Strategies: Back-to-school time means office supplies for you
— -- "OMG!" It's already the end of summer. Time for the three little words business owners with kids love to hear: "Back to school."
While we'll be glad not to have the kids underfoot while we're on deadline for a project, we're secretly a little jealous of them getting all those cool new school supplies. C'mon, I know your little secret — that's because I share it. Admit it: One of the great things about owning your own business is being able to sneak down to the office supply store during work hours and consider it "work." So much of the stuff at office supply stores is really cool. I love file organizing systems, electronic gadgets and notebooks, even colored paper clips.
Well, now's when the office supply stores run all their specials and a great time to stock up. If you don't have the money to stock up now, save this list to pull out again at the end of December, when you'll want to be able to purchase extra supplies for next year and get a tax deduction this year.
Rhonda's master list of office goodies by category:
Everyday stuff:
These are things you always need. Pick out ones you enjoy, especially things like pens, because you interact with them frequently, and they can make your day seem better.
1. Post-it notes. I love these. I have all different colors and sizes. They're useful and fun. Get lots!2. Copy paper. Recycled, of course!3. Spiral-bound notebooks. Get rid of all those little pieces of paper on your desk and keep all your notes together.4. Pens. As many as you want. They'll disappear and you always need a pen.5. Scissors. The "socks" of the office; they continually disappear.6. Phone call record book. To help avoid ever losing a number.7. Date stamp. To stamp bills and other incoming mail.8. Paper clips. Get them in colors that make you happy.9. Binder clips. I use a million of these to keep documents together.
Shipping supplies:
Having a well-organized mailing/shipping area makes life so much easier, so get your necessary supplies.
1. Shipping tape and dispenser.2. Postage stamps (unless you get a postage meter).3. Padded shipping envelopes.4. Bubble wrap.5. Scotch tape.6. Sharpie permanent pen. For marking the outside of boxes.7. Boxes.
Infrastructure:
1. New equipment! Hey, we all want this, but since this is a major expense, make sure it's stuff you need.2. A new mouse and/or keyboard. On the other hand, these don't cost that much, and if you haven't changed these in years, go try the new ones.3. Extra ink cartridges for your printer, fax, and copier. Always have these on hand. Trust me, you'll run out when you've got a report due to a client in an hour.4. White boards. If you've got the room, put up a big white board for the office (even a home office). A small white board is great for writing reminders to yourself.5. Telephone headset. Save your back and neck.6. Trash cans. Get two so you can separate out recyclables from trash.
Getting organized:
1. Ziploc bags. I use these to keep cords and manuals together for each piece of software or hardware.2. File folders and/or hanging files. I've used colored ones to easily find which part of business they deal with (e.g. blue for clients, orange for financial, purple ones for speaking engagements, red for urgent).3. Another filing cabinet if you've got stuff piled all over, like I do.4. All those cool organizing accessories. I love this stuff.
Being prepared for the unexpected:
1. Back up hard drive.2. Surge protectors.3. Fire-proof safe.4. Flashlights.5. Backup power supply to give you enough power to shut down your work safely.
Really cool stuff
Hey, kids get to buy some school stuff just because it's cool. You can, too. This, of course, depends entirely on what grabs you as you wander the aisles of the office supply store.
It's back to school, so get out there and shop!
Rhonda Abrams is president of The Planning Shop, publisher of books for entrepreneurs. Her newest book is Successful Marketing: Secrets & Strategies. Register for Rhonda's free business tips at www.PlanningShop.com. For an index of her columns, click here. Twitter: twitter.com/RhondaAbrams. Copyright Rhonda Abrams 2009.