Purchasing

It’s the company’s dime: Spend wisely

August 21, 2012 Categorized in: Purchasing

When you’re on company business, sometimes you might not be sure what the protocol is for how much is too much when spending company money. The following tips will come in handy:
When times get tough, employers may need to dial back some of the extras. But how do you decide what to cut first—and what should be the last resort? Tip: When other perks are cut, keeping a good pot of coffee in the lunchroom is a way of letting employees know that things aren’t hopeless.

Creating a smaller footprint at work

May 21, 2012 Categorized in: Purchasing

No need to quit your job and join the Peace Corps. These days, you can do “good” in the world no matter where you work. Three ways:

7 ways to trim food costs at a meeting

September 15, 2011 Categorized in: MeetingsPurchasing

When you’re planning a day-long meeting, having the right food and beverages keeps attendees’ minds sharp. But those costs can add up. Here’s savvy advice on appeasing attendees’ palates while trimming your meal budget:

New life for old gadgets

March 29, 2011 Categorized in: Purchasing

Retailers that sell electronics are after your business, and that bodes well for your old electronics and your wallet. A growing cluster of retailers and web sites are snapping up old gear and offering credit toward the purchase of new products:
The latest green trend isn’t about being politically correct. It’s about saving money and gaining efficiencies. The key word has shifted from “eco” to “sustainable.” Administrative professionals can be linchpins for a company that wants to be more efficient and sustainable.

Transform the office kitchen

November 8, 2010 Categorized in: OrganizingPurchasing

Four easy spruce-ups for the office kitchen: 1. No room for coffee cups? Maximize a small space with storage helpers such as wire stacking shelves. 2. Invest in a trash can that does double duty. 3. Replace plastic foam cups. 4. Add a splash of color and more purified air with potted plants or flowers.

Resurrecting the brown-bag lunch

October 29, 2010 Categorized in: Purchasing

We recently reported that workers are packing their lunches more often. Packing lunch is definitely more affordable. It can also offer a way to lessen your carbon footprint. Laurie Cleary, of Lunchville.com, says “by making small changes, like carrying reusable lunch containers, we can make a big impact in reducing waste.”
Anyone can look put-together and professional with a hefty wallet. But Sandy Dumont, of the Image Architect, knows how to achieve a million-dollar look, even on a shoestring budget. How to build a wardrobe that positively affects your career:

What’s in your snack room?

August 25, 2010 Categorized in: Purchasing

Good coffee and nutritious snacks can boost office morale. Inc. magazine recently rounded up the best coffeemakers and healthy vending machines:

Smartphones as scanners

June 29, 2010 Categorized in: Purchasing

Newer smartphones have such good cameras they can double as barcode scanners. That means while shopping, you can use your phone to: 1. Compare prices on the spot. 2. Store your membership cards on your phone, rather than crowding your key ring.
How are companies feeling about the future? A recent McKinsey survey reports executives are feeling positive about their companies’ ability to rebound: 74% of respondents say they expect companies’ profits to rise over the next 12 months.
Hold more-focused meetings… Keep emoticons out of business communication … Find salary information for administrative positions in your area … Save money on printing … Avoid this grammar trap … Receive the credit you deserve …