Article by Libby Huffman: The Rail Way or the Wrong Way?

Templates2 by Libby Huffman: Request for Time Off Form (Word)

Article by Libby Huffman: The Pros and Cons of Using an Employment Agency for Temporary Staff

by Deborah S. Hildebrand: When Your Boss is a World-Wide Traveler: Managing You and Him

Part 2 of this series will focus on prioritizing your workload. Explore the many methods of determining what tasks are the most critical to accomplish and use our handy tools to shape up your to-do list.

So, you've finally been upgraded to Office 2007 and those new menus are driving you nuts! Good news: you're not alone. If you're looking to go back in time and view your menus in the old 2003 format, you actually can. And you don't have to discover time travel to do it.

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.

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.

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.

Headed out on a business trip and not sure what to expect? We have everything you need to know – from documentation to luggage restrictions, we’ll get you there safely and hassle-free, so you can focus on the business at hand.

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!

If you’re coordinating a large business event such as a conference or trade show, you may find yourself in a bit of a time crunch. Working on a tight deadline can be stressful and chaotic, and the outcome of the event will reflect that. Learn some ways strategies to help you use the time you have wisely and produce a flawless, well executed event.

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

Are you inundated with impossible deadlines and ridiculous targets? It can be frustrating to find yourself facing a goal that simply can’t be met. Unrealistic demands can have a negative impact on you and your co-workers. Discover some tips for managing such demands and avoiding the unnecessary stress they bring.

More people than ever before are starting part-time businesses while still keeping their full-time jobs. Not surprisingly, this can be quite a challenge. Check out our article for some great tips on managing your time and planning for success while managing two jobs at once.

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.

A revolving door of employees can be a time drain for any company, it can kill morale, and it confuses customers. You’ve invested the time in training employees, now invest in keeping them. Learn how to hold on to your valuable staff members.

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.

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.

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.

We often find ourselves managing projects through completion without any tools or tricks to help us get there. Finding these problem-solvers is a chore and creating them from scratch takes time. Investigate these helpful templates and tips to accomplish things faster and easier.

Deciphering information you’ve gathered for a project is often difficult without the proper structure and organization. Over time, we accumulate many helpful resources, yet they often get lost in the piles of papers on our desk. Learn to organize and effectively use your existing resources to accomplish your project.

Many people overlook the importance of planning. Each project has many facets that need to be carefully prepared for in order to work through them as effortlessly as possible. Part 4 of this series deals with learning to plan, and using tools and other brainstorming methods to complete tasks thoroughly.

OfficeArrow's First Annual Woman of the Year contest is coming to a close. Don't miss out on this opportunity to nominate yourself or a colleague to be recognized as Woman of the Year. Applications are due by September 19th at 5pm EST. Simply complete the attached application and email to memberadvocate@officearrow.com. Winners will be announced on OfficeArrow.com on September 22nd.

The entrances are chameleons, unobtrusive and merging into the metal background of the steel and noise of the airport. You've heard there's a quiet sanctuary with room to work and unlimited food and drink beyond those doors. From time to time,

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

Clearly defined goals can help us focus on what needs to be done and keep us on track. If you’re not sure how to establish an achievable, helpful goal, we have some tips to get started. Check out our article on the importance of goals and how to set them.

We’ve all heard the famous phrase, “If I only knew then what I know now” and most of us can really identify with that sentiment. We all wish we could go back to our younger selves and give them some no-nonsense advice. Check out this article on 10 life lessons we could all stand to benefit from.

It’s that time of year again. Are you prepared for your annual review? Not sure what you’ll be judged on? We’ve compiled a list of some core competencies that may be used to judge your performance. Use this article to assess where you stand and start taking the steps to get the raise (and praise) you deserve.

Part 3 of this 6-part series deals with sharing your workload with others. Delegating tasks can free you up to handle more important or higher priority projects, and allows your co-workers the opportunity to excel with a diverse workload. Learn effective ways to distribute projects and stay abreast of their progress.

In this 6 part series, we’ll learn how to manage our time effectively and effortlessly. We’ll use tools to help us better prepare. We begin with Libby’s immediate need for finding better ways to handle everything from large projects to everyday tasks. Learn from her experiences in this comprehensive guide.

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.

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.

Have you been struggling at work for a long time? Maybe you’ve tried to improve your situation and things just aren’t getting better. We’ll help you determine when it’s an appropriate time to make that big decision to change jobs.

Becoming a part-time employee requires a totally different approach than being a full-time one for various reasons. It may be hard to adjust to getting more done in less time. Explore these suggestions for coping with part-time work and what may seem like impossible deadlines.

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

Oh, your aching back! Give your body a break and toss that tired old chair. Not sure if the chair is really to blame? Take a look at these five main factors that will help you determine if a new one is needed.

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.

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.

Time is truly the most precious natural resource – and it’s in limited supply! With all of the daily demands put on you by work and life in general, it can be hard to accomplish the things you really want to do. You have to manage the time you have to the best of your ability. We’ve got a few suggestions for how to prioritize and gain control of your life, one minute at a time.

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.

Most of us use a wide variety of computer programs throughout the day. Instead of opening and closing them over and over again, we usually just minimize, creating a long line of labeled boxes at the bottom of our computer screens. This can be a bulky, cluttered way of handling Windows. But, as you might guess, our tech expert has a tool to make your life easier.

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.

If your office is a mess and you can’t possibly find the time to clean it, you may need help. After all, the way your business looks is a reflection of your product and services. Explore the benefits of hiring a cleaning service and how to do it with ease.

Tired of the same old airports? If you’re lucky enough to fly out of these places, you’re sure to have a little fun. Explore the best airports in the country and why they are so fantastic.

Do you call your time off a working vacation? You may be missing out on great fun. Discover ways to get the most out of your time off and enjoy the holidays.

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!

Business travel is costly in every sense of the word – from airfare to hotel stays; these days, it’s hard to justify such expense. Unfortunately, the credit card bill only gives you one piece of the picture. A huge part that is often overlooked is the cost of lost time. In this article, we’ll show you how to estimate the real cost of travel.

Business travel is costly in every sense of the word – from airfare to hotel stays; these days, it’s hard to justify such expense. Unfortunately, the credit card bill only gives you one piece of the picture. A huge part that is often overlooked is the cost of lost time. In this article, we’ll show you how to estimate the real cost of travel.

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.

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.

Think of all the time and money you waste driving back and forth to the office. Sure, you have to get there, but you do have other options. We’ve compiled a list of alternatives to help you find some more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly modes of transportation. Check it out and shake up your commute!

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.

In this second part of our two-part series, you will now find out how to take the data that you’ve gathered, analyze it and come up with an answer to the question(s) you asked at the beginning of your search. Here are some helpful tips on how to analyze research data.

Effective employee training is a critical component of a business’s success. Depending on your needs, a webcast may provide you with a perfect opportunity to save a little cash in your training budget. We’ll explore the difference between in-person training and webcasts, and we’ll help you determine which one is appropriate for your needs.

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.

It’s perhaps the most important skill we all have to learn: How to manage our time. We’re celebrating National Take Back Your Time week by asking our readers, “What’s your favorite time management tool?” Share and you could win time for yourself at the spa of your choice.

Here at OfficeArrow, we’ve received some great tips and tools from our recent Time Management contest where we asked, “What’s your favorite time management tool?” As always, it was very difficult to pick a winner. Read on to find out if it’s you!

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.

Stepping off the plane in a different time zone can feel like walking around in a dream. Jet lag can make you tired, emotional, and mentally groggy. But you don’t have to be a victim. Take our advice on how to overcome the lag of jet setting.

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.

The tiniest clerical error can make your business travel a nightmare. Even the most experienced voyager can make a mistake. Check out the most common mishaps and how you can steer clear.

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.

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.

You work long hours at your job and, when you get home from work, all you want to do is take off your shoes and relax. Is that so wrong? Absolutely not! In fact, here are five ways to pamper yourself after a stressful day at the office.

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.

Are you a chronic “double-booker?” Do you constantly find yourself running from one social or work engagement to another? And, does the whole process of overextending yourself exhaust you? If so, learn easy ways to stop the vicious cycle of double-booking and just say “no” once in a while.

Are you using your desktop like it’s a filing cabinet? If so, it’s time to take some steps towards getting your space in order. The office supply experts at Quill have a few recommendations to help you get things under control. From paperwork to unnecessary clutter, you’ll learn what to do with all that stuff!

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.

Every week here at OfficeArrow, we 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 us save you time and energy. Stop by every Friday and pick up your cheat sheet of all the great stuff we’ve found around the Web in the last seven days!

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.

You’re a working parent trying to balance your career, care for your family, and maintain your sanity. If it sometimes feels like a juggling act, you’re not alone. And, you’re not alone in wanting to find ways to make it all work. Learn some helpful tips on how to balance your career and children.

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!

Most of us regularly rely on our mouse to click away at daily PC tasks. But did you know that your keyboard could be your best productivity friend? Learn how to maximize your keyboard with your own shortcuts.

Have you ever wondered what a macro truly is, how it works, and how you can build one in Microsoft® Excel? If so, then read this informative article to learn more.

Finding a profession that you’re passionate about is crucial to your happiness and success. But, what happens if you come across a job you love, only to realize that there are limitations to your professional mobility? Learn whether your current position has you on the right path or a downward slope.

If your daily grind includes repeatedly performing the same tasks in Microsoft Word®, then you need something to simplify your processes. Read on to learn how Word macros may make your life easier and productivity soar.

How is it already 3 p.m.? Didn’t you just get into the office? And what have you accomplished? If your time-management skills need some improvement, check out these helpful computer programs to ensure that you get the most out of your day and stay on task.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OfficeArrow eNewsletter 38 - Customer Dissatisfaction_ Is good service extinct

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!

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.