy level up a notch in the office.

4. Audit your workflow

Take a peek at your calendar and see where your time leaks and how much time you realistically need for specific ongoing tasks. Tighten up your workflow (or revamp it if you’ve been following the same routine for years) to coincide with your most productive, energetic moments. It doesn’t make sense to leave your toughest tasks for 4 PM!

5. Learn from others

Make it a point each week to observe a project or task someone else is doing and learn more about it. How does it feed into your role and tasks? Can you do anything differently to make their job duties run smoother? Think beyond your work responsibilities to get a better overall understanding of your company as a whole.

6. Address your weakness

We all have one. Do you keep trying to make time to follow-up with clients, but it always gets put on the back burner? Have you been lax about filling out weekly reports? Consciously figure out how to integrate these duties into your day so they no longer get left behind.

To get in the right mindset for achieving your New Year’s resolutions for work, restock your desk with personalized note cards, stationery, and sticky notes. Browse PaperDirect today!

December 21, 2017

10 Awesome Games to Play at Your Christmas or Holiday Party

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Megan Duffy @ 11:06 am

chrismtas party game ideas

With the holidays fast approaching, you’re likely looking at a growing number of holiday parties on your calendar. From the office to your living room, the holidays are the perfect opportunity for friends, coworkers, or family to come together.

Of course, once you’ve caught up on current events and filled your plate with yummy holiday food, how will you fill the time? There’s nothing like a few group party games to get everyone laughing and having fun. Here are some awesome Christmas party game ideas to get you started!

Fun Games to Play at the Office

Hold an Ornament Raffle: Have everyone at the party guesses the number of ornaments on the tree. Closest wins a small gift!

Christmas Movie Trivia: Print out some trivia questions that are focused on Christmas movies and have your office mates divide up into teams to see who knows the most.

Charades: An oldie, but a goodie. For a holiday edition, make all the acting prompts Christmas themed.

Two Truths and a Lie: Have everyone tell two really awful Christmas gifts they’ve gotten as well as one fake one.

Office Gift Exchange: Set a price limit of $20 and then have the people in your office engage in a gift exchange. You can go white elephant, or you can have people pick names leading up to the party itself.

A Variety of Home-Based Party Games

Family Trivia: Test your family’s knowledge of each other’s favorite activities and hobbies with a round of trivia. You can even have the family participate by writing their own trivia questions.

Christmas Mad Libs: It’s easy enough to manufacture your own holiday-themed mad libs, or you can print them out for free. They’re a great time-filler, and there’s the added benefit of teaching the kids the parts of speech.

Name that Carol: Got some musical flair in your family? Try a round of “Name that Carol” in which someone sings a few bars of a popular carol and everyone else guesses the title as quickly as possible.

Pin the Nose on Rudolph: Print out a picture of everyone’s favorite reindeer and then have blindfolded people try to tack on his signature red nose.

The Penguin Waddle Game: Put balloons between your legs and have two teams race each other in a penguin waddle relay race. First one to the finish line without dropping the balloon wins!

No matter who is gathered at your holiday party, everyone will love to laugh and bond with these awesome holiday games. If you need invitations to your holiday party or a thank you note to express your gratitude for a fun, game-filled time, shop the hundreds of options at PaperDirect.

 

December 18, 2017

Give Back This Season: Writing Holiday Cards for Charity

Filed under: Helpful Resources — Tags: , , , — Megan Duffy @ 3:53 pm
holiday cards for charity

You’ve shared your signature gingerbread cookies with your co-workers and helped the neighbors put up miles of twinkling holiday lights. If you want to keep the good cheer going, grab your extra greeting cards and create more smiles. Writing a few holiday cards for charity will remind both you and the recipient of the true spirit of the holiday season!

Keeping Your Outreach Local

Charities love to see holiday cards show up in their mailboxes. Consider sending seasonal greetings to non-profit agencies in your town with words of gratitude and a donation toward the community work they do.

Or, reach out to local hospitals and rehabilitation clinics that partner with a charitable organization. They can help distribute your well wishes to kids and adults in your area who can’t spend the holidays at home.

sleigh ride vitals border papers

Making a Wider Impact

Want to go bigger? There are several organizations who will help you spread your holiday cheer beyond your community. Grab your favorite pen and start writing!

Support Military Spouses

Many significant others will spend the holiday alone as their spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or family member serves in the military. Brighten their day by sending an inspirational card or letter to a military spouse.

Operation Gratitude

Our hardworking military and emergency services teams love to get seasonal greetings too! Operation Gratitude can distribute your greeting cards to active military members, veterans, and first responders this holiday season.

Cards for Hospitalized Kids

One of the hardest things for parents at the holidays is seeing their little one stuck in a hospital bed. Bring smiles to kids and their families by getting in touch with Cards for Hospitalized Kids. The greetings go to those staying at Ronald McDonald Houses and hospitals.

merry little gnomes greeting cards

CentrePeace

This organization seeks to share joy and promote healing to women and men who have been incarcerated in Pennsylvania. CentrePeace accepts cards from children aged 5-18 and passes them on to inmates.

Chemo Angels

Would you like to extend your love and light to someone battling cancer? Chemo Angels can help get your greeting cards to those undergoing cancer treatments. This program is ongoing, much like a pen pal program, where you send a weekly greeting to a cancer patient.

Do you need more greeting cards to share with others over Christmas or New Years? Browse PaperDirect’s online holiday catalog for ideas. 

December 14, 2017

Don’t Battle the Crowds: 4 Last-Minute Holiday Gifts You Can Buy Online

Filed under: Helpful Resources — Megan Duffy @ 12:06 pm

last minute holiday gifts

The holidays can come quicker than expected, often leaving us with the need to scramble for last-minute holiday gifts. The good news is you don’t have to battle the crowds while you’re shopping. In fact, you don’t have to leave the couch at all! You can instead head to your computer or smartphone and pick out one of these magnificent last-minute holiday gifts you can buy online.

Subscriptions

This category encompasses a whole slew of incredible last-minute gift ideas that go far beyond traditional magazines. Consider gift subscriptions to:

  • Gourmet baskets or goodies that come every month for the savvy gourmand
  • Monthly boxes containing dog toys and treats for the dedicated dog owner
  • Museum memberships for the art and history buffs
  • Premium or paid versions of their favorite apps or services, such as Spotify for music lovers, Netflix for movie and TV fans, or Amazon Prime for savvy shoppers.

Charitable Donations

Charitable donations made in your recipient’s name are the perfect choice for your philatrophic friends. Your choice of organization is as wide as your imagination. Go for a global fund dedicated to wildlife or nature preservation for your big-hearted outdoorsy pals. Choose a local shelter at which your mindful friends may already volunteer.

Audiobooks and E-books

The gift of reading never goes out of style, and you can provide it in a snap by choosing an audiobook or e-book that your recipient would love. From enticing fiction to self-help and spiritual betterment, your selection of topics is enormous. Most books these days offer at least an e-book option, while many are also available in audiobook format. The latter can be particularly perfect for friends with long commutes to work.

When the books are delivered electronically, some sellers even let you pick the date your gift will show up in your recipient’s inbox.

Gift Cards

Even if it seems like all other last-minute holiday gifts are doomed to fail for a specific recipient, gift cards rarely do. All you need to know is where your recipient likes to shop or the types of items they regularly buy, then head over to the website and purchase a gift card. Many companies offer an online gift card purchase option, and you can always ask smaller businesses if they’re open to accommodating one if the option is not listed on their site.

Of course, these gifts are best presented when they’re enclosed in customized greeting cards, which you can also purchase online. Head to PaperDirect for a dazzling selection of holiday greeting cards and labels that can add a spectacular finishing touch to your last-minute holiday gifts.

December 11, 2017

8 Best Holiday Gifts for Your Boss

Filed under: Helpful Resources — Megan Duffy @ 4:41 pm

holiday gifts for your boss

No matter where you work, you likely know the value of a boss who works hard and always looks out for their team. If you’re fortunate enough to have a leader that you’re proud to work with, then why not celebrate how awesome they are with one of these holiday gifts for your boss?

Whether you’re looking for a small token to show your gratitude or a larger gift to say thanks, you’ll find the perfect holiday gift for your boss below!

A Gift Certificate to a Local Lunch Place

Even a great boss has to pick up some lunch, so get him or her a gift certificate to a local hotspot.

A Customized Pen

Get your boss a great pen with a customized logo and color – personalize it with their name or the name of your company.

A Simple Thank You Note

You would utterly amazed how much your manager will appreciate a sincere thank you note. Convey how much their work means to you, and you can’t go wrong.

A Certificate of Achievement

Let your boss know that you appreciate their effort with a framed “World’s Best Boss” certificate that they can hang on their wall.

Custom Post-It Notes

Let your boss leave his or her mark all over the office with a collection of sticky notes that have been crafted specifically for them.

A Trophy

Oh sure, it might be a little silly, but an engraved trophy for their efforts can be a fun way to express your appreciation of a great manager.

A Clever Lapel Pin

Got a boss with a flair for fashion? Check out PaperDirect’s assortment of clever lapel pins and let them wear your compliment in style.

A Box of Chocolates

Say thank you with chocolates. It’s hard to go wrong with an assorted pack of truffles or an artisanal bar of chocolate – your boss will love a chocolate snack as an afternoon pick-me-up!

No matter your boss’ style, you’ll find the tons of options to show them your thanks over the holidays on PaperDirect.com. Shop our range of holiday gift options today!

December 4, 2017

4 Easy Ways to Avoid Holiday Stress

Filed under: Helpful Resources — Megan Duffy @ 12:39 pm

avoid holiday stress

Holiday cheer quickly fades when you’re bumping elbows with tense shoppers at understaffed stores, creating dinner party plans to meet five different dietary needs, and finishing up travel plans on a small budget.

Fortunately, holiday stress doesn’t have to ruin the season. You can avoid holiday stress by keeping a positive mindset, taking a few shortcuts, and having a little fun when tackling the tasks on your seasonal to-do list. Here’s how you can get it all done, without an Ebenezer Scrooge attitude.

Shopping for Gifts

If you haven’t already adopted online shopping, do it now. Browsing gift ideas from a laptop in your pajamas is less stressful than wading through a sea of people at overcrowded shopping malls. As a bonus, presents show up at your door in shipping boxes that make them easier to wrap.

Planning Holiday Meals

Nobody expects you to make every dish from scratch using your great grandma’s recipes. Instead, focus on one over-the-top homemade dessert or unique family-favorite side dish. Then, cater the rest or pick up a pre-packaged meal from your local grocery store. You could also host a potluck meal and ask your guests to bring their favorite family recipe to share. Spend your extra time sipping a holiday libation!

Creating Travel Plans

Tis’ the season for deals and travel companies want your business. Take a few minutes to look at coupon sites online to find the cheapest flights, hotels, and rental cars to alleviate financial stress. Pro tip: If you can book all three at once, you’ll usually get a lower price overall or bonus loyalty program points, making your next travel package cheaper!

Writing Christmas Cards

Streamline your holiday card writing process. Start a database with names and addresses, then update it each year. Use this to print address labels from your computer. Keep your greetings short and sweet! If you have a lot to say and share similar news with everyone on your card list, type up a letter, print it on holiday-themed paper, and tuck it inside each holiday card. Add some well wishes and a signature, and your cards are ready for stamps and mailing!

Are you ready to stock up on holiday cards, festive papers, and seasonal address labels? Let us send it to your front door! Browse Paper Direct’s Christmas store online today.

November 28, 2017

No Kids? No Problem: 5 Funny Ideas for A Pet Christmas Card

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 10:32 am

pet christmas card ideas
When your kids have four legs and a tail, it’s perfectly fine to feature them in your holiday greetings. These pet Christmas card ideas will show your friends and family just how much you love your fur babies, especially at this festive time of year. Be bold and have fun with your holiday cards!

The Dressed Up Pets

Tis’ the season to get a little goofy. Break out the holiday sweaters and gift wrapping bows. Dress up the pet (safely!) in gear that makes them look like Santa’s little elf. Don’t forget the hats and scarves, if your pet will leave them in place! Dressed up pet photos would look adorable on the Twinkles Holiday or Caroling Snowmen cards.

Twinning Holiday Ideas

Snuggle up and say cheese with your pet in this year’s Christmas card. Dress alike in matching red sweaters or Santa Claus hats to make an impact. Or, get crafty and cover boxes in gift wrap and pop out of the packages as the best Christmas gifts of the season! We think these poses would look best on the Red Ribbon and Pine Holiday or Ice Skating Party Holiday cards.

Pet Perfect Portraits

Head to your local pet store or animal rescue fundraiser offering professional family portraits – with your pets! With perfect lighting, expert posing and amazing holiday backdrops, you really can’t go wrong with this refined approach. Use one of these images on an elegant Peace Azure or Silver Scroll Holiday card.

An Artsy Holiday

Do you have a knack for photography? Set up a seasonal backdrop, grab the camera, and show off those skills! Whether you’re in the shot or not, make your pet look like a cover model. For an added fine art touch, consider doing a color wash to highlight the reds against a black and white image or print the picture in old-fashioned warm sepia brown tones. Try framing your artsy photo with the Vintage Christmas Holiday or Timeless Holiday card!

Winter Fun Photo

Do you live in an area with evergreen trees and a fresh blanket of snow? Head outdoors with your bundled-up pet and frolic in the season. Have a friend snap some pics of you and your pets making snow angels, building a snowman or peeking through a holiday wreath. Then, show off your silly pose in a Snowflake Holiday or Peaceful Pine card.

Are you ready to start designing your holiday cards? Browse Paper Direct to get the perfect card to showcase your pet Christmas card ideas!

November 27, 2017

5 Festive Options for Your Holiday Return Address Labels

Filed under: Product Features — Megan Duffy @ 2:43 pm

holiday return address labels

As you’re planning out your holiday card, you’re likely thinking about which family photo to use, what card to send, and what to say in your letter. However, there is one piece of sending holiday cards that is often overlooked – holiday return address labels.

It might seem like such a small touch, but the perfect holiday return address labels can serve as the ideal accent to your cards. Even better, holiday return address labels make addressing gifts much more manageable – one less chore for you to worry about!

Here are some great holiday return address label options for you to adorn your holiday cards and packages:

Santa Claus

Let your recipients know they’re in for a treat right when they open a letter adorned with a delightful Santa Claus return address label. Nothing spreads Christmas cheer like a jolly image of St. Nick.

Holly and Bells

Our bold circular design wraps your address around a universally beloved symbol of the season, bells and holly. This professional yet thematic sigil is excellent for sending holiday cards to clients.

Merry Christmas

It’s straightforward, but a classic is a classic for a reason. When you just need to say, “Merry Christmas,” nothing does it better than Merry Christmas return address labels.

Simple Gold

Whether you’re mimicking one of the wise men’s best gifts or you just want a little bit of class to adorn your packages and holiday cards, gold is a classic return label color that’s sure to stand out.

A Snowflake

If you’re looking for a return label that can be used beyond the holiday season, consider a label with a snowflake. It’s the perfect option for people who have a lot of shipping to do throughout the year.

This holiday season, inject a little bit of holiday cheer into every piece of mail you send with one of Paper Direct’s holiday return address labels. Shop our full range of holiday return address labels today!

November 14, 2017

7 Funny Office Christmas Card Ideas Even Your Boss Will Love

Filed under: Office Fun — Tags: , , , — Megan Duffy @ 9:00 am
office christmas card ideas

You could sit around making up holiday rhymes for your office card until the reindeer came home, but the true impact of a Christmas card often comes from the picture. A funny photo can transform what could be another ho-hum holiday card into a sensational greeting that keeps recipients laughing. Check out seven funny office Christmas card ideas for cover photos that showcase your company having loads of fun.

antler headband for photo ops

Best Holiday Outfits (with Antlers)

Having everyone dress up in their best holiday clothes may not seem so funny – but it can be when each person dons a pair of reindeer antlers. Make sure the outfits and setting is top-notch professional, with the folks in the picture looking very serious as if they have no idea they each have a pair of antlers stuck atop their heads.

Worst Holiday Outfits

Remember those ugly sweaters you all wore to work during last year’s ugly holiday sweater contest? Pull them out, put them on, and snap a photo of everyone grimacing and poking fun at the sweater on the person beside them.

Party Action Shot

Crazy things can happen at the office Christmas party when people drink too much spiked punch. Emulate this type of party action shot for your office Christmas card photo. As one of the most creative office Christmas card ideas, feel free to let your sense of humor shine.

Have one coworker put a lampshade on his head. Have another drinking directly from the punch bowl. Think of ridiculous actions you and your co-workers could do at a party, then act it out for the photo.

Human Snowflake

This idea involves everyone dressed in holiday colors, then lying on their backs on the floor to create a human snowflake pattern. Your photographer needs a ladder to get a good shot of this one, but the effort is worth the snazzy results.

1920s themed workplace holiday party

Period Piece

Pick an era, any era, then have your office staff dress up in holiday clothes indicative of that era. Choices include a happy hippy ’60s holiday, old-fashioned clothing from the colonial days, or a flapping Christmas from the roaring ’20s. Use fonts and photo filters that match the era to give your photo an even more authentic feel.

Stuck-on Heads

A group shot of reindeer, elves, or a scene from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” makes an excellent foundation for a funny office card photo. All you have to do next is replace the characters’ heads with images of the faces of everyone in your office.

Group Caricature

Having an artist whip up a whimsical group caricature is another way to spread holiday cheer. The faces should look like you and your coworkers, of course, but the clothing and activities can be witty and whimsical, with folks wearing Santa Claus outfits, peeking out from a Christmas tree, or wielding giant candy canes.

Once you’ve gone through the office Christmas card ideas and landed on one that’s a perfect match for your workplace, it’s time to pick out the stationery for your holiday letter. Head over to PaperDirect for a fabulous array of layouts, colors, and designs to put the final touch on your hilarious holiday card.

November 8, 2017

How to Find the Perfect Holiday Greeting Card for Anyone [Infographic]

Filed under: Helpful Resources — Megan Duffy @ 9:00 am

perfect holiday card featured

Are you struggling to find holiday greeting cards for everyone in your life? When shopping for holiday cards for family, friends, coworkers, or valued customers, you want to send them a card that suits their personality. Your grandma may not appreciate a card with whimsical cartoons like your best friend would, and you wouldn’t want to send a card wishing “Merry Christmas” to a coworker who doesn’t celebrate the holiday.

Fortunately, picking out an amazing holiday greeting card for everyone in your life doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve put together a simple flowchart to help you find the best holiday card for everyone in your life, no matter their tastes. Discover the perfect holiday greeting card below!


 

November 3, 2017

Black Friday Marketing: How to Make Your Business Stand Out

Filed under: Business Marketing Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 9:00 am

black friday marketing featured

Shopping on Black Friday has become as big a tradition as the feast the day before. As the top deal day of the year, your company can get in on the action with a handful of Black Friday marketing strategies. These ideas are geared toward spreading your Black Friday marketing word far and wide, both online and in person.

Social Media Campaigns

Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram can be total hotspots for Black Friday deals with the right kind of campaigns. You want campaigns that pique interest, generate excitement, and get people coming to your shop. Ideas include:

  • Sweepstakes, where people enter their name and email for chance to win a big Black Friday discount
  • Mystery surprises, where shoppers get a free gift based on the amount of Black Friday money they spend
  • Sneak peeks at upcoming specials, with postings of fabulous photos showcasing the sensational stuff that’ll be on sale

Hashtags can also be super helpful for drawing in folks looking for deals. Try tags like #blackfridaysale, #blackfridaydeals, and #blackfriday2017.

In-Store Promos

Make sure anyone who comes into your physical shop between now and Thanksgiving knows you have phenomenal Black Friday events in store. Create several eye-catching banners to hang in strategic areas, like near the checkout, in display windows, and over the main entrance and exit.

Print up a batch of fliers you can leave on the front counter and hand to customers with every purchase. Signs on display racks also work for grabbing attention, as does a display of some of the most sizzling items you’ll have on sale.

Direct Mail Discounts

Sending out Thanksgiving cards to your previous customers is a sweet gesture, and including a Black Friday coupon code inside is a great way to get them coming back. Include a personal note in the card thanking them for their purchase earlier that year, and create a customized coupon code using the person’s name.

Writing the enclosed note by hand makes it all the more special. If you took the time to handwrite a note and create a personalized coupon code, that person may be more inclined to take the time to head to your shop and use it.

Email Deals

Email is another way to reach the masses with your Black Friday marketing, either with an existing subscriber list or one you compile from past customer information. Emails are a great way to promote specific products you’ll have on sale, complete with a link to the product on your website so they can simply click and buy when the time is right.

Encourage people to open and read the email with a catchy subject line they can’t resist. Create urgency by mentioning the limited timeframe of your deals, such as “Today only” or “Black Friday until noon.”

Run with these Black Friday marketing ideas and you’ll have all your bases covered. You’ll reach shoppers online, in your store, at their homes, and in their email inboxes. Once the masses are fully aware of all the tantalizing deals you have lined up, the sales are likely to start rolling in. Start getting the word out now with printed marketing materials from PaperDirect.

October 23, 2017

8 Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Holiday Party For Work

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — PDWriter @ 4:47 pm

planning a holiday party for work

It’s likely that you’ve attended a holiday office party that doesn’t fill you with the holiday spirit – in fact, it may have been so dull that most employees wished they could just sit back down at their desks and resume their workday. Fortunately, your office doesn’t need to suffer the same fate.

If you’ve been tasked with planning a holiday party for work, look to this helpful list of tips and tricks to help you create a fun and memorable event that people will be talking about for years to come.

Send Out Invitations

Get your staff excited for the office holiday party by sending out invitations well in advance. Early invites mean that employees can block time on their calendars and begin looking forward to the impending festivities.

Pick a Theme

Nothing help set the mood of the party (and direct your efforts) like picking a theme. And don’t make the theme “holidays” – get creative with it! Plan an ugly sweater party, complete with costumes or games, or turn your office into a winter wonderland with fake snow and wintery decorations.

Don’t Make Your Employees Bring Anything

More than anything, your holiday office party should be about celebrating your employees’ hard work. So make it about them: get a catering company or restaurant to handle the food and drinks so that your team can sit back and enjoy themselves.

Commemorative Photos

Set up a small area of the office — complete with silly props and clothing — where your employees can take a photo of the occasion. The snaps will look great on your social media or recruitment pages.

Make It Interesting With Door Prizes

If your budget allows for it, get a few great door prizes that you can hand out over the course of the party. You could also have a few thematic games with prizes for the winners.

Give Your Employees a Keepsake

Prepare a small gift for each employee, as well as a custom greeting card. Fill the card with compliments, thanks, and a few words of encouragement – your employees will love feeling appreciated for all their hard work.

Remember That It’s a Holiday Party

Do your best to make the holiday party inclusive – don’t make it Christmas themed if you have employees who practice other religions. Keep it broad by branding it as a holiday party, and sticking to a nondenominational theme.

Make It a Puppy Party

Yes, this is a real thing. Check your local listings for a company that will rent a swarm of adorable puppies for a few hours. Your employees will love to destress by playing with the special guests all evening.

No matter what you’ve got in mind for your upcoming holiday party, you can count on PaperDirect to help you plan a winning holiday party for work. Our entire line of paper products can help you spread good cheer to every corner of the office.

October 20, 2017

Enter to Win Holiday Cards from PaperDirect!

Filed under: Product Features — PDWriter @ 4:21 pm

paper direct holiday contest

The holidays are a magical time, filled with time spent with family, dinners around the fireplace, and letters from old friends. However, your bank account might not love the holidays quite as much – between the gifts and the parties, you may find yourself pushing the limits of your monthly budget.

This year, one lucky winner won’t have to worry about factoring holiday cards into their budget. You have the chance to win beautiful holiday cards for your business, friends, and family during PaperDirect’s Holiday Card Giveaway!

To enter, simply click the button below and fill your name and email in the form. Click “Submit”, and that’s it – you’re in the running to win up to $89.99 worth of holiday cards from PaperDirect!

enter to win

Don’t miss your chance to win – the contest ends on November 29th, 2017! Complete contest rules can be found here.  Good luck, and happy holidays from all of us at PaperDirect.

 

October 16, 2017

6 Cool Office Decor Ideas to Make Your Workspace Instagrammable

Filed under: Office Fun — PDWriter @ 11:49 am

cool office decor

Your workspace is a direct reflection of you. It is vibrant, exciting, and welcoming? Or, is your space bland and blah?

If you find yourself snapping tons of selfies at work for Instagram, pencil in a mini cubicle makeover using our cool office ideas so you can show the world more about you. After all, we could all use a little office refresh!

Uncommon Live Plants

If there’s tons of light or a windowsill in your office, add a living, breathing pet plant. Go for something that could work as a conversation starter, like a bold blue orchid, twisty bamboo, or a bug-eating Venus fly trap. Give that greenery a catchy name and introduce him on Instagram as your new office mate.

Expressive Cozy Pillows

Style your office chair, couch, or relaxation area with some emoji-face pillows. Each time you give a social media update, you can share your current mood by strategically placing the corresponding pillow in the frame. Clever and quirky!

Stress-Relieving Gadgets

From fidget spinners to squishy stress balls, it’s nice to have something for our fingers to fiddle with during a tense conference call. Earn bonus points for getting the marketing team to print your business logo on these gadgets so your company gets a free shout out each time your desk or office lands on Instagram.

Wacky Wall Art

Gone are the days of displaying mass-produced framed pictures. Skip the abstract landscapes and hang up something that brings you joy. Enlarge a family picture, show off your sketching skills, hang a quilt, display your own painting masterpiece, or frame that signed baseball jersey.

Creative Computer Accessories

Whether you channel your love of the 90s and cover your laptop with stickers, or feature a funny pet photo on your desktop, these details add extra interest to your Instagram updates. Update your background and accessories based on your mood to keep things interesting!

Awards and Accolades

Are you a little league Coach of the Year? Were you named the office Social Media Queen? Show off those award certificates with honor and pride on your desk or walls. They highlight your personality and will make you smile each time you see them, even in the background of your social posts.

Looking for more cool office ideas? Visit the PaperDirect blog to make your workplace rock! We can help you with everything from planning office parties and events to celebrating the accomplishments of your loyal employees.

October 12, 2017

#ThrowbackThursday: The 5 Best 90s School Supplies

Filed under: Helpful Resources — PDWriter @ 12:04 pm

90s school supplies

As most kids who grew up in the 90s know, school supply shopping wasn’t just throwing random supplies into a cart and calling it a day. Instead, choosing supplies was a feat that required finding the coolest binders, the best pens and pencils, and all the latest gadgets to show off your style.

To pay tribute to those bygone days and all those neon supplies, here are some of the world’s best school supplies from the 1990s.

A Pencil Grip

Because those patented number two pencils were just too squirrely to handle with your bare hands, the 1990s saw the invention of the ergonomic pencil grip, a totally-not-useless addition to every 90s kid’s backpack. Hip kids had a plethora of colors to choose from for appropriate coordination with their outfit or binders.

A Trapper Keeper

No matter where you lived, at school the coolest accessory to own, hands down, was the Trapper Keeper. It wasn’t just a binder; it was a personal expression of your individuality. From the pattern you picked to the stickers you plastered across the front and back, the Trapper Keeper was a scholastic necessity.

Standalone Erasers

When you needed to get rid of those obnoxious pencil marks, but you preferred to just smear low-grade rubber across the page instead of erasing them, you reached for one of your decorative erasers. Of course, you never actually used your favorites, just kept them in your pencil bag to show off your style!

Push-Up Pens

Using two different writing utensils was something your boring old parents did. In the 1990s, it was all about using cigar-sized pens that had five or six different colors right inside of them. Who cares that they never worked longer than five minutes? They were must-have items.

Five Star Notebooks

If Trapper Keepers were for the kids, then Five Star notebooks were for the serious academics. Equally important was having a notebook in every color of the rainbow to distinguish between your subjects.

Recapture Some Childhood With PaperDirect

Just because you’re spending at an office desk instead of a tiny, fiberboard desk doesn’t mean you have to go through life without a touch of whimsy. With a little help from PaperDirect and our complete line of business stationery, you can make sure that you’ve got the right paper products for every mood, even if your Trapper Keeper days are behind you.

October 9, 2017

What to Write In A Boss’s Day Card

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 10:21 am

what to write in boss day card

Boss’s Day is coming! This year, it’s celebrated on Monday, October 16, and if you don’t want to be the odd employee out, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to show your appreciation for all that your supervisor does for you and the company.

While gift giving is common in some companies, we suggest giving a heartfelt greeting card and saving the gift for the holidays. Knowing what to write in a Boss’s Day card can be a little tough as mushy prose is super awkward and just signing your name is a little cold. So, let’s find that happy medium that your boss will think is just right!

The Opening Greeting

Somewhere on the card, place your boss’s name. You might open the card and hand-write “Dear (Their Name)” above the pre-written greeting card text. Or, include a message, starting with their name, on the left side of the card in the blank space. First names are fine if you use them in everyday office conversation.

The Main Message

OK, this is where things can get as elaborate or as simple as you’d like. First, start off by wishing them a Happy Boss’s Day! Then, in a sentence or two, say what you like about your professional relationship. You might mention their mentoring skills or perpetual patience. If that feels sufficient, wrap up the card with your closing and signature.

If you’ve had a memorable experience within the past year, this is a good time to acknowledge it. Are you a new employee? Thank the boss for their extra attention and guidance during your transition. Or, did you finish a big project together? Talk about how your collaboration made it all possible.

Have you worked with your boss for ages and have grown a friendship outside the office? It might be nice to include a few lines about how much you value your friendship and look forward to the future together, tackling whatever comes your way in and out of the office.

The Closing Signature

Remember, this card is going to your boss. Skip the sappy “Yours Truly” or “With Love”, unless the head of the office happens to be your spouse or child! Instead, keep it professional and simple by closing with “Sincerely”, “Thank You” or even “Warm Wishes”.

If you haven’t picked up a Boss’s Day card yet, browse Paper Direct’s online store. With a few clicks, the card will be on its way to your office. Then, grab your favorite pen and write a short, but meaningful message in honor of Boss’s Day. Your supervisor is sure to love your appreciation!

October 5, 2017

3 Spooky Ideas for Halloween Office Decorations

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — PDWriter @ 12:53 pm

halloween office decoration ideas

Whether your office space is modern, retro, traditional, or high-tech, you can transform it into an enchantingly eerie environment with these top Halloween office decorations ideas. Instead of popping a pumpkin and paper skeleton here and there, you can best bedeck the entire office by choosing an overall theme. These three themes are some of the most spooktacular Halloween office decorations ideas out there.

Spooky Spider Den

Spiders and the tangled webs they weave make for a fast, easy and super-stunning Halloween theme. You can create spiders of various sizes out of numerous items, provided you have a solid item to serve as the body, eight items for legs and a can of black spray paint. Try empty boxes with cardboard tube legs, or Styrofoam balls stuck with eight pencils or pens.

Rows of skittering rubber spiders can add a frightening touch door jambs, window sills, and counter edges. Just stick them on with double-sided tape. Faux spider webs are inexpensive and easy to drape over doorways, windows, and hallway openings. Invest in a larger spider web as the central focal point, or create a groovy one out of a cut-up trash bag.

Spider snacks can consist of goodies shaped to look like spiders. An easy one is spider cupcakes, featuring an unfrosted chocolate cupcake on a white plate, and eight legs drawn on the plate with icing. Flatbread sandwiches can likewise serve as a spider body, with mini carrots sticking out around the sides for legs. Use a couple of radishes for eyes.

Make sure to top off the spooky spider theme with spider sticky notes and spider stationery for all your reminder notes, office memos, and announcements during the Halloween season.

Ghosts and Goblins

If spiders tend to freak out your coworkers, you can always opt for something a bit tamer, like ghosts and goblins. Ghosts can be quickly created by drawing eyes and a mouth on a white sheet, cheesecloth, or gauzy fabric and then positioning the fabric over lamps, filing cabinets, or other office items.

Create goblins out of cardboard cut-outs you can place strategically around the office. They can make a dashing statement peeking over cubicle walls, on the sides of office trash cans, and even positioned near the main company sign in the lobby.

Ghost snacks can be as simple as peeling a banana and then adding chocolate chip eyes and mouth, stuck in place with a dab of peanut butter. Drawing a face on the outside wrapper of string cheese makes another tasty ghost treat, or you can always go for a ghost-shaped pizza.

Ghost and goblin stationery needs to be an office staple with this theme, with options that include border paper, vinyl banners, and postcards for your office announcements and other communication.

Office Haunted House

Perhaps the most versatile theme, the office haunted house lets you combine the ghosts, goblins, and spiders with anything else you may find in your typical haunted house. Try spooky silhouette cut-outs on the windows. Pepper the hallways with a few plastic skeletons and black cats. You can even create miniature haunted houses to place strategically around the workspace or erect a haunted house computer.

Spooky snacks that align with the haunted house theme again give you a range of options. Sugar cookies shaped like cats, bats, witches, and ghosts are an option, as are graveyard cupcakes, featuring a vertical fig newton iced with R.I.P. as the gravestone.

The field is likewise wide open for Halloween stationery that supports your haunted house theme. Send out announcements on pumpkin border paper. Use candy corn border paper for your office memos. Hook up a banner with a haunted hill background.

These three Halloween office decorations ideas can certainly enliven the office and get everyone in the mood for the sensationally spooky season. Don’t forget to visit PaperDirect for all your Halloween paper needs leading up to the haunted day!

October 4, 2017

5 Tips for Standing Out at Your First Job Interview

Filed under: Business Marketing Ideas — PDWriter @ 2:19 pm

girl at first job interview tips

You’ve received some training, you’ve sent out your resume, and now — at long last — you’re finally headed toward your first job interview. If your palms are starting to sweat and your shoulders tense up at the thought, don’t worry. You are not alone! Interviewing for any job, let alone your first one, is a nerve-wracking experience.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure the interview goes smoothly. Follow these first job interview tips to get an edge over the competition.

Prep Physically

Remember that when you step into the room with your potential employer, it’s not just your mind that needs to be working well. Make sure that you’re prepping your body correctly. Get a good night’s sleep the night before and eat a filling breakfast the morning of your interview. If you have time, do some yoga or hit the gym before your interview to boost confidence and get those endorphins going. There’s no sense being tired and hungry when you’re trying to impress your potential employers.

Dress for the Occasion

Think about the job you’re applying for and how you might dress for it on a day-to-day basis, then outfit yourself a step above that. If you’re trying for a manual labor job, go with business casual, like a formal button down shirt paired with slacks or a skirt. If you’re interviewing for an office position where the dress is business casual, consider wearing a suit or a professional dress.

Whatever you wear, make sure that your clothes are clean and as wrinkle-free as possible. Avoid flashy colors or bold fashion statements – there’ll be plenty of time to express your true fashion-forward self once you get the job.

Do Your Homework

Spend at least an hour researching the company at which you’re going to interview. Read articles about them, review who the decision makers are at the company, and try to find out what former employees are saying. A simple Google search of the company’s name should yield several results to peruse before you walk in the door. Glassdoor is also a useful resource for employee opinions and interview experiences.

When you’re informed, you can speak easily and handle any topic that comes your way, and your interviewers will be impressed with the effort you put in to learn about their company.

Project Confidence and Good Humor

This one is straightforward, but it can be an easy one to overlook when you’re walking into your first job interview. You might be nervous, but if you hold your shoulders back, look your interviewer in the eyes, give them a firm handshake, and keep a smile on your face, you’ll go a long way toward masking your anxiety.

You never know – a little feigned physical confidence may even inspire some inner confidence, too!

Send a Note Afterward

No matter how you think the interview went, you can only help yourself by taking the time to pick up a pen and write a short thank you note to your interviewer. A friendly note thanking them for their time might make all the difference between landing the job and being beat by the competition.

Follow these tips, and your first job interview is going to be a breeze. Don’t forget to prep in advance by doing some research, finding a professional outfit, eating a filling meal, and ordering thank you notes from PaperDirect to send after your interview. Now, go get ‘em!

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress