Interested in starting a business? Determining the proper structure for your new company can be a complicated matter. Learn more about the different business types and the tax implications associated with each.

Sometimes, you just can’t say everything you’d like to say, especially in the workplace. This article shows you how biting your tongue can be a useful communication technique and offers advice for when (and how) to do it without going crazy.

Employee turnover costs small businesses millions each year. One method of retaining employees is to ensure that they are engaged in their work. Besides keeping your team in place, your company's bottom line may improve as well.

The details involved in planning large events or meetings can make even the most organized person feel like they are going to lose their mind. Keep your head on straight with these simple planning tips.

Part 2 of this series will focus on setting up and marketing your product efficiently at a tradeshow. Because this crucial step is multi-faceted, important pieces are often overlooked. Here, we'll learn to execute the tradeshow flawlessly.

Think your desk is your ally? It may be telling others that you’re sleeping on the job. Take our quiz to find what your heaping piles of work and endless knick-knacks say about you.

Have you seen the acronym CMP but wondered what it means? Or maybe you’re just looking for a one-stop shop to help you plan your next company meeting? The Complete Meeting Package may be your answer. Learn how it can be used to make your life easier and stretch your budget to

In a perfect world, every idea we have would be met with accolades in the office. Considering that the world is an imperfect place, we’re often faced with feelings of failure when our thoughts and opinions are dismissed. Learn to cope with rejection from your co-workers and superiors, and get your head back in the game.

These days, everything about travel is stressful, including the packing. With all of these new restrictions and additional fees, is there anything you can do to lighten your load? Of course there is! We’ve got some simple strategies to make packing a breeze.

Looking for ways to make your printing pop? Not sure where to begin? Check out these cool methods to make your printing stand out from the rest.

The business world has been buzzing about the 80/20 Rule but what is it and how can you apply it to your life? A Brief History The 80/20 Rule, or Pareto Principle as it is sometimes called, was discovered in 1906 by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. Pareto discovered that 80% of the land in Italy and other countries he surveyed was owned by 20% of the population. He also found that he could apply this principle to other areas of his life.

If you’re looking to move on from your current job, it’s easy to forget your obligations. You can’t count on your next position working out forever, so it’s important to maintain the relationships you’ve made. Learn ways to soften the blow of quitting your job and leave yourself with future opportunities.

Ok, so not everyone loves their job as much as we do. But how do you handle a superior who can’t stand being in the office? If you’re not careful, your boss’s frustration could really impact your work. But you don’t have to let it! Explore some ways to handle this difficult situation.

If you’ve got constant aches, pains or other health issues the culprit may be right in front of you. Believe it or not, your job can create serious health problems. Discover what types of work related health problems can occur and what you can do to prevent them.

We all want more from our jobs, but how do we go about getting it? Some organizations offer raises on an annual basis just for being at your desk each day. Others require a little persuasion. Explore the art of negotiation and how to use it to get what you deserve.

If you’ve got your passwords strewn around the office or worse yet, use the same one for each account…shame on you. Organizing your passwords is a security measure that’s just as important as activating your home security system. Learn methods to keep your passwords safe and easy to find.

Let’s face it: we all have them. But how would you respond in an interview if someone asked you what your weaknesses were? Weaknesses tend to get a bad rap, but they can really give you an advantage in a job interview. Today you’ll discover how to sell your weaknesses and turn them into something positive.

Are you arranging travel for yourself or someone else? Before making a final decision on accommodations, asking a few simple questions can help prevent major problems. Find out what you need to consider before making that all important hotel selection.

If you're like the millions of office professionals out there, you likely have someone in your office whose breath you can't seem to escape. Whether it's terrible coffee breath or a case of halitosis is none of our concern. Getting it out of

Believing in yourself and your ideas is a critical part of your success in the office. Although some people do not naturally possess high levels of self-confidence, we have a few suggestions on how to build this important resource and eliminate the self-doubt that may be holding you back.

You’ve looked at your company’s sales and marketing budgets and the numbers are tight. Trade shows may seem out of your reach. Before you cut those earmarked funds completely, check out a few reasons why a trade show just might be a smart investment.

Do you show your co-workers the respect they deserve? Social interaction is an important component of the workplace and it’s important to consider other people in your conduct at the office. Read more for suggestions on minding your manners at work as well as how to deal with disrespectful co-workers.

So, you need to give a slide show without a presenter in attendance. Maybe the presentation will be used at a kiosk at an event (like a trade show or a conference) or maybe you are going to be putting it online so everyone can view it at a time

We would all like to think that our lives will be nothing but smooth sailing through calm, blue (and preferably tropical) waters. However, we live in the real world and only a very few of us ever get to live a charmed life. In fact, it's

Social networks are all the rage these days. From Facebook to MySpace, these online networks can be very effective marketing tools. If you’re just starting out in business, we’ll show you how to make the most of the web and all it has to offer.

This is the first book selected to kick off the OA Book Club and it focuses on the power of positive interactions and how you can create positive emotions for yourself and others. Read more for a review of the book, including key concepts and takeaways, as well as details on the book selected for the month of July.

It's easy to get so absorbed in our day-to-day activities that we forget to focus on our own professional growth and development. But this is such an important part of creating a satisfying career! After all, there's nothing worse than feeling

You don’t have to spend a fortune on marketing. Learn how you can successfully reach your audience and grow your business with a secret weapon that many businesses are overlooking.

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.

Being successful may be less about what you know, and more about how you think. It's all about attitude! Learn how a can-do approach to business just might do the trick for you.

Let’s face it: nothing goes smoothly when you’re traveling. Delays are just a fact of life on the road. If you’re the type to get stressed out and lose all composure when things don’t go your way, we have some advice for keeping your head when the inevitable happens.

Is your office feeling dull and lifeless? Let us show you how to make your workspace invigorating (in a tasteful and professional way of course)! We’ll give you simple suggestions to make your office a comfortable, inviting place you want to be.

The years I spent as an Executive Assistant were some of the most rewarding (and most challenging) years of my career. I had a very strict and conservative boss. He was type A personality, strong willed and sometimes completely intimidating.

Once you’ve selected a speaker for your event, you’ll need to offer some of your own expertise to help them succeed. We have some things you’ll want to make sure you go over with them to ensure the presentation is powerful and appropriate for your audience.

We’ve all been to events and gathered our goody bags. They’re all usually the same: stress ball, pens and t-shirts, all with a company logo. Such generic swag doesn’t usually impress. Explore alternatives to the usual giveaways and learn how they can help your company stand out from the crowd.

Whether you’re organizing a conference, seminar or party, an Excel spreadsheet can be a helpful tool. From calculating and charting budgets to creating mailing lists and inventories, this program can really help you visualize the various components. We’ll show you how to set it up and make it work for you.

Just starting a new job? If the person training you is the same person you’re replacing, you only have a short time to learn the ropes. Learn how to get the most out of your trainer in just a few days.

We’ve covered the individual elements of a good public relations campaign. Now it is time to put it all together. Use our guide to map out your company’s promotions.

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

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!

Looking to impress your boss for his or her birthday but not sure where to begin? Try these tips for making your boss’s birthday special.

With gas prices at an all time high, driving to work day in and day out is becoming costly. While we would all love our employers to approach us with the idea that we should telecommute, it doesn’t happen often. Learn ways to approach your boss and convince them to allow you to work remotely.

So, you’re looking to step up your professional game but don’t know where to start. Going above and beyond the call of duty is a great way to get noticed for your professional strengths. Use these tips to impress your boss and get ahead.

So, you’ve carefully planned your event and used every last penny on making it fabulous. How are you going to get the word out so people actually attend? We’ve got a few tricks for publicizing your event without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking to impress your guest with a fabulous menu but you just don’t have the budget, don’t worry! We’ll help you get rid of the unnecessary fluff and stretch every dollar. You and your guest will get the most out of the money you spend.

How hard can packing really be? If you don’t have a plan of attack, the answer is “very!” Don’t get distracted by overcomplicating the matter. We’ve got a simple, straight-forward guide to make sure you don’t forget a single sock!

Finding it difficult to keep your meetings on point? It happens to everyone, but there are some things you can do to regain focus and ultimately, ensure a successful meeting. Read more for suggestions on keeping track of your thoughts and your meeting. Remember, you can’t ever be too prepared!

Offices parties have bolstered more than a few rumors in the office. The way you conduct yourself at a company event can affect your job as well as your relationships with co-workers, so one must be careful. Heed these words of warning when partying while the company is watching.

There are as many different managing styles, but do you know which one you are? Even if you’re not a manager, it can help to know what the different ones are and how to recognize them. Investigate the traits and effectiveness of each style.

Ok. Don’t panic. Even if you’ve never planned an event before, there’s no need to go crazy in the planning process. Let us show you the basics so you can stop stressing and start getting things organized. We’ve been there, done that.

There's an old saying: 'Attitude is everything'. And it's really true. Did you know that your perspective can actually change your reality? After all, your attitude shows up everywhere: in your words, your tone of voice, your physical look.

So, you’ve been away at a business conference or networking event. Don’t walk into your office without doing a little prep first. We’ll let you know what to expect and how to share your experiences in the best way possible.

once read an interesting statistic about how work effects overall life happiness. It basically said that a good job won't make you happy, but a bad job will make you unhappy. I think this says a lot about how we view jobs. If we hate our

For your next professional event, you’ll want to make sure you’ve brushed up on your business etiquette. Do you know how to properly introduce colleagues? How about appropriate dining manners? Test your skills with some questions we’ve provided – the answers may surprise you.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau can be a fabulous resource to use when coordinating events and/or booking hotels for your company. There are numerous benefits to using a CVB and what’s even better – most of their services are complimentary! Read more for tips on partnering with the local CVB for your next out-of-town event

With an endless list of possible locations for your next company event, it can be difficult to choose the right place. We’ve compiled a list of things you should consider to help narrow down your choice when it comes to site selection.

If you’ve got Microsoft Outlook on your computer, you’ve got access to your own personal assistant, just waiting to help make your life easier. This program can keep you feeling organized and efficient, among other things. Explore some easy ways to make the best use of this tool and even customize Outlook for your distinct needs.

Sure, you’ve got personal morals – they guide you through life. But how about professional ones? What do you value in the workplace and in your career? What guides you? Here, we discuss the importance of professional values, where they come from and how they affect your decision-making.

When you’re on the road, things happen. Bags get lost, flights get delayed and cancelled. But don’t get taken advantage of: know what you deserve and what to expect. As a traveler, you have specific rights to protect.

If you’re headed out on a business trip, don’t forget to pick up those receipts. Most companies reimburse travel for business purposes. However, keeping everything organized and accounted for is sometimes an issue. Learn how to manage your purchases on the road.

In this two part series, we take a look at career success – what it means and how to achieve it. Success isn’t a “one size fits all” kind of thing. In part 1 of this series, you’ll learn how to create your own definition based on who you are and what you want. Your success is your responsibility – no one else can do it for you.

If you’re hitting the road with your boss, there are a few things you should know first. We’ll help you understand travel etiquette when on business with a superior. We’ve got everything you need to know to maintain your professionalism and enjoy the trip.

So you’ve set a goal for yourself. But what good is that if you don’t have a plan to help you follow through? Whether your goal is big or small, you can break it down and make it more manageable by creating a structured roadmap. Explore some ideas for creating a well-crafted plan for success.

If you’re looking for a good presenter for your next company event, consider creating a Speakers’ Bureau: a group of subject matter experts who get together to speak and answer questions on various topics. We’ve got some guidelines for choosing the right speakers to include and developing guidelines for your group to get you started.

Is your boss constantly on the road? It can be challenging to manage someone who is never around – and even more difficult to manage yourself! Learn how to stay on track when your boss is away, while still keeping him “in the know”.

For a great way to make your next presentation creative, consider incorporating audio-visual elements. This can include anything from video conferencing to installing effective lighting. To help you get started, follow these 4 easy steps and get the most out of your A/V dollar.

With news of layoffs and impending economic downturn, you may be wondering how safe you are. Here are some things to look for to let you know if things at your office are headed in the wrong direction (and some advice on what to do about it if so!).

Are you looking for easy and affordable ways to motivate your employees? Prizes and incentives are a great way to do just that. Check out our article for different resources you can use to get inexpensive goodies for the people you work with.

So, you’ve got big ideas and strong opinions? You don’t have to stifle your thoughts at the office. Let your voice be heard – but do it in the right way, otherwise, you may end up making trouble for yourself and others. We’ll show you how to speak up professionally and avoid any negative repercussions.

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

The New Year is a great time to re-evaluate your goals and make big changes. Make it a resolution to get your career going in 2008. We’ve got a few ways to really skyrocket your success.

Is your office moving to a new location? Relocating is always stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out these tips for getting your move underway with as little disruption or delay as possible.

These days, everyone is becoming more environmentally responsible but there are some misconceptions about what it takes to do so. Going green doesn’t have to be a drastic undertaking. In fact, it can be quite painless. Explore these 5 easy tips for greening your office!

Your workspace should ideally be comfortable, simple, and free of distractions. Anything else can make you less productive. The good news: simplifying your office can be quite easy. Learn some tricks to make your space a peaceful sanctuary and enjoy the beauty of Zen at work.

Saving the plant is a big job. Why not start small and “green” your office? It’s easier than you think! From recycling to carpooling, we have a few suggestions and simple ways to make your office more environmentally friendly

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.

Feeling overwhelmed by a heaping workload? You may need to evaluate the habits you’ve created for dealing with it. Check out these tips for learning better work habits and working more efficiently.

We’re giving a hearty OfficeArrow welcome to our new sponsor, VerticalResponse. We’ll tell you all about their unique approach to marketing and how they’re using email to help businesses grow. If you’re looking for a simple solution to help you produce effective, inexpensive e-newsletters, look no further!

For anyone who spends a lot of time on the road or in the air, having the conveniences of home is important. That means techno-gear that can keep you connected to you business associates and the office. Here are our thoughts on some of the essential techno-gear needed for travel.

Sure, most managers want to motivate their teams. But if they aren’t careful, they can just as easily demotivate them. Here, we go over six simple ways to ruin your team’s motivation and completely discourage them. Take a look and then…avoid these things at all costs!

Think you’re forgetful? If you don’t eat properly and get enough exercise, you may find that you have difficulty remembering important information. But that can change. Here are some practical tips on how to improve your memory.

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!

Think going green costs an arm and a leg? While many eco-friendly products are costly, it’s your waste that could be the problem. Check out these tips for saving a few bucks while saving the environment.

Enthusiasm can be elusive in environments fraught with pressure and stress. But experts believe that without it, innovation and creativity cannot flourish. Learn how to encourage an enthusiastic attitude in your office.

Snore! Are you dozing off again while you wait for your PC to respond to one measly mouse click? Does it take three hours for your computer to boot up each day? Relax, help is on the way. Learn key ways to speed up your computer.

If you (or your boss) spend most of the workday on the road, then you need to stay connected and still perform at your best. It just may be that the only way you’ll be able to do this effectively is to design your own mini-mobile office and take it with you on the road. We’ll show you how.

We’ve all heard that the economy is suffering. As more and more companies lay off employees, it may be a good time to consider using your existing skills to start your own business. Learn how to create job security by being your own boss – working as a Virtual Assistant.

Have you always secretly thought your boss was faking competence? Well, according to research appearing recently in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, you might be right. Learn what you need to know about this surprising study, and how it can affect your career.

Managing people can be one of the most stressful parts of running a business. If your team is experiencing growing pains, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate your HR processes by conducting an audit. Human Resources expert, Chuck Muzzy provides some valuable information on the purpose of such an undertaking, and what is involved to make it effective for everyone.

If the back of your desk looks like a jumbled mess of cords, then you’re not alone. Learn helpful tips on how you can turn your cluttered, crazy desk into a colorful, clean work area. Don’t worry; you don’t have to be a domestic diva to achieve success.

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.

You take the time to work hard and perform well because you enjoy what you do and want your boss to think highly of you. But are you doing enough to get ahead and make yourself indispensible? Here’s how to win over your boss with your talent.

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!

If you’re considering purchasing used computer equipment, there are a few things you should know before you boot up your new buddy. Read on to learn some tips that may save you both time and money.

Being assertive is acceptable; being aggressive is not. When you have an idea or opinion, understanding the difference between being assertive and aggressive is important to winning your audience over and developing good, mutually beneficial relationships.

When people hear “self-promotion,” they often envision someone who continually toots his or her own horn. However, this mentality is skewed. In fact, for a true example of successful self-promotion, look no further than the theme song from the ’80s hit sitcom, “Cheers.” Read on to learn why your career success depends on everyone knowing your name.

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

OfficeArrow eNewsletter 41 - Control Freak Out! Who's Calling the shots here...

Viral marketing is a new buzzword for an old concept. Viral marketing essentially means getting your message distributed by word of mouth. The primary goal of viral marketing is to get the word out about your business and get people to visit

You’ve heard it since fourth grade “Career Day”: Follow your passions. But what does this phrase truly mean? And is it even a realistic goal? Read on to learn more about this subject.