By Lynne Curry Question: This morning, I suggested to my husband that we temporarily shut our small business down over the holidays to give our employees a much-needed break. He just laughed, but I was serious. We’re not a retail operation, so we’re not selling anything, and most of our clients are as swamped as we are. We argued. He angrily reminded me I’d also … [Read more...] about Give Your Employees a True Holiday Break—Shut Down
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Stay Tech-Savvy: Trends Every Office Manager Should Know
Staying updated with tech trends is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Technology evolves at a rapid pace, and keeping up with the latest advancements can significantly enhance your efficiency and the overall productivity of your office. Here’s why staying current with tech trends is essential and how you can stay on top of the latest developments. The Importance of … [Read more...] about Stay Tech-Savvy: Trends Every Office Manager Should Know
How to Delegate Without Micromanaging
If you’ve ever handed off a task only to feel your fingers twitching with the urge to take it back, you’re not alone. Delegation can be tricky, especially when you're used to being in control or when the stakes feel high. But there’s a sweet spot between giving your team freedom and staying in the loop—and that’s where the magic of good supervision happens. Here’s how to … [Read more...] about How to Delegate Without Micromanaging
Proven Office Systems That Save Time and Money
With the right systems in place, you can create a streamlined, efficient office that runs like a well-oiled machine—saving time for your team and cutting costs for your organization. Here are some proven office systems that can help you achieve both. First, embrace digital document management. Paper files are not only a drain on time but also expensive to store and maintain. … [Read more...] about Proven Office Systems That Save Time and Money
Build a Knowledge Base for Your Administrative Staff
Imagine your best admin suddenly goes on vacation—or worse, leaves the company. Do others know how to handle the daily reports, book the conference room correctly, or reset the temperamental copier? If the answer is “not really,” it’s time to create a knowledge base. A knowledge base is like a digital playbook. It’s where you store and organize the most important information … [Read more...] about Build a Knowledge Base for Your Administrative Staff
Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think
It’s easy to get swept up in the to-do lists, reports, scheduling, and troubleshooting that fill an office manager’s day. You’re juggling a hundred moving pieces, and just getting through the day without a printer jam or a staff meltdown feels like a win. But amid the whirlwind, there’s one small habit that can make a big difference—for morale, for relationships, and even for … [Read more...] about Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think
Your Office’s First Line of Defense: Writing a Strong Security Policy
Creating a comprehensive security policy is essential for safeguarding your office’s assets, data, and personnel. A well-crafted security policy not only establishes clear guidelines for managing security risks but also helps ensure that everyone in your office understands their role in maintaining a secure environment. Here’s how to develop a robust security policy that … [Read more...] about Your Office’s First Line of Defense: Writing a Strong Security Policy
Office Organization Checklist: Essential Tasks to Stay on Track Every Week
Staying organized is key to maintaining smooth operations and ensuring that your office runs like a well-oiled machine. Whether you’re handling administrative duties, managing staff, or overseeing day-to-day operations, having a checklist to guide you can help you stay on top of everything. This checklist breaks down essential tasks into weekly, monthly, and quarterly actions, … [Read more...] about Office Organization Checklist: Essential Tasks to Stay on Track Every Week
Revenue Beyond the Obvious: Finding New Income Streams in Your Office
When you think of profit, you probably think about cutting costs or increasing efficiency—and those are great strategies. But there’s another side to the equation that office managers sometimes overlook: generating new income. Even if your office doesn’t directly sell a product or service, there are often hidden opportunities to bring in extra revenue. With a little creativity … [Read more...] about Revenue Beyond the Obvious: Finding New Income Streams in Your Office
From Food to Fabrication: How to Thrive as an Office Manager in a New Industry
Q: I recently took a job managing the office of a small machine shop after years of working for a food wholesaler. The change has been good—I’m closer to home and I like the team—but I feel completely out of my depth when it comes to the industry itself. I’m an experienced office manager, but I don’t understand the terminology, the workflow, or what our customers are asking for … [Read more...] about From Food to Fabrication: How to Thrive as an Office Manager in a New Industry