1. Install lockable computer enclosures to prevent the theft of computers. Computer theft is one of the biggest problems in businesses. Steal a computer, and you’ve just stolen all the information contained on that computer as well including personal and confidential data. Often, it’s the lost data that can be more costly than replacing the computer itself. Keep those CPUs safe by locking them up so that they can’t be turned on and off at will, moved around, or bumped and harmed by cleaning staff.

2. Keep track of who is being assigned equipment like headsets, computers, phones, laptops, etc. and ask employees to sign in and out for such items.  The act of simply signing in an out implies an added responsibility to keep those items safe on the employees’ part and most staff members will take extra caution not to leave them about where they can be stolen.

3. Take inventory often. Regularly scheduled inventory is a must, but it’s also good practice to have a few spontaneous inventory checks.  Thieves often plan their crimes at times when they know that by the time the item is missed or recognized as missing, enough time has passed that it will be too difficult to track who had it last. The act of inventory and noting the condition of company-owned products also helps office managers prepare for when these items will need to naturally be replaced.

1. Self-inflating back rest from Relax the Back Store.

2. Ergonomic travel pillow.

3. Comfort Zone perfect pillow from JC Penney.

4. Deluxe Keyboard Arm & Tray from Versa Products.

5.  Forearm support pillows from Wedge-Ease.

6.  Shape-Ups walking shoes by Skechers.

7. Walkstation treadmill by Steel Case.

8. Face-down Lounge Chairs by Brookstone.

9. Supra headsets from AliMed.

10.  Laptop Blackout Privacy Filters from Ergoware.

1. Homemade Coupons.  Yes, I know. It’s a throw back to the first grade when you made coupons for your parents for things like “One free hug” or “Wash the dishes without complaining.”  But the idea behind it is great.  It’s a way for you to show that you want to be thoughtful and make their lives easier.  These are perfect for a boyfriend/girlfriend (”One free romantic dinner cooked by me”) or roommates (”Do your laundry for free”) or even your kids (”Watch a DVD together of your choice”).

2. Food. You’re gonna make it anyway so you might as well wrap it up pretty and give it away.  Try a recipe for something you know they really like even if you don’t make it often yourself. Even mini cakes or cookies make a great gift.

3. A scrapbook. While some people spend hundreds on scrapbooking, they can actually be done very cheaply. Buy a cheap, plain paper book and title it “100 Things I Love About You” then cut out photos or pictures from magazines that depict each of the things and write a little anecdote about that thing at the bottom of the page.

Now I know that’s not the worst situation in the world. I’ve had friends who went through much worse. One friend had a roommate who professed to be a vampire and drank the blood from packages of uncooked beef. Need I say more?

So how do you get along with the college roommate from hell? Here are a few tips that probably would have helped me have a more enjoyable freshman experience had I known…

1. Respect the person even if you don’t like them. You don’t have to be best friends forever, but it is nice to add your roommate to your list of people you can count on if you ever need it. But you have to be that for them as well.  Respect their decisions to do their own thing and don’t touch, use, or borrow their stuff without asking. When you do, return it promptly and in as good of a condition as when you borrowed it.

2. Communicate. Either with a dry erase board, or notes, or text messages, but communication is important. Let them know if someone stopped by looking for them. Let them know that you’re aware that you ate the last of the peanut butter but will buy some before you return. Offer to help them if they need it– whether it be a ride to the store, an offer to let him/her use your printer when their toner runs out, or whatever else.

3. Appreciate them for what they are.  Don’t have any expectations.  Everyone has good qualities. Focus on those and let them know you appreciate it.  If you were lucky enough to have a roommate that doesn’t leave his/her clothes strewn all over, tell them that you feel lucky you got them as a roommate because they’re tidy. Remember that you can learn something from everyone and if you’re open to that, they’ll be more open to learning from you.

1. Audience.

First, define your audience. How many people will be listening?  How varied is their knowledge level of the subject? Your presentation should engage and teach the person with the least amount of knowledge without boring the person with the most.  The room should be set up to accommodate the number of people present so that they can all see and hear clearly.  Remember, this presentation is about them, not you, so even if something seems important to you but you know will be over their heads or too elementary, cut it out.

2. Purpose.

Define the purpose of the presentation. Pick five key things you want your audience to take away and drive them home. Explaining too much is as boring as not explaining enough and either way, you don’t want your audience to feel they’ve wasted their time.

3. Communication

How can you communicate the information in a way that’s exciting? It should be visually interesting– not just a power point presentation reiterating what you’re saying behind a podium. It should flow in a way that’s easy to understand. Use anecdotes if they’re short, clever, and memorable. Keep your points succinct and ensure your visuals enhance that.

4. Impact.

Impact your audience and encourage them to take some sort of action at the end. Be concise about ways they can implement these new techniques or incorporate the information you presented in their own lives. Be sure they walk away with something they can use and encourage feedback.

1. Maximize space by downsizing.  One desk created for two people to share can streamline a room and save the space that two desks would take up. This way, two people can work at the same time while still sharing the same space.

2. Wall space is typically underused. Most people don’t make the most of their wall space.  Adding shelves, cabinets, even wall-mounted organizers can keep desk, floor, and lower cabinet space from getting cluttered.

3. Bunk beds aren’t just for kids. Don’t use all the available space in a bedroom on a bed. Bunk beds allow for the room to be split up and shared not just horizontally, but vertically too.

4. Flat screen everything is in! From flat screen, wall-mounted televisions, to computer screens, to CD players. The flatter, the better. And mounting these items on a wall instead of a television stand or book case saves much needed space!

1. Design of the security room.  A security hub should have all the features and tools necessary to allow the working security guard to perform his/her job efficiently.  A desk or computer cart to hold the number of monitors needed for the number of cameras located throughout the complex is number one. The guard should be able to view all of these monitors at the same time without having to turn around.

2. A camera/monitoring system.  Decide on the system that’s right for your needs. Any combination of cameras, smart entry key fobs, key codes, etc. can work. It’s about finding the one that works for you.

3. Decide if you will hire security guards through a security company or employ one or more yourself. There are benefits to both. Talk to a reputable security company to find out which is a better fit.

4. Post signs. Signs on doors, garages, and elevators are a great deterrent to people who may be considering committing crimes. Make it known to everyone that the premises are protected by security guards and monitored regularly.

5. Communication is key. Create a method in which residents or business tenants recieve communication about what’s going on in their building including dates they can expect construction works on site, when maintenance will happen, and when new tenants plan to move in or out.  Likewise, encourage them to inform security guards if they’ve scheduled maintenance or vendors, will be leaving the unit vacant for any length of time, or have hired a new employee.

Stress reduction and relaxation are always in, espectially during the hectic holiday season. Gift certificates for massage or facials are great for both men or women. Want to spend a little less? How about a meditation DVD for beginners or a yoga DVD/mat combo?

Know a workaholic?  How about a high end ergonomically designed keyboard tray for his/her desk? Most of us won’t spend the extra money but love the comfort and minimized strain associated with using these types of adjustable trays after long hours behind a computer.

Have a friend who’s a workout fiend?  Magazine gift subscriptions to health and fitness magazines make a great gift that arrive throughout the year so the they’re the gift that keeps on giving. Gift memberships to gyms, pilates studios, and personal training sessions are also terrific gifts for these folks.

Love to eat? Enjoy the holidays in a healthy way by sending fruit baskets instead of cookies or sweets. Bring a tray of cut fruit to the office instead of doughnuts to give your colleagues a healthy-happy option.

1. Flat screen versatile television Screens like the MIYOTA LCD t.v. Completely flat, it can be used in your car, your bathroom, your bedroom, or anywhere else you want to mount it. But you don’t have to mount it if you don’t want to. The little 6.25 inch screened television is portable.

2. Wall mounted computer stations that obliterate the need for a desk. The Versa Products’ Medical Laptop Wall Mount Cabinet was designed for medical and dental offices, but it’s perfect for classrooms, dorm rooms, offices, and anywhere else that you may want to mount a lockable, versatile, and don’t forget flat laptop desk.

3. Audio systems that allow the sound to fill the room event though they don’t.  We love the Philips MC235B Flat Wall Mountable Micro Audio System. Dynamic sound performance, presets, CD tray, and none of it needs to sit on your desk or take up shelf space.

With that in mind, I thought it was worth a few moments of my time to give props to three table manufacturers that have designed products that work for pretty much everyone– not because they got lucky, but because they designed them with customability and flexibility in mind. Imagine that! Companies that feel the best way to improve their sales is by making their customers happy instead of scamming them into thinking the product will be perfect for them when it actually won’t. A novel concept these days, I know.

Here they are:

1. www.contourtablesystems.com.  This company makes massage tables designed to allow the massage therapist to adjust the table to customize it for either a woman or a man.  Since lying prone on a flat surface is not uncomfortable for many woman due to their breasts, but also creates an arch in their back that’s not conducive to massage, these tables adjust to fit each individual, man or woman, so everyone can be comfortable. Love it!

2. www.versatables.com. This company manufactures desks and tables for schools, offices, and home. They offer a huge variety of tables, most of which adjust for height and tilt with simply a touch, making them perfect for anyone short or tall.  Because so many of us spend hour after hour sitting at our desks, finding one that’s designed to adjust to my body instead of forcing me to adjust my chair to fit it, is key.

3. www.tuffyland.com. These guys make furniture designed especially for children– and the tables can grow as the children do! Great idea. The legs actually adjust incrementally so you can make the tables taller as the kids grow, and they’re great for schools because the tables can moved from a 1st grade classroom to a 4th grade classroom, working for both sets of students simply by adjusting the legs.