As a small business owner who also works full-time at another job, it can be really hard to stay organized. My brain is running full speed all the time and it’s a challenge to keep blog ideas, expenses, receipts, biz documents, Etsy details, and who knows what else in a tidy and organized matter. Add that to the crazy crafts-in-every-single-room-covering-every-single-surface, and, well, it’s a mess! I’ve been trying to create systems for my business that keep me organized and ready, whether it’s for tomorrow’s blog post or taxes next April. Today, I’m sharing eight office supplies you need to organize your small business that will help you stay productive and sane! All of the items are from JAM Paper–they have a huge selection of supplies in bright fun colors. And there’s a BONUS! There’s a coupon for you for one of my favorite items–see below.
P.S.: Being the DIYer that I am, I have a few ideas of how you can personalize items to make them fit you, your brand, or your home decor! Oh. Yeah.
1. Small Accordion Folder
I use an accordion folder for all of my receipts separated by month (and let’s be honest: they’re all crafts, paper, crafts, and more paper). It’s compact and can be tucked into a drawer for easy access, and it makes entering expenses into my accounting software (I use Wave, it’s pretty awesome) at the end of the month a breeze. Don’t forget to print e-receipts from your online orders, Facebook ads, Etsy, etc. and put those in your folder, too.
2. Portfolio for Meetings with Clients
This one is really important if you meet with clients on a regular or even not-so-regular basis. You want a portfolio that looks professional and also keeps your work tidy, clean, and organized. Match it to your brand and you’re a step ahead of the rest. Leather is sophisticated (I love the one below), but I like the kraft version too–attach your logo for an understated but professional look.
3. 3-Ring Binder
Three-ring binders are great for keeping all of your important business documents in one place. Licenses, tax exempt documents, contracts, client contact information and projects, whatever you need to keep at arm’s length. I have several binders I use regularly–one for courses I’m taking, one for Gold Standard Workshop biz documents, one for the blog, and one for the Etsy shop. Again, the great thing about kraft binders is you can personalize them! You could keep it simple and add a pretty label or use a gold pen, or you could cover the exterior with pretty paper or oilcloth like this one from Greener Grass Handmade.
4. Labels
Labels are oh-so-handy, and these bright ones are fun and colorful! Write “Expenses” on a bright sunshiny yellow label and it might just make you a little happier to organize them. These would be great to use on the binders above and #5 below.
5. Storage boxes
I use storage boxes as a catch-all for notes, ideas, and bits and pieces of inspiration, and then at the end of the week, I’ll go through it and add them to the correct binder or toss if no longer needed. It really helps me keep the house a little cleaner. You could also use them for project boxes for clients, to house crafty supplies or school projects, or keep pics and scrapbook goodies. DIY idea: check out this box from The Crafted Life for inspiration. Easy and pretty!
6. Clipboards!
Hang a clipboard on the wall with your daily to do list. It’s easily accessible and it’s a visual reminder of what you need to do to TCB (take care of business)! Clear ones work best for most decor. DIY idea: spray paint the metal clip gold (I’m a sucker for gold and would do that in a heartbeat), cover the clipboard in paper, or better yet, hang up 5 or 6 boards on the wall and create multiple mood/brand/color boards like this one from Martha Stewart.
7. Notebook
Notebooks are indispensable. So find one that you love and that’s easy to find at the bottom of your purse. Use it to make notes and lists, record bursts of inspiration, and list business accomplishments!
8. The Clips (and Other Goodies)!
These are my favorite office supplies to shop for! And JAM Paper sells packs of office clips and other goodies in sets by color. I KNOW. There are two different assortment sets; the one pictured below has colored staples! Small detail, but if it makes me a tiny bit happier to use pink staples instead of boring silver staples, then yes, sign me up. And think about this: these goodies can match your brand and you could include them in your packaging to customers!
Coupon
JAM Paper is offering a $5.00 discount off of any of the Office Supply Kits; they come in 7 different colors! Simply enter the code below at checkout on their website. Good until October 6, 2015.
Office Supply Kit Coupon Code: GSW5
Now I want to buy all new supplies! What types of office supplies help you stay organized? I’d love to get the scoop!
*This post was created in collaboration with JAM Paper. All opinions are always my own and I never write about items I don’t love!
xo
