Another Administrative Professionals Week is upon us wherein we celebrate the hard work and efforts of administrative professionals. Due to the recession and downsizing throughout offices across the country, everyone has had to work harder. That's why this year the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is expanding their celebration to include all office professionals. To recognize everyone's hard work during this difficult time, the theme for the 2011 IAAP Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day (Wednesday, April 27) is: This year, celebrate all office professionals.

There are many ways that your office can celebrate Administrative Professionals Day. Some offices celebrate by throwing parties for their administrative staff while others give individuals gifts or special lunches outside the office. The IAAP suggests offering additional training opportunities and seminars to help your staff improve their skills.

Since April is also Stress Awareness Month, I think a great way to celebrate Administrative Professionals Week is to find ways to make everyone's day less stressful. When I'm stressed, I find that regular exercise and riding my Harley are two of my favorite ways to unwind. To get even more ideas on what people can do, I polled my Executive Council on what they do to relieve everyday stress.

Most responded that exercise like running, swimming and yoga were great stress relievers, while others said activities such as meditation and cooking help them relax after a stressful day. One seemingly obvious but often overlooked suggestion several people made was to cut off all connection to work while at home. It may sound tempting to keep your quantity of e-mails down over the weekend or while you're on vacation, but it's likely causing more stress because you're limited to what you're able to do when you're away from the office. While at work you focus all your time and energy into your job, so shouldn't you focus all your time and energy into your family when you're at home?

I hope everyone has a fun and stress-free Administrative Professionals Week! How do you or your office plan to celebrate this year?

Every year, the National Education Association (NEA) celebrates Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2 with an event they call Read Across America. This event encourages communities and people of all ages to celebrate the importance of reading and promote literacy by taking time to read their favorite books or to reading to others in classrooms or libraries. Some communities even have large Dr. Seuss-themed parties. All of this reminded me of my favorite Dr. Seuss book. As a young boy, I was fascinated with race cars and dogs so clearly my favorite Dr. Seuss book was "Go Dog Go!" There were a lot of cool scenes to look at, and who could forget the party on top of the tree at the end? 

These days in addition to fun books, I'm usually reading business books. One of my favorite business books is "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni. In this book, the author writes a fictional tale illustrating the key elements of building a team for success. One of the first and most important ingredients to having a successful team is trust. Lencioni encourages building an office atmosphere where everyone trusts each other and supports each other versus stepping on each other and showing off to get promoted.

Reading is a very important way to keep up with the ever-changing business world and can help give a variety of business professionals insights on how to improve themselves and their teams. What books have you read that have helped you in your job? What did they teach you?

I'm a big believer in setting goals. When she first met me, my wife laughed at all my lists and especially the list of my life goals. I had goals such as skydiving, running a marathon, getting a quality job (I made this list in college) and of course meeting the woman of my dreams. I have actually accomplished all of these life goals and this August will be 25 years since I met that woman!

Starting a new year is a great time to re-evaluate some of our goals and set new ones. It is a new beginning and gives us a fresh start to aim for new objectives and to adjust our path accordingly. This works in both life and our business.

At Quill.com, we've developed a list of goals we call the High Five. These are five business objectives that will enable us to better meet our customers' needs and grow our business. One of the goals in this year's High Five is to focus on making our Web site more user-friendly. We will make finding the products you need even easier and offer suggestions that will help improve the efficiency of your office.

A few things that won't change are our commitment to service, dedication to our customers and meeting all your office supply product needs better than anyone else. And should you ever have a problem, you can always rely on us to do whatever it takes to solve your concerns on the first try.

I always like hearing from you, so feel free to let me know how we're doing and if there's anything more we can do to provide you with the Best Experience in Office Products℠.

It's hard to believe that the holidays have already come around again. We've had some unseasonably warm days in the Chicago area and sometimes only the bare trees outside remind me that winter is on its way.

Another sign of the season is that holiday preparations around the building are in full swing and our facilities team has started decorating the stairways and main entrances. We've also started filling jars with change for our annual "Change Wars" fundraiser which raises money to buy gifts for local families in need.

During this time of year, we often make lists of things we're going to give to friends, family, co-workers and charities. Last year was difficult for everyone...but in the spirit of the holidays, take a moment to remember the things you already have that you're grateful for. At Quill.com we're very thankful for our incredible customers and hard-working associates.

I'd like to hear from you. What are you thankful for this holiday season?

Sometimes, it seems, problems can arise in the most unexpected of places. 

The other day, I was online reading an article at msnbc.com about just how dirty our keyboards at work can get. One cause is that people eat lunch at their desks and then type with sticky and saucy fingers...another is that our natural skin oils rub onto the keys and allow germs to fester and grow.

The result of all this stickiness, sauciness and oiliness? A keyboard can actually be up to 5 times dirtier than a toilet seat...and can sometimes hold a nasty-sounding bug called staphylococcus aureus which, in fact, causes food poisoning.

Surprising stuff...yes! And just a little bit scary to me, too.

I’ve always thought that we run a pretty clean ship here at Quill.com. (During last year’s flu season, we installed dispensers of Purell hand sanitizer at every entrance...and we plan on doing that again this year, too.) We’ll have to talk as a company about what to do to keep our keyboards clean, but I know that whether you plan on using canned air, Clorox disinfecting wipes, or some other kind of cleaning supply to keep your own keyboards germ-free, you can get whatever you need right here at Quill.com!

Last month, I wished all the moms out there a Happy Mother’s Day. Today it only seems right to do the same for all the dads -- Happy Father’s Day! 

My day was great: I slept in a bit, took a break from the usual chores and relaxed throughout the afternoon. What made the day the most special to me, however, was the fact that my oldest son just came back from his first year away at college. For the first time in more than 3 months, the entire family was together under one roof!

Of course, with all the new technologies out there, my son and I are never far away from each other even when many miles separate us. He’s taught me how to use Skype so we constantly chat or video conference each other (sure is different from when I was in college—I used to make calls from pay phones to my parents!).

It really is amazing what technology can do, and if your office is looking to upgrade its hardware or software I encourage you to take a look at everything Quill.com has to offer. From web cams to laptops, printers to CDs, we carry all the top brands and latest models. We even have our own technology specialists who will work with you to make sure that the products you buy are right for your needs and your budget, too.

Visit Quill.com/techspecials today and take a look at everything we have for you. Who knows...with a brand new laptop and web cam, you might just learn how to use Skype like I did!

Whether you went out for a fancy brunch or just took a day off from chores around the house, I hope that everyone in your family made you feel extra-pampered and appreciated. You truly deserve this special day for all that you do—we all know you’re the one that keeps everything (and everyone) running like clockwork.

I also know that as an administrative assistant or office manager, you’re the go-to person who works long and hard to keep your whole office running right. And while we at Quill.com can’t make you feel “pampered” or “special” like loved ones can, I do know that we can help you out by making office products as fast and hassle-free as possible. You have better things to do than ordering supplies, so we’ll never stop working hard to save you time and let you get back to what’s really important at the office...and at home, too.

Mike Patriarca
President, Quill.com

After years of living in the Northeast and Midwest, I've come to think of Spring as a great time of the year. Gone are the days of walking to your car in the dark and freezing cold after a long day of work. Outdoor activities begin to start up again. Some are good (like golfing and baseball--go Red Sox!), some not so good (like spring cleaning the garage).

If it's spring cleaning time in your office, I invite you to visit Quill.com and take a look at all the smart solutions we have to help you get (and stay) organized. Replace those old and worn hanging file folders with new ones, or encourage everyone to get their piles of paperwork neatly stored into a new set of binders. If your office prefers to go paperless, we also have great prices on a wide variety of data storage media, too.

Enjoy the magnificence of this season, and thank you for being such a loyal Quill.com customer.

Mike Patriarca
President, Quill.com

To me, this time of year means many things. Family and friends gather together for special celebrations. Time-honored traditions are upheld, and brand new ones are started. And while it’s sometimes easy to become caught up in the hustle and bustle of finding just the right gift for someone special, I think it’s important to remember that there are people in this world who are a lot less fortunate than we are…people who need our help. 

As one of America’s leading office products companies, I think it’s extremely important for Quill.com to give back to the community throughout the year – especially during challenging economic times like these.  I was absolutely overwhelmed by the success of our October breast cancer awareness fund-raising efforts, and I cannot thank you all enough for your very generous and heart-warming participation.

During this upcoming holiday season, many Quill.com associates will be donating their time, energy and monies to a variety of causes. We’re now holding our annual “Penny Wars” where departments compete against each other to see who can raise the most money to buy gifts for local families in need. Our associates are also helping out a local food pantry this year by sorting through donations, stocking shelves and packing grocery bags.

I think efforts like these are what make the holidays such a truly special and memorable time. I’m so proud to be the head of an organization that takes such great care of its customers, but I’m even prouder to be part of an organization full of associates who care about their community and do whatever they can to make it a better place for everyone who lives here.

Mike Patriarca
President, Quill.com

Well, I just got back from taking our firstborn off to his freshman year in college. And we only went through one box of tissues! (Quill brand, of course). Actually I am quite proud of my son. For the past four years he has worked very hard in his high school academics, hockey team and various bands, and is well prepared for college. In fact, I was a little jealous while walking the campus with him after helping set up his dorm.

Speaking of dorms, one thing I had forgotten from my own days in college was the creativity and innovation of college students in determining what is possible for a 10' x 12' dorm room. As we were taking load after load of "stuff" to my son's room, and his roommate was bringing in his 42" plasma TV (and to think I was happy with a 10" black and white with rabbit ears), I thought for sure there was no way it was all going to fit. But with loft designs and creative engineering, they made it fit and it actually looked okay.

At Quill.com, we also use innovation and creativity to make our web site as user friendly and efficient as possible. While some of us may no longer be young college graduates, we do have the expertise to help you find the products you need most with our unique product finders and web site navigation. Over the next several months you'll see more and more improvements to our navigation, plus web tools to assist you in finding the right products for your specific needs. It's all part of our steadfast commitment to making your shopping experience at Quill.com the Best Experience in Office Products^sm.

Sincerely,

Michael Patriarca
President

The economy is tough--no question. We get it! 

That’s why we offer you a line of our own Quill Brand supplies. These products aren’t seconds or generics—they’re quality supplies that we develop and design to do the exact same job as the national brands. Even better, you’ll find that they cost a whole lot less than the better-known brands you’re now using.

If you haven’t already, I urge you to give one of our 3,200 Quill Brand products a try. You’ll put a little money back in your pocket, and if you aren’t 100% satisfied with their quality and performance, we’ll refund your money or replace your purchase with a comparable national brand.

Sincerely,

Michael Patriarca
President

In tough times like these, I think it’s vital for companies to keep things simple and focus their efforts on whatever made them a success in the past. I firmly believe it’s a mistake when a company tries to do too many “new” things to overcome economic challenges...or, worse yet, tries to reinvent themselves into something they’ve never been before. 

Here at Quill, we’re going to be focusing on two very basic things throughout 2009: making sure you get an outstanding value every time you order, and maintaining our industry-leading level of customer service. These are the two principles that have made us successful, and I know these same principles will help keep us a success today.

So what exactly does all this mean to you—our valued customer? First of all, it means that whenever you’re ready to order, we’re going to be ready with offers that help your office save some real money. It also means that we’re not going to abandon our commitment to having the supplies you need in stock and ready to ship at a moment’s notice.

As far as service goes, we’re fortunate here because great service is something that’s always been at the center of our operations. In the past, we’ve defined our service with things like fast delivery and easy returns. Today, however, we’re broadening our definition of great service so it covers your entire experience with our company.

In the coming months, we’ll be rolling out improvements to Quill.com that will help you find the right product faster than ever. Also, we’ll be making Quill.com a place where you can always learn something new and useful, such as how to make your business more secure.

By making improvements like these, we hope to become more than just your office supply company. Our goal is to be a company you can count on for smart office supply solutions.

Sincerely,

Michael Patriarca
President

You might have heard that a major office supply company has announced that they're closing select stores across America. Some of these closings might, unfortunately, affect you.

Undoubtedly these are difficult times, but I want to tell you this with confidence: Quill is the office supply company you can count on today—and tomorrow, too!

There are two main reasons why we’re succeeding when other office supply companies are falling short. First is our service. It’s been the best for more than 50 years, and I know customers like you truly appreciate the difference this makes. Next is the fact that we are an online retailer, with a lower cost structure than many of our competitors, which allows us to give you great savings every day. Our store is Quill.com, and it’s always open for you.

Even in today’s uncertain economy, I want you to know that you can still count on Quill as your source for office supplies. We’re the company where you can expect—and always get—a higher level of service and savings!

Sincerely,

Michael Patriarca
President
mpatriarca@quill.com

Hi—I'm Mike Patriarca, the new President of Quill.  I’m writing to you today while looking out my office window at the turning leaves on a beautiful autumn afternoon.  The scene reminds me very much of where I grew up in New England.  While I still miss the beaches of Rhode Island, I’ve also come to really appreciate the Midwest.  There are great people here and the suburbs of Chicago are an ideal place to live and work.

Since this is my first attempt at “blogging”, I thought I’d start off by telling you just a little bit about myself.  After working in various companies and positions in corporate finance, I started here at Quill more than 8 years ago as the Controller and Vice President of Finance.  Since then, I’ve been fortunate to manage several Quill departments including Human Resources, Operations and Merchandising. 

I know Quill intimately now, and have learned a lot over the years.  My most valuable lesson has been learning what it takes to provide quality service to all of our customers.  When you do business with Quill, you can trust that there are over 2,000 associates with your satisfaction at the top of their minds.  Many companies say they have great service, but I think we’re different because we have the customer satisfaction survey scores and customer service awards to back up our claims. 

I think the key to our company is really quite simple—if we treat you with respect and provide you with value, you'll come back.  And that's what being in business is all about, right?

I think our emphasis on service and value will serve us well during these difficult economic times.  What we are now experiencing in the economy and stock markets can be very frightening,  but as we learned with the dot.com bust at the beginning of this century as well as the economic downturns of the early 90's and 80's, the business cycle goes on and on.  The reasons behind our economic slowdowns may be different every time, but you can usually count on one to happen every 10 years plus or minus a couple of years.  

I am telling all of our Quill associates to hang in there during these difficult times, and continue to do the best job they can, especially when it comes to taking great care of you.  Times like these require all of us to refocus on the basics, remain committed to our core business and execute like crazy.  I know this philosophy has worked well for Quill in the past, and I’m confident it will again this time.

Well, thanks for "listening"! I’m glad you decided to visit our new community page at Quill.com, and I hope to hear from you soon. Send me an e-mail when you have a minute and let me know how I’m doing!

Mike

mpatriarca@quill.com