Office professionals are expected to be organized and efficient, among other things. Have you ever needed to find a file, but couldn't because it was buried in a file drawer ? Or did you ever need to create a label, but had to insert a full sheet of blank label? In today's fast paced office environment, time is important and working in an organized office saves time and energy that can be used finishing projects and starting new ones. Here are five reasons the Dymo LabelWriter 450 can help you stay organized and efficient.
1. Print from various software programs
Not only is the Dymo LabelWriter 450 compatible with a PC or Mac, it can print labels from Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Quickbooks, just to name a few.
2. No ink needed
There is no need to keep a storage of ink since this product does not need it. Dymo products use thermal printing technology which means there is no ink or toner needed, so the office supply budget isn't depleted.
3. Stay green – uses less power
The LabelWriter 450 goes into sleep mode when it is not in use so it uses less power.
4. Convenient label printing
Whether you need a label for envelopes, packages, files, barcodes, or name badges, this label writer can meet your needs.
5. Print labels fast
Print up to 71 labels per minute! Need I say more?
When I was asked to demo this product in exchange for compensation, I was impressed with its capabilities. I have saved a lot of time and energy by continuing to keep my workspace organized; you can too with the Dymo LabelWriter 450.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Just say NO – subtle, yet effective ways to say NO to your colleagues
Sometimes it's hard to say 'no.' We don't want to hurt the other person's feelings, we may feel guilty, or maybe we want to please everybody. Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that if you always say 'yes', a lot of your time will be spent in completing other tasks that take away from your own. Here are 4 ways you can say 'no' politely, but assertively and still be in good favor:
The Diversion – the diversion is a short, but sweet apologetic response that lets the individual know that you are too busy to help at this time. An example would be, "I am sorry, but my schedule will not permit me to assist you."
The Delay – the delay is letting the person know that you will think about it and get back to them later. Before you send them on their way, gather more information about the time commitment. For example, if the individual is asking for your help on a project or participation on a committee, ask when the project deadline is or how often the committee meets. You can also ask questions like: What are your responsibilities or tasks? How much planning has already been done? This will make the decision making process easier and quicker. You can say, "Let me check my schedule and I will get back to you." Be aware that they will get back to you, so be prepared to give them a response to their request.
The Relay – the relay is passing them on to someone else. Simply, let them know you can't do it and suggest someone else who can.
The Alternative – the alternative let's you take complete control of the situation. Using this method will allow you to set your schedule and if it doesn't fit into their plan, they will speedily leave your presence. You could say something like, "I can help, but I can't do it right now. I will be able to assist you next week." Note: if the person comes back next week and asks again, you can choose to help or let them know that your schedule is full – go back to the diversion method.
In each response, always thank the person for thinking of you and let them know that they should keep you in mind if they need help in the future. Saying 'no' has never been so easy.
The Diversion – the diversion is a short, but sweet apologetic response that lets the individual know that you are too busy to help at this time. An example would be, "I am sorry, but my schedule will not permit me to assist you."
The Delay – the delay is letting the person know that you will think about it and get back to them later. Before you send them on their way, gather more information about the time commitment. For example, if the individual is asking for your help on a project or participation on a committee, ask when the project deadline is or how often the committee meets. You can also ask questions like: What are your responsibilities or tasks? How much planning has already been done? This will make the decision making process easier and quicker. You can say, "Let me check my schedule and I will get back to you." Be aware that they will get back to you, so be prepared to give them a response to their request.
The Relay – the relay is passing them on to someone else. Simply, let them know you can't do it and suggest someone else who can.
The Alternative – the alternative let's you take complete control of the situation. Using this method will allow you to set your schedule and if it doesn't fit into their plan, they will speedily leave your presence. You could say something like, "I can help, but I can't do it right now. I will be able to assist you next week." Note: if the person comes back next week and asks again, you can choose to help or let them know that your schedule is full – go back to the diversion method.
In each response, always thank the person for thinking of you and let them know that they should keep you in mind if they need help in the future. Saying 'no' has never been so easy.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Become a Super Proofer
Proofreading is an important part of job responsibilities for office professionals. Office professionals are in charge of making sure that quality, professional, error free documents are distributed that represent the office, department, and company. One error or misspelling can dispel the company's credibility and look unprofessional; thereby, reflecting negatively on the office professional, because the question will always be: How could you let this slip by you? Here are a few ways in which you can become a super proofer:
1. Check the documentation for contextual errors
To avoid contextual errors, proofread the document very carefully by reading it aloud slowly, and looking for words that are misused. Here is an example of a contextual error:
"We regret any incontinence this service interruption may have caused. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me."
The word 'incontinence' should be replaced with 'inconvenience.' This may be amusing, however, the readers nor the company's executives, will think this is funny.
2. Check for common errors such as dates, dollars amounts, and times.
This is another common error. If the meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 2 and the date is Monday, June 3, recipients will be confused and then you will have to resend the notice. This is a time waster and productivity killer.
3. Is the attachment attached?
This is a common mistake in email notices. If there is an attachment, attach it first then compile the message. This is helpful when drafting a message that needs to be sent out immediately; if you don't attach the document right away, distractions and interruptions can cause this mistake to occur.
4. Make sure that the attachments open and the links work.
Prior to sending the message, try opening the attachments this will make sure that it is the correct document and you will verify that the attachment can be opened. While checking the attachments, test the hyperlinks to ensure that they link to the right reference.
These are some simple yet valuable ways to catch errors in correspondence before distributing them to the public. Taking the extra steps to make sure that these common errors do not occur will eliminate a lot of embarrassment and repeat notifications.
1. Check the documentation for contextual errors
To avoid contextual errors, proofread the document very carefully by reading it aloud slowly, and looking for words that are misused. Here is an example of a contextual error:
"We regret any incontinence this service interruption may have caused. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me."
The word 'incontinence' should be replaced with 'inconvenience.' This may be amusing, however, the readers nor the company's executives, will think this is funny.
2. Check for common errors such as dates, dollars amounts, and times.
This is another common error. If the meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 2 and the date is Monday, June 3, recipients will be confused and then you will have to resend the notice. This is a time waster and productivity killer.
3. Is the attachment attached?
This is a common mistake in email notices. If there is an attachment, attach it first then compile the message. This is helpful when drafting a message that needs to be sent out immediately; if you don't attach the document right away, distractions and interruptions can cause this mistake to occur.
4. Make sure that the attachments open and the links work.
Prior to sending the message, try opening the attachments this will make sure that it is the correct document and you will verify that the attachment can be opened. While checking the attachments, test the hyperlinks to ensure that they link to the right reference.
These are some simple yet valuable ways to catch errors in correspondence before distributing them to the public. Taking the extra steps to make sure that these common errors do not occur will eliminate a lot of embarrassment and repeat notifications.
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