This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of the Paper + Packaging Board:
I have a confession. I love paper. Sometimes when I get a piece of direct mail or a brochure or catalog in the mail that is printed on an awesome paper, I tell my husband how much I love it, and he looks at me like I’m crazy. One of the reasons I love marketing so much is producing gorgeous printed materials. In fact, it was my love of print advertising that led me to studying marketing in college.
For me, it all goes back to paper, so when BabbleBoxx contacted me and asked me to try some products in support of the Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds campaign, I was intrigued. I received several cool products that you can see pictured in this post, but what this post is really about is how you can use paper at work to get creative, organized, and productive. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Fewer Electronics = Fewer Distractions
We live in a world of distractions. Email notifications, text messages, phone calls, and pings telling us our favorite blogs, websites, and YouTube channels have been updated with new content are constantly stealing attention away from our work. When you turn off the apps, messages, and videos, you’ll be much more productive. With that in mind, try working offline using pen and paper. You’d be surprised how much more you can get done.
2. Convenience
Do you fumble for your phone, swiping and scrolling to update your calendar and add notes to your To Do lists? Do you have to search for your glasses to see the screen? When you use an old-fashioned paper planner that you carry in your purse, briefcase, or laptop or tablet bag, you’ll be able to find and update information more quickly, and you won’t need to put your glasses on to do it. And guess what? The battery will never die!
3. Memory-Boosting
Did you know that studies have shown when you write things down you’re more likely to remember them? That means writing down your To Do list, reminders, and even your goals can help you remember them and get them done.
4. Being Memorable
Everyone sends emails and text messages these days, but when you take the time to hand write a note, particularly a thank you note, people will remember you for it in a very good way. The image at the top of this post shows Erin Condren Note Cards and a framed quote from the book, Rework.
5. Clutter Cleansing
Is your desk covered in papers, making it hard to find what you need when you need it? If so, you’re destroying your daily productivity, so take some time to get some file folders and get organized. Clean up the clutter, file it where it belongs, and you’ll be happier and more productive.
Susan Gunelius
Susan Gunelius is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women on Business. She is a 30-year veteran of the marketing field and has authored a dozen books about marketing, branding, and social media, including the highly popular Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing for Dummies, Blogging All-in-One for Dummies and Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps. Susan’s marketing-related content can be found on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, MSNBC.com, BusinessWeek.com, and more. Susan is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc., a marketing communications company. She has worked in corporate marketing roles and through client relationships with AT&T, HSBC, Citibank, Intuit, The New York Times, Cox Communications, and many more large and small companies around the world. Susan also speaks about marketing, branding and social media at events around the world and is frequently interviewed by television, online, radio, and print media organizations about these topics. She holds an MBA in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC).
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