This post was originally published by our friends at Hammermill.

There’s no denying that digital devices have made our jobs easier, in ways we now take for granted. For sharing, editing, organizing and searching information, digital apps rule the day. This blog itself is a great example of the wealth of information now available at out fingertips.

But if productivity is your priority, there are still times when a pen and paper can’t be beat.

​For starters, let’s talk reliability. A pen and paper don’t crash, freeze or lose information. And they still work when you lose power.

By Mary Bonesz, Trade Show Management

You’ve done your research and you’ve booked a booth at a tradeshow. Now what do you do? 

Exhibiting at a trade show is one of the most efficient and effective way to meet your target audience face to face. Where else can you connect with crowds of people who are looking for what you are offering? 

It might seem easy but there’s a lot of planning that goes into a successful trade show. Here are a couple of ideas on where to begin once you’ve signed your booth agreement:

Reposted with permission by navitor.com  Written by Emily Roycraft

​We know that sometimes your sales can slow in the summer, but that additional space in your schedule could give you the opportunity to build momentum that can continue through the end of the year! Here are just a few of the ways that you can keep your business moving during the summer months.
1. Take the Opportunity to Make a Personal Connection
When things are a bit slower, consider using that extra time in your schedule to contact customers directly. You could take a moment to give top customers a call to thank them for their business—and let them know about products that they might be interested in—or you could call customers whose sales have flagged to encourage them to come back to your business. Not only will this help encourage sales during a slower time of the year, but it will help make your customers feel more emotionally connected to your business at the same time.
2. Prepare for a Busier Season
Just like a more open schedule gives you the opportunity to connect with customers, it also gives you the chance to work ahead. Organize your financial information from the first half of the year so that your documentation is ready come tax season or prepare your emails for upcoming events. Go through your files and remove documents that you no longer need. The slower season is a chance to take those tasks off your plate before sales pick up again in the fall.
3. Take a Look At Your Goals
You made your goals early in the year, but you might not have spent much time looking at them since. After all, between winter weather and customer needs, you’ve had a lot on your plate. The summer slump is a great time to take a look at your goals, see how you’re doing on those goals, and readjust as needed.
4. Build New Habits
Is there something you want to do better in your business? Do you want to get better about building to-do lists or more diligent about sending updates on customer orders? Do you want to neaten up your desk at the end of every week or file documents more regularly at the end of a project? This is the time to build those habits! When business is slower, it’s easier to get into good habits and ensure that they’ll stick around during busier months.
5. Take a Break
Rest is important, and whether you’re a workaholic or tempted by the sunny days outside the window, taking a break can help you be more productive in your day-to-day work. When you take a break, you’ll come back rested, refreshed, and ready to work harder and smarter.
Do you have tips for staying productive during the summer season? We’d love to see your tips in the comments below.

Working in cold conditions isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. Frostbite, numbness, dehydration and hypothermia are real concerns from chilly outdoor weather. If you’re working outdoors this winter, be aware of the dangers and stay safe.

• DRESS FOR THE CONDITIONS

Dressing in layers is key, as it not only keeps you warm but allows you to adjust to changing temperatures. The layers should fit loosely because tight clothing reduces blood circulation and warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities. The goal should be to expose as little skin as possible to the cold environment. Make sure to protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold weather Proper gloves, socks and footwear are essential. Choose headwear that keeps your head and ears warm. Balaclavas can also help to warm your neck and warm the air you’re breathing. Boots should be waterproof and insulated. When choosing clothing, be aware that some clothing may restrict movement which, in and of itself, may create a hazardous working situation

• STAY DRY

 
Damp clothing can quickly drop your body temperature. It’s more important than ever to stay dry in the cold. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer to draw away sweat as you work. Wear waterproof gear as an outer shell to prevent your under
layers from getting wet. Remove any wet clothing immediately.
 

• PLAN BREAKS FROM THE COLD

 
Just like you need to take breaks from your work throughout the day, your body needs to take breaks from the cold. Plan frequent, short warm-up breaks throughout your day taken in warm, dry shelters to avoid numbness and shivers.
Working in cold conditions isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous.”
 

• STAY WELL NOURISHED BY EATING AND DRINKING ENOUGH

 
Make sure to drink enough fluids, as you dehydrate faster in cold weather conditions. Dehydration causes headaches, dizziness and fatigue, and it’s important to stay alert outdoors. Eating enough food during the day, especially fats and carbohydrates, high-calories is also important. Your body uses those nutrients as energy to stay warm in cold temperatures.
 

• STAY WELL RESTED

Working outdoors can be challenging,
and increases risks to your safety. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep to stay alert on the job when conditions are more dangerous. Avoid exhaustion and fatigue because they sap energy, and energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
 
https://safetylineloneworker.com/blog/cold-weather-safety-tips/
https://allonehealth.com/7-tips-working-extreme-cold-6/

The annual office holiday party is a great time to unwind and socialize with the people you work so hard with all year long.  Be sure to mind your manners and keep a few tips in mind:

• Can I bring a date? Invitations should indicate whether a spouse or date is invited, but often, office parties are for employees only.  Don't assume you can bring a guest without making sure they are welcome.

Dress for success.  Err on the side of conservation when it comes to office parties.  Find out what others are wearing and don't wear clothes that are too casual or too revealing.
Be Friendly.  Office parties are a great time to network and meet new people you may not know from other departments. Introduce yourself and keep conversations light.  You want to meet new people but don't get bogged down in work talk at the party.  If you meet people who you want to collaborate with on work projects, get their contact information and reconnect at the office.

Punctuality Counts.  Don't arrive too late to the party.  Often there are speeches to kick off the festivities and you don't want to make a grand entrance in the middle of the CEO's welcome!  Likewise, don't be the last to leave... be mindful of the time and make sure to thank your hosts on the way out.

Prevent your pumpkin carving ambitions from turning into Pinterest fails with these 13 genius pumpkin carving tricks that will save you time, extend the life of your pumpkin, and keep all of your fingers intact. 
From Real Simple http://bit.ly/2M63Jcj

 Every job has great days and sometimes not so great days. Here are a few tips that may help you relax and love EVERY day more.

Start Each Day With A Motivational Thought
It has been said that your attitude at the start the day can have more affect on you than ten cups of coffee! If that is true, we have to challenge ourselves to begin our days with positive thoughts that prepare us for success.There are a variety of websites and phone apps that deliver daily inspiration to help start each day on the right foot. 
Success Thought of the Day
​The Daily Motivator

Balance Work & Life
Don't let work keep you from family, friends and the activities that mean the most to you.  At the start of the day, determine your "quitting time" and block out a half hour before that to wrapping up unfinished emails and calls.

Keep A Neat Office
It shows you respect your workplace, helps you work more efficiently and impresses your work guests.
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