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Remote vs. In-Office: Should Employees Return to the Office?

Remote vs. In-Office: Should Employees Return to the Office?

In the wake of the global pandemic, remote work became necessary for many companies, revolutionizing how we work. However, as the world recovers, a debate has emerged about whether employees should return to the office or continue working remotely. On the one hand, employees have been enjoying the freedom of working out of the office. On the other, managers miss the supervision and collaboration of in-person work.

Here are some of the biggest arguments for having employees return to the office, and the biggest reasons against having the workforce return to the office and instead favor a remote or hybrid work environment:

For: Boosting Collaboration & Innovation

Disney CEO Bob Iger recently sent out a mandate for all workers to return to the office. His reason: “In a creative business like ours, nothing can replace the ability to connect, observe, and create with peers that come from being physically together, nor the opportunity to grow professionally by learning from leaders and mentors.” Disney joined the likes of Tesla, Amazon, and JP Morgan as companies demanding an in-office workspace.

Research has shown that face-to-face interactions foster creativity and knowledge exchange. Employees working side by side can engage in spontaneous conversations, brainstorming sessions, and impromptu problem-solving discussions, leading to fresh ideas and innovative solutions.

Research from MIT revealed that face-to-face communication is 34 times more effective than email exchanges in driving collective intelligence within teams. Moreover, in an office setting, employees can leverage shared spaces such as meeting rooms, whiteboards, and brainstorming areas, facilitating group discussions and fostering camaraderie. These physical spaces serve as catalysts for collaboration, enabling teams to bounce ideas off each other and build on collective knowledge more effectively than virtual platforms allow.

Against: Unleashes Productivity & Flexibility

Eliminating commuting time allows employees to dedicate more time to work-related tasks, resulting in higher productivity. Remote work eliminates commuting costs, including transportation expenses, and parking fees. It also reduces expenses related to professional attire and dining out during lunch breaks. These savings contribute to employees’ financial well-being and serve as an additional perk of remote work.

Remote work also enables flexibility in managing personal and professional responsibilities. Employees can tailor their work schedules to suit their peak productivity hours and accommodate personal commitments.

For: Nurturing Company Culture & Social Connections

In the view of some, office environments provide a sense of community and belonging that is challenging to replicate remotely. Regular face-to-face interactions foster stronger relationships, trust, and a deeper understanding of colleagues’ strengths and working styles. These connections play a vital role in building cohesive teams and driving employee engagement. It’s also proven that employees with a best friend are seven times more likely to be engaged in their jobs.

Furthermore, the office acts as a hub for shared experiences, fostering a sense of identity and purpose within the organization. Celebrating successes, recognizing achievements, and engaging in team-building activities are more impactful when conducted in person. This strengthens the bond between employees, aligns them with company values, and bolsters employee loyalty.

Against: Enhances Work-Life Balance

Working from home allows individuals to spend more time with their families, engage in hobbies, and take care of personal responsibilities. This balance reduces stress and burnout, resulting in happier and healthier employees.

A study published in the Harvard Business Review revealed that remote workers report lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction compared to their office-based counterparts. Remote work fosters autonomy and empowers employees to structure their work environments according to their preferences, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.

According to a survey by FlexJobs, 65% of respondents reported that they are more productive working from home, citing fewer interruptions from colleagues and fewer office politics.

By eliminating the need for long commutes and allowing for flexible scheduling, remote work offers more time for personal pursuits, family obligations, and self-care.

For: Overcoming Productivity Challenges

Working remotely is not an all-size fits all approach; some love it, while others consider it their worst nightmare. Distractions at home, isolation, and difficulty separating work from personal life can all hinder productivity. A survey by Buffer reported that 20% of remote workers struggle with loneliness, leading to decreased motivation and engagement.

case for working from an office

Returning to the office can provide a structured environment that promotes focus and concentration. Separating work and personal space allows employees to establish clear boundaries, improving work-life balance. Additionally, in-person supervision and access to real-time support from managers and colleagues can help overcome obstacles more efficiently.

Studies have consistently shown that a physical office presence positively impacts productivity. According to research conducted by Stanford University, companies experienced a 13% increase in performance when they transitioned employees from remote work to an office environment. The study also revealed that remote employees are more likely to experience difficulties staying motivated and achieving work-related goals.

Against: Unlocking Global Talent

When location is no longer a barrier, companies can recruit top talent regardless of their geographical location, leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Remote work allows companies to tap into specialized skills and expertise that may not be available locally, leading to increased innovation and problem-solving capabilities. According to a survey by Owl Labs, 58% of companies believe that remote work options can enhance diversity and inclusion within their organizations.

Additionally, remote work promotes a more level playing field, particularly for underrepresented groups. By eliminating the need to relocate or face discriminatory practices in certain regions, remote work provides equal opportunities for career advancement and fair compensation.

Which do you think is the future? Remote or in-office work environments? Let us know with a comment below.

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MSP, MSSP & IT Industry Notes for June 11th, 2023

MSP, MSSP & IT Industry Notes

Sponsored by

June 11th, 2023

Arcoa Group

Why partnering with ARCOA makes sense
Electronics Recycling is an important and profitable part of the IT asset lifecycle, but it can be overwhelming with all you already do, varying state regulations, and the limited resources at hand. That’s where ARCOA comes in. When you partner with ARCOA, you get all the benefits of a big company without any of the capital investment. We’ve been doing this since 1989 and have the expertise, certifications, and nationwide resources to get the most for all your clients’ retired IT assets. Plus, positioning your clients as environmental stewards not only elevates their appeal to consumers, it meets government requirements and avoids fines.

What partnering with ARCOA looks like
Our role is to make it easy for you to bring more value to your clients. We work with you to help stretch your clients’ IT budget by reducing the total cost of ownership of their electronics. We’re experts at identifying and implementing the solutions your clients need for the end-of-use remarketing, recovery, and recycling of their technology assets. The sooner you involve ARCOA, the sooner you and your client.

Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office Acquires ACP Technologies: A Strategic Move for Greater Success!

  • recently acquired ACP Technologies, a provider of managed IT and cybersecurity services
  • amount for which Atlantic has acquired ACP Technologies remains undisclosed
  • Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office was founded in 1959 as Atlantic Photocopy
  • ACP Technologies was founded in 1997 with its headquarters located in West Seneca, New York
  • Reported on compsmag.com

Options Named Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security

  • announced its achievement of Microsoft Solutions Partner designation for Security
  • Options Technology is the No. 1 provider of IT infrastructure to global Capital Markets firms, supporting their operations and ecosystems
  • In 2019, Options received investment from Boston-based Private Equity Firm Abry Partners

Oosha rebrands as Access Managed Services and announces plans to grow team by a fifth

  • UK legal IT managed service provider Oosha, has rebranded Access Managed Services and announced that it is set to grow its team by a fifth
  • Also announced that it is set to grow its team by a fifth
  • was acquired by Access Legal in 2021

Cybersecurity Notes

  • Albany ENT & Allergy Services of New York has notified 224,486 patients that their PHI may have been exposed after ransomware attack.
  • Cleveland Clinic notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after one of its medical billing vendors, MedInform of Ohio, was hit by ransomware.
  • Idaho Falls Community Hospital notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after ransomware attack.
  • Mountain View Hospital of Idaho notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after ransomware attack.
  • Managed Care of North America, aka MCNA Dental, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after ransomware attack.
  • Sports Warehouse, an online sporting goods retailer, will pay $300,000 to settle lawsuit alleging negligence after a breach exposed info on 1 million consumers.
  • Marshall Information Services, aka Primary Solutions Inc. of Ohio, notified 7,456 patients that their PHIP was exposed after ransomware attack.
  • Anchorage School District of Alaska notified all employees that their PHI was exposed after a laptop computer was stolen.
  • Enzo Biochem of Farmingdale, NY, notified 2,470,000 patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
  • Medford Radiology Group of Oregon notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
  • Clarke County Hospital of Osceola, Iowa notified 28,003 patients that their PHI was exposed after recent cyber attack.
  • Vascular Center of Intervention in Fresno, CA notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
  • Toyota notified 260,000 car owners that their info was exposed after cloud storage data leak.

Kinetik Information Technology offers an array of IT and Managed Services to elevate businesses

  • announces that they offer a comprehensive range of IT and managed services.
  • Microsoft partner since 1993

CyberCatch Announces Sales Distribution Partnership with Lanetco, Leading Canadian ...

  • Announced a a sales distribution partnership with Lanetco, a leading Canadian Managed Services Provider (MSP)
  • Lanetco specializes in serving small and medium businesses, not for profit organizations and trade associations and provides a full suite of IT services
  • CyberCatch Holdings, Inc. (TSXV:CYBE) is a cybersecurity company that provides a proprietary, artificial intelligence-enabled (AI) Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that enables continuous compliance and cyber risk mitigation

Lock in on Cyber Security with ARCOA

  • ARCOA, data security is a critical part of what we do
  • every item received, we adhere to NIST 800-88 procedures
  • strict protocols to overwrite information render all data permanently removed and unrecoverable

US Dept of Homeland Security bans the import of Lexmark

  • U.S. has blocked the import of goods made by Chinese laser printer maker Ninestar, majority owner of U.S.-based Lexmark International
  • over the company’s alleged use of forced labor tied to China’s Xinjiang region
  • Goods from Ninestar and eight Zhuhai, China-based subsidiaries will be restricted from entering the U.S. as of Monday because of the “companies’ participation in business practices that target members of persecuted groups” including Uyghurs, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said

Lead for ManagedIT Services (50 workstations) (click link)

  • The Organization is soliciting proposals from qualified firms and proprietors for the management of information technology services to sustain and enhance the operations and services of the Organization
  • Vendors are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible in this proposal regarding their capability and
  • expertise, scope of services, and approach to protecting and securing the technology used by Organization
  • users

High Wire Promotes Susanna Song to Chief Marketing Officer

  • has promoted Susanna Song from VP of marketing and communications to the new position of chief marketing officer (CMO)
  • she will oversee all corporate communications for driving brand awareness and lead generation
  • coincides with the company’s launch of a new digital marketing and brand awareness campaign to be led by Song
  • Song is the creator, producer and co-host of The Cybersecurity Simplified Podcast, which last year logged more than 100,000 downloads, drew listeners from more than 100 countries, and ranked in the top 5% of most podcasts shared globally on Spotify. She is also co-host of The Working CEO Podcast

M7 Services Selected by N-able as a Super Elite Partner

  • has been selected as a Super Elite Partner by N-able, the purpose-built technology partner for managed services providers (MSPs)
  • new designation distinguishes M7 Services as an MSP leader in the global IT channel
  • To select MSP Super Elite members, N-able carefully evaluated thousands of its MSP partners worldwide on a range of criteria, including: a company's overall size and service model; its consecutive growth and profitability; the number of IT devices proactively being managed using RMM; the productivity of a company's technicians, and its ability to deliver exceptional business value to its customer base
  • M7 Services is a provider of managed IT services and solutions for the hospitality industry

New CRITICALSTART® Managed XDR Reduces Cybersecurity Risk Through Improved ...

  • announced the release of its new Managed Extended Detection and Response (XDR) offering
  • unifies Critical Start's award-winning MDR service with a cloud-delivered collection, storage, and search platform for security-relevant log sources
  • new service provides proactive defense that reduces the risk of a breach by bringing together threat prevention, detection, and response to thwart and mitigate threats before they cause damage

directprint.io to showcase the benefits of cloud print management at ISTELive 23

  • announce it is attending ISTELive 23, which takes place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, between June 25 to 28
  • io education strategy team will be on hand at the Edtech event of the year, to demonstrate how easy it is to remove reliance on cost and energy-intensive print servers and instead leverage a serverless infrastructure to centrally manage printing devices and printing
  • io is a Chrome Enterprise Recommended partner, and specializes in print management for Chromebook

Pacific Office Automation Named 2023 MSP Partner of the Year by Arctic Wolf

  • has been named Arctic Wolf’s Managed Service Provider Partner of the Year for 2023
  • recognizes the company’s commitment to improving its customers' cybersecurity posture through a strategic partnership with Arctic Wolf
  • Arctic Wolf is a leader in security operations and the pioneers behind one of the largest cloud-native security operations platforms in the world
  • Pacific Office Automation (POA) is a privately held office technology company headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon

Kodak Alaris increases scanner distribution

  • Announced that it has signed up CoCre8 Technology Solutions
  • Will distribute scanners, capture software and professional services

Square 9 Softworks Releases Guide to Master OCR to Strengthen Document Capture Investment

  • recently released a guide for those considering OCR and Document Capture solutions for their organization
  • “Your Guide to Mastering OCR” aims to provide insightful strategies for capturing documents based on an organization’s needs
  • You can view Square 9’s OCR Guide for yourself here: https://info.square-9.com/ocr-guide

PrinterLogic has security issues

Security Week magazine published article how researchers at Seek of Australia found multiple security vulnerabilities in PrinterLogic’s enterprise management printer solution

  • The 18 vulnerabilities supposedly cloud allow hackers to:
    • Bypass authentication
    • Inject code
    • Expose credentials


Attention Sales World... Are You Reflecting Your Way To Success Or Deflecting Your Way To Nowhere?

"Self-reflection entails asking yourself questions about your values, assessing your strengths and failures, thinking about your perceptions and interactions with others, and imagining where you want to take your life in the future.”
Robert L. Rosen

As we set up our time together, let's take review parts of the above quote... As I ask you...

What are your values?

What are your strengths?

Where do you see your sales career 3 years down the road?

Think about where trust and credibility sit inside the sales world... How do you want to be perceived?

The nature of sales often creates mental turmoil (self-induced at times), craziness and chaos; creating a way to level-set and refocus on what’s important becomes extremely valuable.

Setting aside alone time regularly through self-reflection becomes a powerful routine to help you be more successful.

You spend more time with yourself than anyone else. How well do you really know yourself?

WHAT IS SELF-REFLECTION?

To know thyself is to value thyself.

At its heart, self-reflection is a process of introspection and examination, where you take the time to sift through your thoughts, attitudes, motivations, desires, emotions, and behaviors.

It involves stepping back from your day-to-day activities to create a space for self-awareness and self-analysis.

Self-reflecting encourages you to challenge assumptions, question your own perspectives, as you explore different viewpoints. It enables you to examine your values, goals, and aspirations, as you reassess whether they align with who you truly are and what you really want to achieve in life.

Some of you might be thinking self-reflection is a daunting task. It's naught. It can be as easy as looking back at your behavior in any scenario, then asking yourself, why you behaved the way you did.

Salespeople... think of all the scenarios you find yourself in daily... this provides you ample situations to self-reflect.

Self-reflection builds self-awareness, but only through intention and dedication.

I encourage you to regularly press “the pause button” on your life to create time and space to sit quietly, sifting through your thoughts and interactions, as you inspect them without judgment.

Self-reflection routines can:

  • Give you a fresh perspective
  • Help you better understand yourself
  • Foster a sense of well-being
  • Provide you better decision-making skills

Allow this quote by Michel de Montaigne to sink in for a moment,

"If I speak of myself in different ways, that is because I look at myself in different ways."

This might be a terrific time to pause, find a quiet spot, and self-reflect. A little self-talk might just do you some good.

  • What were your biggest lessons from this last week/month/year? This can be personally and professionally.
  • What are your proudest moments from this last week/month/year? This can be personally or professionally.
  • If you continue doing what you’re doing right now, where will you be in five years’ time? This can be personally or professionally.
  • What are the words you live by?
  • What areas of my life do I feel satisfied with? Which ones need attention?
  • What can I do to take better care of myself mentally, physically, and spiritually?

SELF-REFLECTION = GROWTH

If you want to live a better sales life, you must learn to grow.

Success does not happen overnight. It's achieved through daily improvement in small consistent increments over disciplined time.

In Selling from the Heart, I write about the many differences between sales professionals and sales reps. I believe, sales professionals do the work that many sales reps find excuses not to do.

A true sales professional doesn't sleepwalk through the day nor their career. They work harder on themselves than any sales manager ever will.

Sales professionals actively think about the things they do. They objectively evaluate themselves on a regular basis. They look at things through an unbiased and clear set of lenses.

Elite sales professionals do more self-reflection as opposed to deflection.

Self-reflection, some of you may be thinking... Larry, seriously, come on man. Yes, I'm being quite serious!

Simply view self-reflection as a mindfulness technique. This is where you place yourself in a quiet place and state of mind to recall events or experiences from the past, observe your current state, and then envision the future you want to create.

What concerns me is how many, especially in sales, do not allow themselves to pause and reflect on where they are and where they want to be.

All this putting off, eventually leads to:

  • Failing to look for opportunities to improve
  • Lackluster feelings and burning out
  • High levels of stress and emotional gymnastics
  • Lower levels of excitement for a better future

How can you perform at high levels month in and month out or year over year, if you struggle to become your best self? Now think about it.

No alt text provided for this image

SELF-REFLECTION STARTS WITH LOOKING INWARD

Socrates famously said,

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”

Looking inward is not an easy thing to practice. All of us live in this fast-paced, hyper-connected world.

Our mobile phones are constantly buzzing, social media is constantly vying for our attention, and Netflix always has something new to binge on.

Taking the time for reflection and inward thinking is tough. Unfortunately, many of us are living unexamined lives.

The self-reflection journey to sales betterment starts with understanding who you are at your core. It's becoming more in tune with your deeper self. It's the ability to recognize what makes you come alive, what makes you happy or sad.

In general, as a sales society, we have become fixated on the outer work. We focus on the stack rankings, where we are at quarter or year to date, key performance indicators, and number of new clients... starting to the get the picture?

Take a step back and realize that these are merely outer symbols. This does not reflect one's inner world.

The key to sales happiness lies in transforming yourself and your career through the inner work.

When you truly understand who you are, you can make the conscious effort to improve yourself and how you communicate better with others.

  • How do you deal with your emotions? Especially when deals go astray.
  • How do you react when your clients are unhappy or concerned with their levels of service?
  • What areas do you need to work on in your personal growth and development?
Do you have the courage to dig in and ask yourself deep questions?

SELF-REFLECTION HELPS TO DEFINE YOU

At this very moment...

  • What makes your heart sing?
  • How would you define yourself?

I encourage you to become your own Sherlock Holmes. Become interested in what grabs your attention and tugs on your heartstrings.

Getting to know yourself allows you to tap into the road of happiness as this is critical to your success as a sales professional. Your beliefs, your attitude and your daily routines are mission critical.

Self-reflection is an ongoing process that requires time, patience, and honesty with yourself.

Understanding yourself can mean recognizing your shortcomings. It's about putting them on display for others to judge.

Yes, this means getting extremely vulnerable. This starts with looking in the mirror and saying to yourself, "This is me. This is the real me. This is who I am."

If you struggle to ask yourself deep questions, I promise you will struggle to ask your clients deep questions?

Again, elite sales professionals do more self-reflection as opposed to deflection.

DEFLECTION GETS YOU NOWHERE

"Deflection is about protecting one's self-image instead of taking responsibility. If one feels guilty or inadequate about something they did, deflection pushes that feeling away by shifting the focus on to something else."
Aimee Daramus, PSYD

This quote should be framed on the walls and virtual walls of all sales teams.

How many times in sales does this happen...

  • Making excuses for (well you can fill in the blanks)
  • Refusing to take responsibility
  • Pointing fingers elsewhere

Deflection is used as a shield to prevent the truth. This prevents one from coming face to face with themselves and accepting responsibility.

Deflection is when you can’t or won’t accept full or partial responsibility for your actions and thus you place blame on someone else.

This is further reinforced with Galatians 6:5,

"For we are each responsible for our own conduct."

I encourage you to start becoming comfortable with self-reflection.

This will require ferocious self-honesty, self-discipline and massive action.

I encourage you to think about this one...

How can you become ferociously self-honest if you deflect instead of reflecting?

REFLECT YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS

What questions will you ask yourself daily?

The questions you ask yourself will ultimately affect the sales life you lead. The questions you ask yourself will determine what your mind focuses on, which will trigger certain thoughts, actions, and inactions, ultimately affecting your sales results.

I encourage you to create a daily habit of self-reflection.

Set aside 15 minutes a day to practice self-reflection. Start focusing in on the important things in life, such as your emotional and mental well-being. Train yourself in practicing mindfulness.

Making this minor change will improve your well-being, strengthen your relationships (personal and professional), make you a better person, and help you gain strides in your personal and professional development.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from starting your self-reflection journey.

Please set aside any fears, doubts and the lukewarmness of the comfort zone.

Go out and find the person you have often neglected and whose hand you have let go all too often. And folks, that hand would be yours.

Welcome to the Selling From the Heart podcast. Today, Darrell Amy and I talk about the story behind the book Selling From the Heart and the many inspirations behind it.

We talk about how the book came about, what selling from the heart and being a servant truly means, and why the book has resonated with so many sellers over the years.

HIGHLIGHT QUOTES

What does it mean to sell from the heart? - Larry: "It depends on what's in your heart, again, goes back to how your authentic self sells you. You have to be willing to do the inner work when you uncover who your true self is when you uncover what's in your heart, amazing things start to happen. But it's just how you can connect and how you can relate to people."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevi...

https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net/

Got a video about how you sell from the heart? Share it by texting VIDEO to 21000.

Click https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net/book to preorder your copy of the rerelease of the Selling from the Heart book.

SUBSCRIBE to our YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

/ @sellingfromtheheart

Please visit WHYINSTITUTE.COM

https://whyinstitute.com/

Please go to WORKBETTERNOW.COM

https://www.workbetternow.com/

Click for your Daily Dose of Inspiration

https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net/d...

Check out the 2023 Authentic Selling Challenge

https://authenticsellingchallenge.com/

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https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net/f...

Today's Hacked!

Hacked!

Prince Harry tells phone-hacking trial there is 'hard evidence' he was targeted....Prince Harry's appeared to fight back tears as he finished giving evidence in the phone-hacking trial at the high court, saying there was “hard ...

Microsoft HACKED, OpenAI is Next *by Anonymous Sudan | .....Microsoft has been hacked, and according to the hackers OpenAI is next. Never miss out on our latest videos! Subscribe to @cybernews today and ...

Clop Ransomware Gang Asserts It Hacked MOVEit Instances - .....Clop Ransomware Gang Asserts It Hacked MOVEit Instances. Russian-Speaking Extortion Operation Says It Will Start Listing Victims on June 14

Cyber gang issues ultimatum to BBC, BA and Boots after hack |.....a cyber attack on companies including BA and Boots has given victims a deadline to negotiate or have the hacked information published online.

Extortion demands feared after hacking spree hits British Airways, BBC and Nova Scotia......Cybersecurity experts are bracing for a potential wave of extortion demands after a vulnerability was discovered in encrypted file-sharing ...

The Biggest Bombshells From Prince Harry's Phone-Hacking Trial - The Cut......Nearly four years after Prince Harry sued Mirror Group Newspapers for allegedly hacking his phone and misusing private information to create ...

Some Curseforge accounts might be compromised/hacked, and are uploading malicious files.....We have reason to believe Curseforge, or at least many accounts on Curseforge, have been hacked and are uploading malicious files containing ...

-=Stay Safe=-

THE COPIER DEMO FROM HELL

A little background before we get started.

I met Paul Story Sr about eight years ago when he hired me to do sales training for his staff in Roanoke, VA.  Paul recently sold his dealership in the last year ago.  Now, I thought I was a tenured rep, good old Paul has got me beat hands down.

Paul sent me this funny story this AM, I emailed him back and received permission to put this on our site.

It's like OMG, a copier demo from the 50s!

THE COPYING MACHINE DEMO FROM HELL

Its March 1957.. I am 22 I had a friend that was selling the 3M Thermofax copier. He was really passionate about copiers becoming a new way of communicating. 3M was selling their product based on what they referred to as the “short note reply”. You would write a note of action needed on the original, then make a copy and send the copy to the person to handle the situation.

I was impressed and wanted to sell copiers. 3M did not have a sales job open, so I did some research and found there was a photo copier being sold in the northeast called the COPYCAT. I bought one and started my own copying machine business.

This was in March 1957. The COPYCAT made a photocopy of the original using negative and positive papers and developing fluid. It was the fastest Photocopy machine on the market. You could make a copy in 3 minutes.

The machine had a set of rollers that fed the papers though the developing fluid. The machine had been produced using parts used in other products. The motor that was powering the rollers was out of washing machines and had far more power than was needed.

NOW TO THE DEMO:

I had talked to the head of the Alabama Sales Tax department in to letting me demonstrate the COPYCAT. He arranged to have about a dozen clerks attend the demo. I got the machine all set up with the developing fluid in the tank and the crowd gathered. I was telling the group about this incredible copier as I got the positive and negative prepared to go through the developing fluid. All of a sudden, I felt I was being pulled toward the copier. My tie had entered the rollers with the copy papers. The motor was so strong I could not stop it. I was desperately trying to get them to unplug the copier but the tie got so tight it was chocking me and I could not speak clearly. In desperation I pulled the copier up to my chest and pulled back to try to pull the plug out of the wall. As I did this, I spilled the full tank of toxic developer fluid down my entire chest. My chest was on fire, One of the clerks cut my tie off and I immediately started to rip off my jacket and shirt. Several of the clerks got towels and water to wash off as much of the developer fluid as possible.

I was embarrassed and humiliated and half naked. But I apologized to the group and left.

Several days later I got up the nerve to call the department head and asked him if I could do the demo again. I told him I did not remember anyone at the demo who was wearing a tie. Amazingly he let me come back and give my demo. Even more amazing he ordered 6 of my COPYCATS. He was a very good supply customer until Xerox replaced my 6 copiers with one Xerox 914 in 1960. In the future of the COPYCAT,  I only wore bow ties.

Paul H Story Sr

Essential Tips for Setting Up a Productive Home Office Space

In recent years, the concept of working from home has gained significant popularity. With the rise of remote work, it’s crucial to create a productive home office space — an aesthetic and comfortable design that allows you to stay focused and motivated.

Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote employee, setting up an efficient workspace is vital for your productivity and overall well-being.

Remote work offers numerous benefits, including increased productivity, improved work-life balance, and reduced commuting time. In addition, it allows employees to tailor their work environment to their preferences, leading to higher job satisfaction. However, it also presents challenges such as potential feelings of isolation, difficulties in maintaining work-life boundaries, and the need for self-discipline.

To combat these negatives, we’ve devised numerous suggestions on the best ways to set up your productive home office space.

Designate a Dedicated Workspace

Even before the rise of remote work, we’re sure you’ve heard this philosophy before: it’s important to always separate your personal life from your professional one. Dedicate a specific area in your home that is solely dedicated to work-related activities. This will help you mentally transition into “work mode” and minimize distractions.

Individuals who work in a dedicated office space reported higher productivity levels compared to those who didn’t have a defined workspace.

Most important: make sure you do not have a bed in the room. The temptation to nap will be way too strong.

Prioritize Ergonomics

Ergonomics play a vital role in maintaining physical well-being and productivity during long work hours. For example, invest in an ergonomic chair that supports proper posture and reduces the risk of back pain.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), work-related musculoskeletal disorders account for a significant percentage of workplace injuries and illnesses.

Additionally, ensure your desk is at an appropriate height and invest in a keyboard and mouse that promote comfortable hand positioning. Of course, a standing desk couldn’t hurt either, allowing you to sit or stand whenever your body needs it.

Optimize Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for creating a productive home office environment. Natural light is ideal as it boosts mood, energy levels, and focus. Position your desk near a window to maximize the natural light intake. If natural light is limited, incorporate ambient and task lighting to reduce eye strain and create a well-lit workspace.

Workers exposed to daylight in their workspace reported significantly better sleep quality compared to those who were not.

Reduce Noise Distractions

Noise distractions can significantly impact your concentration and productivity. Choose a quiet area in your home for your office space to minimize disruptions. In addition, consider using noise-cancelling headphones or playing background noise that helps you concentrate, such as soft instrumental music or white noise.

A study published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America found that background noise can improve focus and enhance cognitive performance.

Maintain a Clutter-Free Environment

Cluttered and disorganized environments can lead to increased levels of stress and decreased performance. In other words, a cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind.

Keep your home office clean and organized by decluttering regularly. Invest in storage solutions such as shelves, filing cabinets, or desk organizers to keep your essentials within reach but out of sight.

Establish a Routine

A study conducted by Harvard Business Review found that individuals with consistent daily routines reported higher levels of productivity and satisfaction with their work-life balance (92% of participants).

Working from home offers flexibility in the digital age, but it’s important to establish a consistent routine to maintain productivity. Set specific working hours and create a schedule that aligns with your most productive times. This will help you stay focused and motivated.

Establish Boundaries

As discussed in a previous suggestion, when working from home, setting clear boundaries between your personal and professional life is essential. For example, establish specific work hours and communicate them to your family members or roommates.

Consider using a room divider or a designated office area to physically separate your workspace from the rest of your living space. This separation helps create a mental distinction between work and relaxation zones.

Prioritize Connectivity and Technology

A stable internet connection and reliable technology are crucial for a productive home office. This is obviously the downside of working remotely at home: once the internet is out, your workday is severely compromised. Therefore, invest in high-speed internet to avoid disruptions during virtual meetings and file transfers.

Set up a backup system to safeguard your work in case of computer failures or data loss. Utilize project management and communication tools to stay organized and collaborate effectively with colleagues.

Incorporate Greenery

Plants not only enhance the aesthetics of your home office, but also offer various benefits. For example, research shows that having plants in the workspace can improve air quality, reduce stress levels, and increase productivity.

Consider adding low-maintenance plants like succulents or peace lilies that thrive indoors and require minimal care.

Enhance Technology Setup

A well-equipped home office requires reliable technology. Ensure your computer, printer, and other essential devices are up-to-date and in good working condition.

Backup important files regularly, invest in cybersecurity measures, and use cloud-based storage solutions for seamless access to your files from anywhere.

Printer Usage Tips for Home Office

how big is the home office print market

Maintaining a home office requires an efficient and reliable printer. Research by Grand View Research suggests that the home office printer market is expected to reach $29.14 billion by 2025, emphasizing its importance.

To optimize your printer’s lifespan, select the right printer for your needs, whether inkjet for photos or laser for documents. Always use the manufacturer’s recommended ink or toner to prevent damage. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the print heads and replacing worn parts, is crucial.

Additionally, consider a printer with duplexing capabilities for saving paper. Keeping your software up-to-date ensures compatibility and improved performance.

You can find out more how Powers MPS can help your dealership

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