You’re leaving on a one-week vacation next Monday and you’re trying to get everything done before you go – or at least, get organized to the point that when you return, it will all make sense to you. Here are some suggestions on how to prioritize before and after your time off.

Looking for a secret career-success weapon? Look no further! Learn how being organized can help boost your professional image and improve on-the-job performance. Organization isn't just about being more productive, it's about being more successful.

To achieve outstanding results, you must first create an organizational system that meets your personal needs. From managing your to-do list to scheduling your day, this article addresses the key components necessary for getting organized and becoming an outstanding performer – personally and professionally.

Managing your tasks and projects can be overwhelming, but lack of communication may be making the job even harder. Find out why communication impacts productivity and learn how to avoid the time-consuming and unproductive consequences of poor communication.

You're in a pinch and need to get a small group together as quickly as possible to resolve an unexpected glitch on a project. But many of the team members involved are out of the area. No big deal! Online meeting tools allow you to gather everyone together via the Internet.

In the month of October, the OA Book Club focused our attention on the organizational process. We picked up the bestselling book that explores every aspect of organization. From the psychological obstacles to the step-by-step processes for overcoming them, Julie Morgenstern has created a comprehensive guide to creating order out of chaos.

Files, and folders, and labels! Oh my! There are plenty of different ways to stay organized and so, during the month of November, we asked our readers, “What’s your favorite organization tool?” Read more for some great tips that may work for you as well as our winner announcement!

I was in a meeting the other day with a small business that has hired me to help them be more productive and efficient within their workflow as a team, and we started talking about how they each track their time on projects.

Are there people on your team who are more focused on their personal lives than their jobs? Do you have a coworker who is incredibly likeable, but also incredibly inept? These are the people who make your job harder because you're busy carrying them. Learn how to break away from this destructive path in this informative article.

What does it take to manage time effectively? Our productivity expert examines this question and shares her 4 essentials. From setting clear boundaries to planning ahead, you’ll learn the “insider” tricks for making the most of every 24 hours.

Break rooms. Most people don’t give them much thought. But if you have a space at work where employees go for a time out from their jobs, then you should consider making that space the best it can be – fun, functional and fully Feng Shui.

What’s the fastest, easiest and least expensive way to advertise your business? Use an email signature! Today you’ll discover what to include in your signature, tips for making it work for you, and where to use it to promote your business.

Evaluating your company's developmental needs and future direction is essential to the overall success of your business. A SWOT analysis is an excellent evaluation tool for determining your company's overall plans and objectives.

Teaching your employees how to do a number of different tasks can be an effective management strategy. While cross-training helps to ensure efficiency throughout the company, it can also improve job satisfaction and teamwork. Learn about the many benefits of expanding employees’ skills and how cross-training can help you run a more productive office.

You may never have to deal with advertising issues at your company, but knowledge is power, right? So here's a very brief description of the benefits and drawbacks of the major types of media.The benefits of advertising in a major newspaper:

Are you the type of person who likes to learn by doing? This can actually be a very productive way of working – if you know when and how to do it. Like anything, there are benefits and limitations. Discover tips for how to make this productivity tool work for you.

Looking for a new and easy way to stay productive? Why not try the oldest trick in the book? Many of us focus on planning, organizing, and mapping only to forget the most important step: doing it. Read our tips for how to get over procrastination and start getting things done.

Think you’re a business etiquette pro? Watching your p’s and q’s during a business function can take your farther than you ever imagined. Investigate the importance of professional manners and how to execute them flawlessly.

You’ve heard the words before but what the heck is an elevator speech? And how do you use one? We’ll break it down for you and show you what it is, why you need it and how to create one. You’ll also learn the difference between a good elevator speech and a bad one and we’ll give you some ideas on when to use it.

So, you’ve got big dreams for your business, right? But maybe you don’t have that big marketing budget. We’ll show you 10 low cost marketing ideas you can use to let the world know about your company for little or no money!

I've been asked to create this column about advertising, marketing, promotions and I have to admit - I'm a little nervous! Shhhh! Don't tell anyone. I keep telling myself I have a degree in writing, so this should be easy. I grew up in a

As office professionals, we have to make important business decisions every day. Have you ever thought about how organization effects your decision making process? You’d be surprised! Our productivity coach explains the connection and shows you how to establish systems to make better decisions.

They’re not just for kids anymore. Games are a legitimate part of the running an effective workplace. If your office isn’t indulging some of their childhood sensibilities, this article will show you why you need to start playing around right away!

Is your junk drawer weighing you down? Tired of digging through all those piles to find what you’re looking for? Junk drawers need not be what they imply. Learn to organize your junk and make that drawer a functional part of your office.

In his popular book, Getting Things Done, David Allen describes his comprehensive productivity system. While the GTD method is one of the most widely discussed organizational systems around, we think it might be a little over-hyped. In this article, we analyze the GTD program and share a few “golden nuggets” you’ll be sure to benefit from.

Have you ever taken a problem to your boss and gotten an unexpected result? It’s time to put that thinking cap on and hold off on asking the boss for an immediate resolution. Discover a great way to get answers at work, by presenting solutions instead of problems.

Someone told you about Macros, but they were vague. To be honest, you don't really think that they knew exactly what a Macro is, but they wanted to share their new discovery with you (or try to impress you with their technology skills) and

Although some cultures bow, offer air kisses or hugs, the handshake is now a universally accepted greeting. Deals are made and promises sealed with this simple gesture. But not all handshakes are created equal. Get some tips for pressing the flesh.

Creativity can be an elusive thing…like capturing lightning in a bottle. Help get your juices flowing with our tips for sparking ingenuity and inspiration at home and at the office.

Perhaps you don’t realize just how many distractions you’re bombarded with throughout the day. If you take some time to remove them, you’ll probably be amazed at the boost in your productivity. Learn how to get more done by avoiding those little time wasters.

Because we all spend so much time in our workspaces, it’s important to add our personal touch to it. But, are your toys and knickknacks an extension of your personality or a distraction? Explore the dos and don’ts of appropriately decorating your cubicle or workstation.

They say that the power of advertising is in the 'whitespace.' I think this is very true. Your eyes are more drawn to ads that have less text and more space around the words. When an ad has just a few words and lots of space around those

As office professionals, we often assist sales teams in closing deals. But do we really have the first clue about sales? Explore tried and true sales methods and how to use them in your career.

Tired of spending so much time looking for stuff on your desk when you could be getting things done? The search is over! We’ve got a 10-step plan that will take your desk from overwhelming to organized in no time!

Is your company moving locations? Stop stressing! The transition can be a lot easier than you think. Take the panic out of relocation and learn some simple ways to take the office from “here” to “there” with ease.

Emergencies happen when we least expect them. They require a quick response, yet not everyone is equipped with the knowledge to react. Do you know what to do when these things happen? We’ve created a step-by-step tutorial to help you create a Comprehensive Emergency Procedures Guide for your office.

Have you ever had a bad customer service experience? Did it impact your business with that company? Many underestimate the power of excellent service. Explore these 10 recommendations for providing your clients with extraordinary service every day.

It’s nearly impossible to remain busy for 8 solid hours every single the day, but you should be concerned by how your downtime is being perceived. Downtime can send the wrong impression, but there is hope. Learn ways to make your free time look like work time.

Dear Lisa: No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to get my workspace organized efficiently. I'm continually moving things around on my desk and rearranging files. I feel overwhelmed by my workload and can't get a handle on the best

There's a great book called 'It's Hard to Make a Difference When you Can't Find Your Keys.' Its author, Marilyn Paul, outlines seven steps to truly becoming organized. After reading it, I couldn't help coming up with my own title: 'It's Hard

Augh! You know you have one: that task that just gets under your skin?? We all do! But now it’s time to take back control. Learn a few proven strategies to help make that irritating task a little bit less frustrating.

If you know that you need a better system - any system - for organization; if time seems to disappear, or you often feel rushed; if you lose control of your desk or spend what seems like too much of your time sorting, stacking, and sorting

Looking to improve your skills as a manager, supervisor or business owner? We’ll help you out. Learn what it takes to be a strong leader and watch your staff grow into a motivated, productive team.

Every week here at OfficeArrow, I scrub the web looking for great tips and fabulous resources so you don't have to! It can be a chore, slogging through all the junk out there. Let me save you time and energy. Stop by every Friday and pick up

Every week here at OfficeArrow, I scrub the web looking for great tips and fabulous resources so you don't have to! It can be a chore, slogging through all the junk out there. Let me save you time and energy. Stop by every Friday and pick up

Every week here at OfficeArrow, I scrub the web looking for great tips and fabulous resources so you don't have to! It can be a chore, slogging through all the junk out there. Let me save you time and energy. Stop by every Friday and pick up

Productivity is the buzzword of the moment. Everyone wants to get more done in less time. Now, you really can! This technique will help you collect your to-do items in an efficient way, making productivity easy.

No matter what your definition of career success, there are some basic skills that can help anyone achieve their goals. Learn forty things you can do today to help you make your career dreams a reality.

You've thought about the type of promotional items you're looking for and you're ready to make decisions. Where do you start? 1. Never done this before? You should start with recommendations from friends or co-workers. The best advertising

Every week here at OfficeArrow, I scrub the web looking for great tips and fabulous resources so you don't have to! It can be a chore, slogging through all the junk out there. Let me save you time and energy. Stop by every Friday and pick up

No matter what we do, we only have a limited supply of time (and who couldn’t use a little more?). Learn how to make the most of what you have by managing it well.

It’s a jungle out there. What can you do to be better equipped on the job? Create a survival guide, of course! Discover the ultimate tool for surviving at the office and be ready for anything.

You’ve all probably backed up your computer, but have you considered backing up other important things, like tasks and conversations within the office? Discover a new way to stay organized at work: a Back Up File for all of those details you don’t want to lose track of at work.

Look around your desk, office, house. You have promotional items staring at you from every corner, don't you? The pen you're using, mouse pad, calendar, paper clip dispenser, frame that holds your kids' picture, your key ring, magnets on your

Can you turn the simplest thing into a crazy complicated mess? If so, you may be guilty of being an over-complicator. Learn more about your condition and how to make the best of it.

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘change’? Some fear it and others accept it as a sign of opportunity. Change in the workplace is natural, although it can be challenging at times. What do you think of when you hear the word ‘change’? Some fear it and others accept it as a sign of opportunity. Change in the workplace is natural, although it can be challenging at times. What do you think of when you hear the word ‘change’? Some fear it and others accept it as a sign of opportunity. Change in the workplace is natural, although it can be challenging at times. Explore some tips for managing and embracing change instead of resisting and fearing it.

Job burnout is not uncommon. But it is preventable. By being aware of what it is and what steps you can take in order to correct or eliminate it, you can improve your performance and beat job burnout. Here’s some information to help you avoid potential burnout before it even starts.

If you keep telling yourself, “I’ll do it later,” then you might have a little problem with procrastination. While the emotions behind putting things off are real and deep, it’s probably not very productive. Discover ways to overcome procrastination in 4 easy steps.

Thing aren’t always as they appear. Sometimes, a disorganized office can be perfectly functional while a beautiful, immaculate one can be completely inefficient. So don’t fool yourself! Take a closer look at your systems, beneath the surface level appearance, and see if your setup is really working for you.

Marketing your company’s products and services through email is an inexpensive way to reach a lot of people. But how do you go about obtaining email addresses and getting permission to use them? Building your email list is challenging but we’ve got some helpful tips to get you going!

Looking to get more from your brain? Brainstorming in business is essential. Check out the latest and greatest tools to help you generate new ideas (and track their implementation) throughout the life of your projects.

As most of you know, the OfficeArrow website is an enormous treasure chest of information. But there’s so much; it’s easy to miss some of the best stuff! So, we’re digging up some of our “oldies but goodies” and exposing our hidden treasures.

As we enter the New Year, many of us have resolved to get more done. Our resident productivity expert shares her three essential rules for getting (and staying) on top of your game.

Working outside of the office is becoming much more common these days. With modern technology, most of us can accomplish our work from anywhere with just a few basic pieces of equipment. If you’re telecommuting, or considering getting started, we have five essential tools that will help boost your productivity.

If you’re struggling with an overwhelming amount of calls, it’s time to get organized. Using a message pad alone is simply not efficient call management. Check out the ultimate organizational tool for incoming communication and grab our template to get started.

If your supervisor has ever asked you to conduct research to answer a question about a particular topic, even something as simple as what will the weather be like in another city next week, you understand how important it is to know how to conduct research. Here is the first of a two-part article that will provide you some tips on how to track down research data.

As most of you know, the OfficeArrow website is an enormous treasure chest of information. But there’s so much; it’s easy to miss some of the best stuff! So, we’re digging up some of our “oldies but goodies” and exposing our hidden treasures.

Tasks that take more time than employees have available can cause enormous stress in the office. While these kinds of projects are nearly impossible to complete on time, they’re even more impossible to avoid. Learn a few simple ways to constructively deal with these deadlines and make the impossible possible.

As most of you know, the OfficeArrow website is an enormous treasure chest of information. But there’s so much; it’s easy to miss some of the best stuff! So, we’re digging up some of our “oldies but goodies” and exposing our hidden treasures.

If your reception is a disaster area, you might be giving the wrong impression of your company. Creating an inviting atmosphere for you clients takes thought and effort. Use these tips for turning your reception area from drab to fab.

It’s no secret that we’re all experiencing tough economic times. But marketing is still an essential part of growing a business. So, how do you effectively use your marketing dollars these days? We’ve got some helpful ideas.

Are you considering joining forces with a friend to create a business? Be careful! This can be a disaster waiting to happen. Learn what you need to consider before making the jump.

Got Cards? Business cards, that is. These hand held billboards are vital marketing tools for any business. Today we'll show you why you need them, how to create yours quickly and inexpensively, and what to do with them once you have them.

You reach for the jobs section of your local newspaper and sigh. Another employer is seeking candidates with “strong time-management and organization skills?” Ugh. How are you supposed to learn these traits? Perhaps it’s time to take a trip down memory lane and cover some key lessons taught in kindergarten. Chances are that you learned the basics of these skills before you could even ride a bike.

Are you an office superhero? Do you fight the organizational chaos that occurs around every corner in the workplace? If so, you know how important it is to have the best tools at your disposal. American Folder Company makes our superhero duties a little easier. Learn how they’re supporting you and take advantage of their special offer.

Ask most employees, and they will likely tell you that they would love to telecommute. After all, what can be better than working in the comforts of your own home? However, this practice can have its downsides, too. Read on to learn the pros and cons of working from home.

Does your company go above and beyond for your customers? The way you treat your clients when they’re upset can make or break your business. Explore these techniques for dealing with customer complaints.

The American English language can be very confusing. And while there are certain memorable tips – “i before e except after c” – mostly it is a matter of studying hard and remembering the rules. Here are some of the more confusing grammar and punctuation errors, and tips for how to avoid them.

Looking for a way to get your product in front of the masses? Direct marketing might be the answer to increasing sales. Learn about this dynamic method of marketing and how it can work for your business.

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of office life and put your priority tasks on the backburner. But, one way to combat this situation is to rework your morning routine and delay answering e-mails. Learn how to maximize the “Hour of Power” and watch your productivity levels soar.

These days, most of us are running low on time and money. But the email marketing experts over at VerticalResponse have some good news! You can create an effective, profitable email campaign in just thirty minutes! Surprised? Learn a few simple tricks that will save you some serious time.

The purpose of a flow chart is to visually illustrate a step-by-step process. If you’re guiding someone through a series of tasks, a flow chart can effectively demonstrate how a process works. Learn how to utilize this extremely beneficial tool.

Whether you’re at home, in the office or work from a home office, saving money is a top priority in today’s ecomony. So, it’s important to examine your current processes and assess whether there’s a better way to do them. Learn eight beneficial tips to help you save money at your home or office.

If you’re wondering how your organization stacks up against the competition, then it’s time to conduct a competitive analysis. This can help you understand your place in the market, competitive advantages and disadvantages, and available resources and priorities. Stay ahead of the game by utilizing this highly beneficial tool.

This week marks the beginning of National Cleaning Week. Are you keeping that New Year’s resolution to stay organized? As a follow-up to the Messy Desk contest last November, post before and after pictures of your newly clutter-free work spaces – and win!

Oops! Something went wrong, and now a customer is upset. Whether it was a miscommunication, a poorly trained employee, or something else entirely, you now have to solve the problem and save the relationship. Read on to learn how to handle this situation.

Ah, springtime: Breezy walks in the park, fragrant flowers adorning your garden, shopping for a new wardrobe and ….cleaning! If “spring cleaning” sends you into a tizzy, our Productivity Guru is here to help. Read on to learn how to effectively organize your file cabinet and eliminate the junk!

Looking for a professional mantra to help you maintain focus? Maybe it’s time that you “mind the gap.” Our productivity guru explains why it’s crucial to evaluate gaps and inconsistencies in our lives – and how we can fight against them.

Assess the effectiveness of your next meeting by using this evaluation form. It's easy to customize and very helpful!

For help making your meeting great, check out these articles: How to Avoid an Unprofitable Meeting and How to Make Any Meeting More Productive.

As if there wasn’t enough stress at the airport with security checks, making sure you’ve remembered everything can occupy your mind when you need to focus on the business for which you are traveling. Follow this easy checklist on what to pack for a business trip.

For more help organizing and preparing for travel, read 24 Things You Might Not Think About When You Travel and The Art of Packing: Keep it Simple.

This incredibly helpful checklist helps you organize for a trade show from beginning to end. It even breaks out when to start certain tasks. Give it a try the next time your company decides to set up a booth at a trade show. It'll save you tons of time and stress!

For even more help, be sure to read How to Successfully Organize for a Trade Show.

This template was provided by OA member GeeBee, who says: 

"This form can be used and modified to help businesses determine if their meetings are effective (i.e. run appropriately, correct information is being disseminated, discussions are effective and decisions are being made). It can even help determine if the type of meeting is required at all! I have used some version of this form for years (over 25). I believe this is also a great tool to use especially if you are training, including outside presenters or taking your meeting outside of your normal office environment...

"I make reference to Ground Rules on the scorecard. Ground Rules are the code of conduct that each business puts in place to ensure effective meetings. They can be simple or as defined as required. Some quick examples of common ground rules: start and finish on time, come prepared, stay on track and avoid lengthy discussions, be open and honest, leave with one voice, turn off cell phones and PDAs."

For some tips on running a more effective meeting, check out How to Make Any Meeting More Productive and Keep Your Meeting on Track.

Use this delegation log to keep track of projects and who you've delegated them to.

Use the priority matrix to help you weigh the importance of each task against the amount of effort it will take. 

Begin by plotting the problem, frequency, importance and feasibility of the task. Let each person involved in the project rank each task. 

Tally each tasks vote to determine what the priority should be.

Use our memo template for inter office memorandums. Simply fill your information out according to the instructions on the sheet for a no fuss office memo.

Fill out your information on this free fax cover sheet to get your faxes out fast.

Use our handy recycle sign to post next to your bins or on the wall for your employees to see. 

Laminate it for extended use and to reduce waste.

An RFP (or Request for Proposal) is a document you send to potential vendors and/or service providers. These providers will then supply you with a proposal and your company can make an informed decision. An RFP should outline your project needs and requirements. It should also clearly identify the information you are requesting from the company. For more on what should be included, read What is an RFP? 


This template provides a general outline to follow when creating an RFP. Customize it and add sections as needed for your specific project.

Tip: You can also use our Vendor/Service Provider Rejection letter for those who have submitted declined RFPs to your company.

Use this document to help you make accurate and complete notes after verbally addressing a performance issue with an employee. Even though the problem is not being written up in a formal warning, you still need to ensure proper documentation is taking place – for your own protection and the protection of your company as well.

For some helpful hints on how to handle this process, check out Managing People: Addressing Performance Issues - Yes, It's Hard. 

And if things don't improve, you may need to read How to Terminate an Employee. Let's hope things don't go that far...

Use this memo template as a guide for providing an employee with a written warning regarding performance issues. This helps you go step-by-step through defining the problem, the prior warnings, the necessary steps for resolution, and the consequences for not improving.

For some helpful hints on how to handle this process, check outManaging People: Addressing Performance Issues - Yes, It's Hard. 

If things don't improve, you may also need this article: How to Terminate an Employee. Let's hope it doesn't go that far...

When you begin a project, it's important to hedge any potential issues that may slow the completion of that project. Use this risk log to manage potential problems within a project.

Make sure your press release gets seen and not trashed. Use this template to ensure you’re using the correct format and you’ll look like a pro!

For more help, be sure to read these articles as well: 
Writing a Successful Press Release
Press Release: Good Distribution is Key 
Preparing for the Press

This activity log template is an account of how you spend each and every minute of your day. 

Without altering any behavior, write down what each minute of your day is spent on. Once you've done this for a few days, analyze your log to determine what jobs are time wasters and use it to help you better manage your activities throughout the day.

If you’re interested in setting up a new home office for business purposes, this checklist will help get you going. Use this form to determine what space most appropriately meets your needs and what supplies you’ll need to get working. This checklist also helps you organize your day effectively – a difficult task when working in a new space.

Also, be sure to check out these articles to help you get your new office organized: 

How to Set Up a Home Office 

10 Tips for Organizing Your Desk.

Use our handy purchase order template to keep track of purchases being made within your organization. Simply insert your company logo to make it your own.

Use this checklist to fully stock your supply closet.

Use our office exercise log to document exercises and repetitions that can be done at your desk. Use our recommendations or create your own routine.

Once you've downloaded the log, be sure to read the article Office Exercises to Decrease the Aches, Pains, and Strains
to help get you started.

Use this handy Project Management Worksheet to organize and track all of the details associated with important projects. From scheduling to constraints and risks, you will cover all of the bases with this helpful template. Simply fill in the blanks and complete your project with ease.

Now that you've got the worksheet, don't miss our articles Manage Projects with Wrike and Project Management Simplified.

Use this sample review to prepare for your real one. While your company's review may differ from ours, it's meant to help you brainstorm your accomplishments and focus on articulating your skills and abilities.

Don't forget to check out our articles Performance Reviews: Are You Prepared to Get a Raise? and It’s Annual Review Time!

Print out and place our collections checklist near your phone or computer to refer to often. Simply use it as a reminder to the steps to take to make effective collections.

Once you've downloaded the checklist, read our related articles:

 Tips for Effective Collections 

Past Due: Collections Made Easy

Ergonomics is the science of adapting the job and/or equipment and the employee to each other for optimal safety and productivity. Use this checklist to evaluate your current office ergonomics. Then, configure your office according to its recommendations.

We hope it never happens, but if you become a victim of identity theft, there's a laundry list of procedures to follow. Use this checklist to ensure you contact the appropriate parties to take your life back.

Be sure to check out our related articles:

In the News: LifeLock Unlocked

 8 Tips You Need for Traveling with a Computer.

Protect yourself from identity theft by using this handy checklist to ensure you're properly safeguarding your accounts online.

Be sure to check out our related articles:

In the News: LifeLock Unlocked

8 Tips You Need for Traveling with a Computer.

Use this checklist to make your office green.

Now that you've got the checklist, read our articles 

Unique Gift Ideas for Your Next Big Event

Environmentally Conscious Events: 15 Ways to Make Your Next Meeting Green

Green Meetings: What Are They and Are They Really Green?

Green Your Office: It's Not About Redecorating

Use this as a grocery list to pick up healthy snacks for your office.

Read our article Healthy Snacks to Fight the Afternoon Blahs and How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Moving an office is a huge project. Use our checklist to help you organize and execute the move.

Once you've downloaded the checklist, read our articles:

Relocate Your Office Without a Hitch
6 Essentials for a Smooth Office Relocation.

When an employee decides to leave your company, an exit interview can be a helpful way to determine what happened. Use this document for a face-to-face meeting. The questions are open-ended to encourage discussion. If mailing to the former employee, use the Employment Exit Survey form instead.

For help with the difficult task of letting an employee go, check out How to Terminate an Employee.

This cover letter should accompany an employment exit survey sent to a former employee. Customize as needed.

For assistance with the difficult task of letting an employee go, check out How to Terminate an Employee.

This questionnaire can be mailed to former employees. The questions are concise and limited, not as extensive as the ones included in the in-person interview. Be sure to also include the cover letter (Request for Exit Interview).

If you need help with the difficult task of letting an employee go, check out How to Terminate an Employee.

This document will help streamline travel requests in your company or department. Employees can use this form to specify the purpose of travel and the requirements (such as hotel, flight, rental car, etc). Once approval is obtained, the form can be passed to the appropriate party for making arrangements. Keep on file for future reference.

For help organizing travel arrangements, check out these articles:5 Questions the First Time Travel Arranger Should Ask and Help for the First Time Business Traveler.

Keeping your client’s happy is a necessary part of business. One of the most powerful ways to find out what your customer’s are thinking is to simply ask them. A survey is an easy and effective tool to help you collect valuable data. 

This pre-designed survey can be used to access your client’s feelings on quality of service.

For help improving your customer service, check out these articles:The 7 C's of Customer Service and 10 Tips for Excellent Customer Service.

Have you ever wondered what your clients really think about your product? Why not ask them? This pre-designed survey helps you access your customer’s satisfaction with the quality and value of your company’s product(s).

For help improving your customer service, check out these articles:10 Tips for Excellent Customer Service and The 7 C's of Customer Service.

If you’re sending out a survey to your clients, use this cover letter to explain the purpose and offer your contact information. This gives the customer a direct request for feedback, making them much more likely to respond, and also provides the ability to speak to an individual if they so desire.

For more help improving your customer service, check out these articles: The 7 C's of Customer Service and 10 Tips for Excellent Customer Service.

Use this document to streamline your process for check requests. Once the form is completed and approval obtained, the A/P department can issue the check based on the instructions provided. Keep on file for future reference.

For more help handling your office accounting, check out the following articles: 

Accounting Software Review 

So I have an Accounting Software Program: Now What?

Use this template the next time you conduct a job interview. It will help you stay consistent with your questions and keep you on track. Use only the questions appropriate for your candidate and the desired position.

Also, be sure to check out the following articles to help you find the right candidates for your job search and conduct a successful interview once you do:

Internet Job Postings: How to Find Quality Candidates

Interviewing Tips for Managers.

Thinking of starting a company newsletter? Use this checklist to help get you started.

Read our article Start a Company Newsletter for more information.

Excellent customer service is a science. Use this checklist to make sure you're using proven customer service skills in your business.

Be sure to read our articles 10 Tips for Excellent Customer Serviceand The 7 C's of Customer Service.

Use this form to keep track of employee requests for time off.

Use this form to streamline supply orders within your company.

Use this work order for either your customers or your vendors.

Use this checklist to help you plan your company golf tournament.

Microsoft Keyboard Shortcut Cheat Sheet (Word)

Use this checklist to help you prepare everything from your office to your luggage before leaving on a business trip.

This form is a requirement under the UK Mangmt of Safety Regs. Whilst it is aimed mainly at safety, it may also be used for risks to the company in a business sense where a SWOT analysis can be limited in as much it doesn't show how to correct a problem or who is to follow through to completion.

Use this form to help organize your company's participation in a tradeshow. It's also great to share with those who won't be attending for a step by step look at how it will all go down.

Use this evaluation form to fill out after you complete your tradeshow. Then, use it to help you prepare for the next by keeping tabs on what was done and mistakes to avoid.

Use this meeting evaluation form to give to your attendees after a meeting. Then, review the data received and make improvements on your planning.

As part of your emergency guide, download this Bomb Threat Evaluation form to keep under your phone. In the event that a threat happens, fill it out as completely as possible and give it to the authorities. Do not endanger yourself or others in trying to attain this information, but use it as a means to assess the situation.

Let's face it: emergencies happen. And when they happen at the workplace, it can be a real challenge. Maintaining an up-to-date Emergency Contact List for every employee is extremely important. Have everyone review their information on an annual basis and keep both paper and electronic copies.Though emergencies are never fun, having this information can make the process a lot easier to handle. 

This PDF is a form so you can send it via email, ask everyone to fill it out and send it back electronically. You can then print the forms and store them in an easy to access place, and also save them to a file on your computer for safe keeping.

Also, be sure to read our article on Updating Emergency Contactsfor more info on this important topic!

Using task batching is a great way to group your tasks with like items. Read our article "Accomplish More with Task Batching" to get more information on task batching and use this template to help create a schedule.

Use this form to replenish your petty cash for your department.

Use this checklist to create your Office in a Box. Use the box whenever you travel to make sure you're never without everything you need from your office.

Use the paired comparison analysis when the details of a project are somewhat vague and you need help prioritizing the pieces.

Start by listing the tasks you are looking to prioritize. Then, assign them a letter. Compare each of them in a column and row. Two by two, assign them a number of importance. You should be able to see a clear prioritization of tasks.

A functional resume format highlights skills and abilities rather than the chronology of your work experience. Fill in your information and submit to companies you want to work for.

Once you've downloaded the template, checkout our articles 10 Tips To Help You Write Your Resume and How to Write a Cover Letter to help you get started.

Print this cheat sheet out and hang it in your cube for quick reference on Microsoft keyboard shortcuts.

Learn more about keyboard shortcuts with our articles Keyboard Shortcuts for Word Documents and Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows XP.

Follow this checklist to get the most out of business networking opportunities.

Once you've got our checklist, read our articles The Benefits of Joining a Networking Group, Using Online Social Networking to Grow Your Business, Strike Up a Conversation at a Business Event and Networking and Business Development for Administrative Professionals.

This checklist is perfect for an HR director or anyone mentoring a new employee. Simply use it as a list of all things that should be discussed or reviewed with the new employee. Customize it to fit your specific needs.

Use this simple form to ensure travel planning is organized and within established company guidelines. Those requesting travel should fill out the required information, obtain appropriate approval, and provide to the travel planner. Works well for both one-stop trips and multi-city planning. This form is fully customizable.

Use this drill down chart to help you manage the pieces of your project. Follow the easy instructions to fill in the components of your project and to estimate the time each will take. This will help you stay on task and effectively manage your time.

Use our agenda template for your next meeting. Simply fill it out using the instructions on the sheet to keep your next meeting on task and on time.

Need help writing a business letter with the proper formatting? Look no further! Customize this template by adding the appropriate information and print it on company letterhead - then you're all set!

For more help with your professional correspondence, check out these articles: 5 Steps for More Professional Writing and How to Write a Business Letter.

This fully functional spreadsheet makes it easy to fill out your expense report each month. Simply insert your company logo to make your own.

Use this letter to professionally submit your notification of resignation. Customize it and adjust as needed. 

Be sure to read our related articles:

How to Write a Letter of Resignation

How to Quit without Burning Bridges

Conquer the 2 Week Jitters

When you work 40, 50, 60 or even 70 hours a week, the only thing on your mind at the end of the day is to fall into a comfortable bed and sleep. But, what a waste of your personal time! That’s why it’s so critical to incorporate balance into your life and ensure that you spend an equal amount of your waking hours fulfilling personal goals.

Whether you’re setting up a new filing system or just trying to maximize the efficiency of the one you’ve got, this comprehensive guide offers everything you need to get the job done. Learn how to manage your paper with simple solutions that will change the way you think of filing – from storage to retrieval to finding that mysterious “missing” file.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your task load? Maybe the problem isn’t how much, but rather, how you’re managing it. Task management begins with determining your priorities. Do you have a strategy in place? Let us show you some proven techniques for how to prioritize a heavy work load, while inspiring you to think creatively along the way.

Today’s business world places more importance than ever on traditional business writing. Regardless of what you’re writing – whether it’s an e-mail, a memo, or a comprehensive annual report – the same basic principles apply. In part one of this series, learn how to communicate better in three simple steps.

The ability to produce well-written business documents is a key contributor to career success. This series provides a step-by-step guide to help you produce high-quality business materials that demonstrate your professionalism. In this article, learn how to create an effective message and keep your readers focused.

Do you routinely peruse Facebook and Twitter during office hours? Well, according to a new Microsoft® study, social-networking sites may actually boost your job productivity. Read on to learn more about this surprising research.

In today’s business world, you may find yourself writing memos, reports, emails, and letters on a daily basis. Do you know how to adapt your writing technique for each different form of communication? In the final installment of this series, you’ll learn the specific do’s and don’ts for each type of document you may encounter.

It’s tough to know if you’ve accomplished what you set out to if you haven’t defined your goal. That’s why creating a personal mission statement can not only help you focus on what you want in life, but it can keep you productively moving in the right direction.

Does your company promote a “team-based” atmosphere? Well, according to a study in a recent issue of the Journal of Applied Psychology, this approach may actually backfire. Read on to learn more about this potentially groundbreaking research.

With so many options or issues to consider, it’s often difficult to make the right decision. So, how do you move past this roadblock? Consider using the “10-10-10” formula for decision-making. Read on to learn more about this life-transforming principle.

Do you dread a particular time or day of the week? Well, according to a United Kingdom-based study, Tuesday at 11:45 a.m. is the most stressful period of the work week. Why? Read on to find out.

You think you’re the hardest-working member of your team. You put in long hours, edit what you do until it’s perfect, and harbor a secret anxiety that the work you do is never good enough. If your perfectionist ways are beginning to weigh you down, learn how to stop the madness in this article.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to make your team be productive. However, you can provide them with the right tools for success. In this informative article, human resources expert Deborah Hildebrand explains 10 ways to increase your team’s productivity. Don’t miss out.

Are we productive because we’re happy or are we happy because we’re productive? Much like the age-old “chicken/egg” dilemma, our Productivity Guru explores this question in this informative article. Don’t miss out.

Remember when you would exchange business cards with someone and then place theirs into your Rolodex? Well, collecting business cards isn’t that straightforward anymore. Now, you have to decide why you’re collecting it (Courtesy?) and what you will do with it afterward (Scan it?).Here are some things to consider when collecting business cards.

Instant messaging at work? What a waste of time! But is it? Technology has always been a big part of our lives, and each new technological tool that becomes part of the everyday landscape has found its way into the workplace - for better or

Wanting to do things correctly is a good attribute. Having to do things correctly to the point that you're unable to let go of a project or issue once it has been solved is not. Although it may seem counterintuitive, perfectionism is one of

Do you feel like you’re constantly rushing from one “obligation” to the next? In the first installment of our Productivity Guru’s series on why less is more, she divulges how to break the habit of busyness. Intrigued? Keep reading…

Do you feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to finish all of the tasks you need to complete? If so, you’re not alone. To squeeze in a little extra time to handle business during your day, here are some helpful tips on getting more done without compromising your work/life balance. Don’t miss out.

In the second installment of this series, our Productivity Goddess shares her secrets to doing less while accomplishing more. What exactly does "more" mean for YOU? Find out!

Always thought multitasking was the way to go? Well, there’s a new school of thought that says serial workflow – completing assignments in order, not simultaneously – will enable you to complete your tasks faster. Learn more about the serial-workflow concept and how it might benefit you.

It’s time to take on new work assignments, but you’re having trouble letting go of your current tasks. Secretly, you feel that no one can live up to your abilities. Or, maybe you just enjoy the work too much to turn it over to someone else. In this article, learn how to delegate like a pro.

OfficeArrow is proud to welcome our newest sponsor: Online invoicing and time tracking service, FreshBooks. Not familiar? Get ready to fall in love. The fan club is already massive. Find out what makes this company fresh and a perfect partner for the OfficeArrow community.

The size of your workspace may limit your options for how you can configure it. However, the way you organize your area can help you be more productive. Read on to learn how to arrange furniture, workflow, and the overall look of your workspace to maximize your efficiency.

Do you have a hard time letting go of things? Perhaps it’s that dress from the ’70s that hasn’t fit you since your 16th birthday; maybe it’s those credit card statements from 10 years ago. Regardless of what you’re holding on to, our Productivity Guru is here to help you purge it. Don’t miss out.

New productivity tools pop up every day, but some of the most beneficial allow entire teams to collaborate simultaneously online. Learn how these collaboration tools work and how to determine which one best suits your needs.

No matter how you spend your day – in an office, factory, at school or at home – it’s important that you incorporate regular breaks into your schedule. So, just how important is it? Read on to find out.

Are you trying to separate your work from your life? It's probably a losing endeavor! The newest trend is the "integrated lifestyle." Learn how to take work-life balance to a whole new level.

Online collaboration tools offer dozens of ways to manage your workflow, both internally and externally. Discover how you can use online collaboration to organize tasks and more efficiently complete them, whether working on your own or in a team.

Could you be putting a damper on your productivity by uttering one of two simple phrases? In this informative article, our Productivity Guru divulges which dangerous phrases to avoid and how to overcome the problem with clutter. (Hint: Think “FAT.”) Keep reading!

Online invoicing provides a streamlined process for managing your billing process. This solution is ideal for small businesses that find themselves spending hours a month managing invoicing and relying on tools like Word or Excel that were never really designed for that job. See what online billing is all about.

Are you stuck in a perfectionist mindset? You could be limiting your success and productivity because of it. Communications Consultant, Michelle Burke, highlights some of the important reasons to embrace imperfection and shares strategies for how to go about doing it.

We're in the age of SUPER multi-tasking and keeping up requires the right tools. If you're still chained to your desk because of phone calls, it's time to free yourself. Our new sponsor enables new levels of productivity in the office, and we're putting their products to the test!

How can a hands-free headset change your customer service? It's surprisingly simple. We'll show you how to boost customer confidence over the phone by breaking free of your desk.

Do you feel like you're always taking one step forward and three steps back, while your responsibilities pile higher and higher? It may be time to re-examine how you handle your workload in order to determine where time is being wasted and how to improve your overall efficiency.

Are you concerned about your organizational system, wondering if it's the "right" thing to be doing? Our productivity expert provides you with a quick checklist to help you determine if your system is a keeper.

Are you providing the kind of service that inspires customers to tell their friends about you and your company? "Good" doesn't cut it. You've got to be exceptional. Learn how to generate positive buzz by connecting with customers in new and innovative ways.

Do you find yourself stuck on the phone all day, unable to accomplish anything? It's time to start multi-tasking! Free up those hands and get more done. But first, learn the do's and don'ts of being productive while on the phone.

Have you been struggling to get organized but it just hasn't "clicked" yet? Are you trying to be more productive but it's just not happening? We all have our own personal productivity puzzle and, when one piece is missing, we're unable to achieve peak performance. Presented by Sara Caputo of Radiant Organizing, this webinar explores the critical components that make up your productivity puzzle and helps you figure out what's been missing once and for all.

For many businesses, bookkeeping can be a time sink. It seems like you spend more hours managing invoices and expenses than actually working. However, with the right system, you can almost instantly bring your bookkeeping under control.

Have you ever stopped to consider how your work moves? It's a process that should flow naturally but few take the time determine the best, most effective method. Learn how to create an organized workflow system to maximize your productivity.

It’s difficult enough to get everything done during the day. If you're overly tired due to lack of sleep, you're likely to find yourself and your productivity nodding off. To make sure you have the right level of energy to successfully meet your commitments and obligations, make sure you do what you need to do to get a good night of rest.

Not a natural-born organizer? Don't give up hope! With the right tools and a little discipline, learning how to organize is something anyone can do. Find out what it takes to get organized and then, take the DIY personality quiz to see where you land on the organizational scale.

It's the most familiar pose you'll see in any office. Cradling the handset between shoulder, neck and chin, office professionals sacrifice their personal health and well-being for the sake of productivity. Well, now there's a better way. It's time to save your neck.

Launching applications, finding files and handling certain basic tasks can add to the time it takes for you to handle even a simple assignment on your computer. Learn how to speed up these actions and use your computer more efficiently with a customized launch bar.