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This Back to School Season, we are absolutely loving these fresh florals and bright colors from Avery’s new collection of organization tools. Trendy, contemporary designs to organize in style!

They are perfect for back to school or for brightening your workplace.

From brightly colored Florals to Damasks, they are a beautiful collection of style meets function.

Take a look at this beautiful collection and order your favorites today!

Durable Binders with Round Rings
Available in 8 ½” x 11” and in Mini 5 ½” x 8 ½” Version

Reversible Big Tab™ Write-On Dividers

Damask Big Tab™ Plastic Pocket Insertable Dividers

Corner Lock™ Four Pocket Plastic Folder

Damask Tabbed Bookmark Plastic Dividers

Summer is the best time to spend outdoors with family and friends. We love camping, hiking, pool parties, picnics, outdoor concerts and watching fireworks.

The more spontaneous these events, the better! That’s why we keep delicious treats from Office Snax on hand for any occasion.
You already know that Office Snax items are great in your office breakroom, but did you know that their convenient, non-breakable containers are ideal to keep in the car, boat or camper?

Here are a few of our favorites:

Salted Pretzels
Great for a day at the beach, on a picnic, out in the boat or around the fire pit. Choose your favorite! Resealable tub maintains freshness and travels easily.
• Giant Sourdough
• Sourdough Nuggets
• Mini Twist
• Giant Pretzel Sticks
• Peanut Butter Pretzels

New! Honey Wheat Braided Pretzels
These delicious braided pretzels will easily become your new summer snack favorite.

New! Peanut Butter Pretzels
Salted pretzels, nugget style filled with peanut butter. Resealable tub goes where you go!

New! Generations Mix
Something for everyone! Carry a mix of candy appealing to everyone from your toddlers to their Great Grandparents. This assortment of popular candy comes in a reusable, resealable tub to maintain freshness.

Soft & Chewy Mix
Classic Favorites like these make road trips happier. Assorted candy Airheads, Now and Laters, Bit-O-Honey, and Tootsie Roll. All in a resealable liner.

Doggie Snax
While you’re enjoying summer snacks, don’t forget Fido! We keep a box of Doggie Snax on hand for all our outdoor adventures. Handy to have in the car when we go for hikes, we also use them for positive reinforcement training with our ten month old lab. She gobbles them up!

A good business newsletter is an effective tool for reaching your audiences with important information. Our partners at International Paper/Hammermill Paper understand this, and have shared their knowledge with you in this blog.

You can use your newsletter to expand your customer base, keep existing customers excited about your business, or attract new sources of funding. It can be strategic by demonstrating your business plan in action or it can be pragmatic and introduce new products, services or capabilities. Or it can do both.
There are a few things to keep in mind when putting your newsletter together to make sure it is as effective as possible. We’ve put together some pointers to help make it easier.
Ready to create your newsletter? Check out our Business Newsletter Templates.

Define Your Audience

Who are you trying to reach with your newsletter? Make sure you have a clear idea of your audiences, then try to organize your newsletter contents to reach them in order of priority. In other words, speak to your most important audience first and then secondary audiences after. You can dedicate an entire newsletter to a single audience and reach a different audience with the next one or you can try to reach as many audiences as possible in each newsletter.

To reach each of your audiences with the information they value, it’s a good idea to develop an editorial calendar. Think through who you are trying to reach and how often you want to speak to them. This will help you decide what each newsletter needs to accomplish, as well as how often you need to send them out.

Be Customer-Focused

Your newsletter should provide your audience with information that is valuable to them. A newsletter that speaks only to your accomplishments or capabilities isn’t really customer-focused. Take the extra step to show how your accomplishments or capabilities can help your customers achieve their goals.

The headline for each section of the newsletter should present a customer benefit. For example, rather than saying “X Corp. Achieves New Milestone in Y Acquisition”, try something like “Deliver Your Products Faster, Cheaper”. A subhead can be used to provide important details, such as “X Corp. has reduced shipping time and cost with the strategic acquisition of Y company.”

Figure Out Your Call-to-Action

What do you want your audience to do after they’ve read your newsletter? Visit your website? Contact a representative or salesperson? Join your mailing list so you can initiate a conversion process? Be clear about what you want your audience to do, and tell them. “For more important details, call us at 1-800-555-9999,” or “To pre-order our new SuperFast Everythinger, visit us at SFeverythinger.com. “

Prioritize Your Information

Begin with stating the customer benefit in the headline, then provide a summary explanation in the subhead. The body copy can go into more detail as needed. This helps audiences pressed for time get the most important information quickly while also allowing anyone who is interested the details that are important to them.

Show It

Good imagery can generate interest by showing people what you are talking about. Remember that quality is important. A quick shot with your phone camera is probably not going to show your product in its best light. Take the time to use good imagery, but remember…too much of a good thing can work against you. If your newsletter has too many images, the imagery can distract from your messaging and what you want your audiences to know and do.

To make all of this easier to put into practice, we’ve developed some useful Business Newsletter Templates that will help you organize news and information in a way that is easily read. It’s a good idea to check your work by printing it out first–we recommend using a quality paper like Hammermill Premium Multi-Purpose 24LB. printer paper.

We are happy to share C-Line's recent blog post with you, and offer you a chance to WIN their new UColor Two-Pocket Coloring Photos. C-Line Products are available at Jacobs Gardner.

It is finally officially Spring! As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” At C-Line, if you “shower” your classroom or office with our new colorful products, they will “bring” you a year of an organized lifestyle.

Teachers, let our Classroom Connector School-to-Home Folders rain down puddles of communication between you and your student’s parents. When you, your students’ and parents are on the same page, life between school and home becomes a smooth transition. The Classroom Connector makes communication between home and school efficient with the imprinted interior pockets. Plus, the variety of color selection could spark students’ interest in learning, which in turn, brings communication to an enhanced level.

You can also bloom your student’s creativity by using our UColor Two-Pocket Coloring Folders. Students can use a rainbow of colors on these folders, allowing them to show their individuality as well as keeping them organized. In addition, these coloring folders are not limited to just students or children, adults can have some fun too! Take a mini break during the hectic day and quickly fill in the intricate designs with unique color patterns. Not only is it relaxing, but it also helps sort papers. Also, by creating different colored folders you can color coordinate in your own way.

Spring is all about being fun and colorful. Don’t let the April showers bog you down. Show your organization skills and be playful!

To WIN Your Own Two-Pocket Coloring Folders, comment below, or on our Facebook Page.

Do you ever wonder if you are really being heard? All of us want to feel that what we have to say is important. Even in casual conversation, we expect to receive the courtesy of our listener’s attention.

In business and professional settings, being heard can be even more important.

Active listening can be defined as concentrating completely on what a person is saying and confirming that the message is both received and understood. Common courtesy dictates that we owe anyone that takes the time to speak with us the courtesy of our complete attention – to actively listen.

We have all experienced the frustration of saying something which we feel is important to someone who doesn’t seem to be listening. We instinctively know what poor listening looks and feels like. So, if we reverse what a poor listener does, we can easily see then what a good listener SHOULD do.

    • A poor listener provides little or no verbal feedback. Good listeners nod their heads and provide some vocal confirmation that the speaker was heard.
    • A poor listener might assume a very relaxed posture. Good listeners sit up and even lean forward to hear better.
    • Poor listeners will ask few pertinent questions. Good listeners want to make sure that they understand and might ask a lot of questions.
    • Poor listeners come without a pad or pen. In business settings, it is very important to be prepared to take notes.
    • Poor listeners leave the speaker wondering if the message was really received. Good listeners always re-cap what they heard to confirm the message.

"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is privilege of wisdom to listen." – Oliver Wendell Holmes

Your “mess” may be comfortable to you, but it might make others in your office very uncomfortable!

You know where everything is and you can find that important piece of paper quickly. Still, if it looks like the paper is winning the battle for control of your work area, you may be losing face with your co-workers, and more importantly, with your boss!

We’ve heard that we would someday be working in a “paperless office”. But, computer reports, printed e-mails, high-speed copiers and technology in general have all conspired to increase paper in the workplace. Sometimes it seems that most of it ends up on your desk!

Some people may feel that their job is more secure if they “look” busy. But clutter can signal a lack of control. A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind. Employers view clutter as inefficiency, so if you appear too busy, maybe you are just inefficient. Inefficiency costs money and that is not a good way to get recognized.

Here are some simple ways to get the paper under control. After all, no one is really prepared for the endless supply of paperwork that attacks us all:

1. Get rid of the piles. Dump anything that you might, possibly, could, maybe use, read or act on “someday”.

2. Set up five files as follows:

    a. A “tickler file” by date of future work – items you can’t do this week. Move next week’s tasks to active each Friday.
    b. An “active file” for current work – all due this week in priority sequence by day. This is the basis for your daily “TO DO” list.
    c. A “meeting folder” for topics pertinent to specific meetings or for articles you want to read while you wait for the meeting to begin.
    d. Create “The Boss” folder for issues that concern your employer.
    e. Folders for subordinates or colleagues by name – for regular meetings with your people – not confidential material.

3. Label anything that is on, in or around your desk. You should be able to go on vacation and be comfortable that your boss or subordinates can find important information – easily.

Your desk is now organized, labeled and task oriented. Take care of urgent issues as they come up. Don’t waste time filing them. If possible, put all of these files away at the end of each day so your desk is clear of paperwork.

There is another benefit to clearing the mess and organizing your work area. When you are in control of your space, your mind will be more alert, confident and creative. You will impress those around you, including your boss, with your command of your job. You will be ready for your boss’s questions, prepared for meetings, and able to complete tasks on time. You might even have time to think! Who would dare “mess” with you?

How do you manage your paper clutter? Let us know!

Organizing School Paperwork without Losing Your Mind

One of the greatest challenges for parents during the school year, is organizing the never-ending flood of paperwork that comes home in those completely stuffed backpacks!

Having four kids myself, I recall several stressful nights searching for the missing permission slip or report card to be initialed and sent back.

In addition, each child had paperwork that had to be sent back to school, as well as paperwork that stayed home. Often, the paperwork that stayed home was necessary to refer to again later, when studying for year-end exams, etc.

Instead of letting all that paperwork pile up on your kitchen table, try these simple steps towards managing it:

1) Find the Paperwork. Open up those stuffed-to-the-gills backpacks, and pull out the paperwork to sort through. Yes, you may find half-eaten lunches in there and other mystery items, but it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. This is a good project for your child and will teach him/her the importance of taking care of their important paperwork. After all, if the permission slip isn’t signed, they may not get to attend the fun activity they were looking forward to.

2) Sort the Paperwork. Using C-Line’s Classroom Connector™ School-to-Home Folder daily, you can conveniently sign and enclose the paperwork that needs to go back to school, and pull out the paperwork that stays home. Simply check the Classroom Connector™ Folder each day, and handle the paperwork as soon as it comes home, instead of frantically searching for it later. The Classroom Connector folder is available in a variety of colors. Check out this short video for more information:

3) Store the Paperwork. If you have a designated place to store paperwork for each child, you won’t have to frantically turn your house upside down to find that missing paper you are searching for. Once you’ve determined which papers you absolutely need to keep (be sure to regularly purge and toss paperwork you no longer need) we recommend using one of these storage items for each child to keep paperwork and supplies separated and organized:

C-Line’s Storage Box with 3 Compartments Color code each child’s stay-at-home notes and supplies by storing them in one of these colorful storage boxes by C-Line. In addition to holding small notes, the Storage boxes hold pencils, erasers, and other small supply items. They make an ideal homework supply storage station.

C-Line’s Poly Expanding Files. These durable poly expanding files are ideal for older children, who need to save papers based on school subject. Again, we recommend one for each child to keep paperwork separate and easily accessible. Files may be labeled for each class subject for quick reference.

With just a little effort and a few minutes of daily maintenance, you can manage the flood of paperwork and effortlessly “ride the wave”!

Have you found a great way to manage paperwork? We’d love to hear about it. Let us know, and you could WIN one of these great storage items from our friends at C-Line.

Looking sharp and staying on top of your game has never been easier with these six tools for instant organization:

1. Sun Dance Weekly/Monthly Hardcover Planner
Bohemian medallion design in a beautiful color palette is the stylish way to stay on top of your appointments. Compact planner includes handy storage pocket. Size: 8” x 4 7/8”

2. Smart Charge Pencil Cup by Victor
Designed to fit any smart phone, e-reader or tablet. USB hubs charge your phone or connect to your computer, and keep unsightly cords out of site.

3. Smead SuperTab Bookshelf Organizers
Store your paperwork neatly on bookshelves, using these heavy-duty and hard-sided, upright organizers. 6 letter-size pockets feature SuperTabs for 90% more labeling space. Includes blank Viewables label sheet. Secure magnetic flap closure keeps documents secure.

4. Smead Stadium Files
Ideal for clearing clutter from your workspace or countertop. Pockets are tiered for easy access, and expand for generous storage. Labels included.

5. Kantek Double Acrylic Letter Tray
Even if you can’t completely move the storm of active papers off your desk, you can still look sharp storing them in this letter tray made of heavy polished cast acrylic. Non-skid, padded feet protect desktop.

6. Tilt Bin Interlocking Storage Organizers by Deflect-o
Coral all your small supplies together to keep them in one, easily-accessible unit. Stack these sleek interlocking bins horizontally or vertically using dovetail design. Clear bins tilt out and stay open when in use and remove easily. Use freestanding on your desk or mount them on your wall to save space.

Which of these organizing ideas do you like best? Let us know and you could WIN one of these items in our upcoming random drawing.

We have heard that a sedentary lifestyle and sitting all day at work, is the “new smoking” health hazard of our generation.

Our team did a little research and we were alarmed. Sitting too much is seriously bad for your health.

Not only does sitting burn very few calories, which contributes to weight gain, but people who sit a lot every day have an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and early death.

This is a major problem for those of us who work in an office environment, because we sit down for most of the day. Fortunately, Sit- to-Stand desks are becoming increasingly more popular and definitely more affordable.

Our team tried out the Kantek Sit-to-Stand Workstation and we all give it a perfect five-star rating! It did not require any installation, and simply sat on top of our existing desk.

We really liked the fact that it held two monitors. With one monitor, it allowed room for a copy stand or a stack of papers, phone, and ink pens.

Best of all, it adjusted easily to the varying height of different users on our team.

Everyone from the shortest on our team (sorry, Andrea) to the tallest (Steve) found a comfortable position with the Kantek Sit-to-Stand Workstation System.

So, Why Should I use a Sit to Stand Desk?

Although research is still in early stages, it does appear that using a Sit- to-Stand desk can have impressive benefits for health. It may also increase productivity.

At the very least, using this type of desk can partly negate the harmful effects of sitting too much.

Here are 6 benefits of using a standing desk:

1. Standing Lowers Your Risk of Weight Gain and Obesity

You already know that weight gain is ultimately caused by taking in more calories than you burn. Conversely, burning more calories than you take in results in weight loss.

While exercise is the most effective way to burn calories quickly, simply choosing to stand instead of sitting can also be beneficial.

In fact, when compared to an afternoon of sedentary work, an equal amount of time spent standing has been shown to burn over 170 additional calories. That makes us VERY happy!

That’s almost 1000 extra calories burned each week from simply standing at your desk each afternoon!

2. Using a Standing Desk May Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Generally speaking, the more your blood sugar levels increase after meals, the worse it is for your health.

This is especially true for those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

In a small study of 10 office workers, standing for 180 minutes after lunch reduced the blood sugar spike by 43% compared to sitting for the same amount of time

Both groups took the same amount of steps, indicating that the smaller spike was due to standing rather than additional physical movements around the office.

Another study involving 23 office workers found that alternating between standing and sitting every 30 minutes throughout the workday reduced blood sugar spikes by 11.1% on average.

The harmful effects of sitting after meals could help explain why excessive sedentary time is linked to a whopping 112% greater risk of type 2 diabetes.

3. Standing May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

The idea that standing is better for heart health was first proposed in 1953.

Since then, scientists have developed a much greater understanding of the effects of sitting on heart health, with prolonged sedentary time thought to increase the risk of heart disease by up to 147%.

And THIS got our attention – even an hour of intense exercise may not make up for the negative effects of an entire day spent sitting.

There is no doubt that spending more time on your feet is beneficial for heart health … and we found it made our Fitbit numbers soar!

4. Standing Desks Appear to Reduce Back Pain

Did you know that back pain is one of the most common complaints of office workers who sit all day? That didn’t surprise us. Many on our team – yes, even the young, fit millennials among us – have suffered from neck, shoulder and low back pain. We learned that chronic muscle pain is one of the number one reasons employees take sick days!

Studies show that sit-stand desks reversed some of those ailments within a 2-week period. We are willing to try that!

5. Standing Desks Help Improve Mood and Energy Levels

Standing desks appear to have a positive influence on overall well-being. Think of it as a great “energy boost” – especially during the mid-day slump.

For our team, we all felt less stress and fatigue than those long days when we remained seated the entire work day.

Our own experience align with broader research on sitting and mental health, which links sedentary time with an increased risk of both depression and anxiety.

6. Standing Desks May Even Boost Productivity

A common concern about standing desks is that they hinder daily tasks, such as typing.

While standing each afternoon may take some getting used to, we found that standing not only improved our mood and energy levels, but our focus as well, and using a standing desk is more likely to boost productivity rather than hinder it.

It’s Time to Take a Stand

Check out this short video and then contact us about ordering your Kantek Sit-to-Stand Workstation today!

While you’re at it, check out these awesome accessories to compliment your new system:

Stabilize the muscles of your back, core, hips, legs and ankles with the Steppie Balance Board by Victor.

Reduce fatigue with this Sit-to-Stand Chairmat designed by E.S. Robbins, specifically for Sit-to-Stand Work Environments. It’s like having two ultra-comfortable mats in one.

We carry a variety of brightly colored clipboards by Blue Sky, or get creative and paint one of our plain clipboards to match your room decor!

How do you display photos and artwork? We’d love to hear from you and see your photos!