With the end of June fast approaching, you're already halfway through the 2025 fiscal year—and it’s the perfect time to take a close look at your budget. Whether you're tracking every penny or just trying to stay on target, a mid-year review can help you spot trends, adjust forecasts, and avoid surprises later. Here's how to make your check-in meaningful and manageable. 1. … [Read more...] about Mid-Year Budget Check-In: How to Assess Your 2025 Spending So Far
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Tracking ROI on Office Technology: Is Your Investment Paying Off?
In today’s fast-paced work environment, investing in the right technology can be a game-changer for productivity and efficiency. But with so many tools, apps, and software solutions available, it’s easy to overspend—or end up with systems that don’t deliver the results you expected. To make sure your office technology investments are truly paying off, it’s important to track … [Read more...] about Tracking ROI on Office Technology: Is Your Investment Paying Off?
Create Your Own Key Contacts Cheat Sheet
When things go sideways in the office—a printer meltdown, a flooded bathroom, or a sudden software crash—you don’t want to waste time digging through old emails or shared drives to find the right person to call. That’s where your Key Contacts Cheat Sheet comes in. Think of this as your office emergency contact list and your daily go-to. Whether you’re onboarding a new team … [Read more...] about Create Your Own Key Contacts Cheat Sheet
The Art of the Apology: Rebuilding Trust with Customers and Clients After a Mistake
Mistakes are inevitable in any business, but how you handle them can make or break your relationships with customers and clients. A sincere, well-crafted apology has the power to repair trust, salvage loyalty, and even strengthen the bond you share. However, not all apologies are created equal—empty words or poorly executed apologies can make things worse. Here’s how to master … [Read more...] about The Art of the Apology: Rebuilding Trust with Customers and Clients After a Mistake
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
Choosing and Using Project Management Software: A Guide for Office Managers
No matter what industry you’re in, if your team juggles tasks, deadlines, and collaboration, project management software can be a game changer. Whether you're running the front office of a design firm, overseeing operations in a manufacturing company, or managing a busy corporate team, the right project management tool can bring order to the chaos, make you look like a rock … [Read more...] about Choosing and Using Project Management Software: A Guide for Office Managers
Dealing with Mean Girls and Mood Leeches
By Lynne Curry A coaching client collapsed into the chair across from my desk, her face telegraphing defeat. “I barely survived a lunch break with Paula from Payroll.” “Lexy, what happened?” I asked. “Paula looked at my quinoa bowl and said, ‘So, you’re dieting—Is it working?’ Then she asked, ‘Are you still doing the dating apps? What’s it been, a year?’” A … [Read more...] about Dealing with Mean Girls and Mood Leeches
Ace the Interview Process: Tips for Hiring the Right Fit Every Time
Conducting interviews is a critical responsibility for any office manager. It’s your chance to evaluate potential candidates and determine who will be the best fit for your team. Effective interviews help you make informed hiring decisions, ensuring you bring in individuals who will contribute positively to your office environment. Here are some tips and strategies to help you … [Read more...] about Ace the Interview Process: Tips for Hiring the Right Fit Every Time
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