December 30, 2009

Year-end wrap up

Filed under: Small Business,Workspace — Tags: , , — lidia @ 3:06 pm

photo by ttcopley

2009 is coming to a close and, in my quest for organization, I’m inspired by articles such as 10 things to Do Before the New Year (from Web Worker Daily).

Personally, I always do year-end organizing for my small business— it just feels right to start off the new year at least slightly more organized than you left the last one. My current routine includes the following….

  • Designing my 2010 Quick Peek Calendar to send to friends and clients.
  • Filing paperwork into project folders—or the recycle bin
  • Sorting and filing project samples—setting aside samples to enter into design competitions
  • Reconciling final bank statements
  • Filing financial statements and receipts—creating new folders for next year
  • Preparing and mailing client invoices
  • Paying bills
  • Cleaning up the email inbox
  • Assessing needs for office supplies or equipment could be purchased this year
  • Making end-of-year donations to my favorite nonprofit organizations

How are you spending the last few days of the year? Share your ideas!

December 29, 2009

Business gift idea: custom cookies

Filed under: Marketing & Promotion — Tags: , , , — lidia @ 8:02 pm

I just had to share this idea… because I used it myself this holiday season: custom cookies.

Baked by the fabulous gumdrop cookie shop in New York, the yummy cookies can be printed with any logo or artwork (in this case, they are graced with my company’s logo) and arrive ready for gifting in a lovely gift box.

I’ve always believed in edible gifts (they never go to waste) and what better way to make a memorable, not to mention, tasty impression. Judging by the number of enthusiastic thank you emails I received, the celestial cookies are a success!

December 15, 2009

Business gift idea: eco-friendly coffee cup

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , — lidia @ 2:49 pm

Searching for a last-minute gift for a co-worker or colleague with a caffeine addiction? Buy them the I Am Not a Paper Cup travel mug. The washable and reusable porcelain cup will keep drinks warm in the office—and empty paper cups out of the trash. And the silicone lid keeps your drink from spilling during your commute.

Available in Chicagoland at Paper Source and online at Amazon.com.