How NOT to hold an office birthday party

The office birthday party is one of the social foundations of life in the corporate jungle.

Taking ten minutes out of your busy schedule to sing Happy Birthday to Bob (that is his name, right?) from accounting gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs and ingest some complex sugar-starch molecules before retreating to their office workstation for the rest of the afternoon.

But not everybody loves an office furniture birthday party.

Here are some simple tips on what NOT to do if you want to make the event more enjoyable for the guest of honor, and every else in the office:

1. Don’t ask for a collection. You never know what a person’s comfort level is with chipping in for a birthday gift or cake. Some people might not be in a position to give any money, while others may prefer to give the individual a gift on their own. Either way, ask the office manager about how much you can be reimbursed for, and spend accordingly.

2. Don’t pile on the sugar. Heavy cakes or desert treats rock…for about a half an hour. After that, they can really bring about a sugar crash. Try a lighter alternative like smaller cakes or fruit plates to celebrate a birthday.

3. Don’t throw the party during a busy period. Be considerate on the scheduling. Try and schedule the birthday get together during the slowest part of the day. If everybody is distracted, waiting to get back to work, it is not fair to them or the guest of honor.

4. Don’t go over the top. If you throw a huge gathering for one co-worker, then something more low-key for another, it might create resentment or hard feelings.

Inject a personal touch into every birthday celebration, but keep the level of celebration standard across them all.

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How to deal with cold callers

Before you make your own, probably brutal, suggestions as to how to treat a cold caller who reaches you at the office, perhaps you could take a moment and consider that they have families, responsibilities, hopes and dreams just like you. What? You still want to kill them? OK, calm down and read these tips while you catch your breath (and we call 9-1-1).

Tips for dealing with cold callers:

• Always be polite. Remember, these are human being just like you!

• Don’t get rid of them by suggesting that they “call you back another time.” The moment they choose to call again could be even worse timing!

• Only pick up if the number is available on your Caller ID. Any company that is blocking their calls in not one that you want to be in business with in the first place.

• If the caller seems genuine, forward them to someone who may be interested. This is a dangerous proposition. You must feel absolutely confident that what the caller is selling is legitimate, and that your contact will not be upset by the reference.

• Don’t waste the caller’s time. Don’t ask them to send their materials if you aren’t genuinely interested. This can cost their business money, create false hope and will likely lead to a string of future calls from the company.

Visit www.aceofficesystems.com for the best office furniture at unbelievable prices! Call us at 1866-964-8457. Or contact us via e-mail @ sales@aceofficesystems.com.