Productivity Pointers – Business Cards

Over the last two years, our country has faced harsh economic down-turns causing many people to seek new jobs, obtain more education and become innovative thinkers. As people re-image themselves it has become even more essential to know how to brand yourself and your company. One of the top ways to put your best foot forward is through your business card. Your business card is like a “mini-resume” and it must be something that differentiates you from the rest of the pile.

A well-done business card can make it easier to get into the conversation when it is able to speak for itself.  So what makes a business card stand out?

Spending a little time with a graphic designer is a good place to start.  They can point out paper stock that is good for printing along with font sizes, styles, and colors that will be visually appealing, yet easy to read.  For a sleeker look, you can also select a matte or glossy finish or foil-accents.  To really set you apart from the crowd, you might consider using a graphic such as a map for hard-to-find physical locations.  This could prove to be very helpful and time-saving for a potential new customer.  

Another option is to have your information printed vertically, rather than horizontally.  For those that wish to be environmentally savvy, there are a variety of card stocks that are made from recycled materials.  Contemplate leaving room on your card for special messages or appointment slots.  

Whatever your niche, there are a wide array of templates tailored to fit your needs.  When considering that much of the networking today is done via e-mail and social networking sites, you don’t want to neglect your electronic business card as well.  Overall, you will want a business card that is unique, tasteful, and colorful.

Your branding does not have to stop at just business cards.  Office Express can help you to take your efforts a step further with personalized postcards, letterheads, presentation folders, promotional products, note cards, return address labels, stamps, announcements, invitations and much more.

Setting up a home office

Whether by necessity or by choice, more and more people are opting to work from home in a home office.  As working from home gains in popularity, many people have taken on the daunting task of setting up their own home office.  Here at Office Express, we have talented Interior Designers who can help you utilize your office space to attain the greatest productivity.  Here are some of the top tips from our Interior Designer Nancy Hirsch:

1. First, scale is very important.  You should choose a stand alone space for your home office such as a spare bedroom as opposed to a desk in the bedroom.  Know how much room you are working with and choose items that will fit to scale.  Don’t choose a big oversize desk.  Instead choose items that will wrap around the perimeter of the wall allowing more space in your office.  Also, if you plan to meet clients in your office consider where it is located.  Is the office close to a back entry door or the front of your home?

2. Moveable furniture is a must.  Choose files that can be moved around the office for easy accessibility and storage.

3. Look for items that can be used in two different ways such as tower storage cabinets that can function for files and binders but also for coats, umbrellas, briefcases, etc.

4. Utilize your space by choosing upper storage for binders, files, supplies, etc.

5. If your home office is a frequently utilized area, you may want to consider choosing a laminate finish for your furniture.  There are many high quality laminates available that imitate the look of real wood.  Laminates are also a cost-effective alternative that offer durability against scratching and marring unlike many wood and veneer finishes.