Note pads are a small bit of paper that you may tend to overlook. They are inexpensive, useful and come in many varieties of shapes, sizes and colors. Use larger, lined note pads for more space to write. Unlined note pads provide less space, but may be handier for those little notes from the receptionist to you. Often note pads printed with a company name come unlined, but you could purchase lined notebooks with your company name or logo on the front cover.

Characteristics to consider when choosing the right notepad for a given situation include:

1. The size of the page, which affects both portability and price.

2. The number of pages, which also affects price and the length of use you get out of one pad.

3. The type of binding for the notepad, which is generally a choice between spiral-bound, glue-top or perforated.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Jot down a quick note with an inexpensive note pad

Buy several sizes of note pads in bulk for use in your office. Large pads are useful for taking meeting notes, stenographer's pads are easy to write on for either right or left handed people, and smaller pads and sticky notes are good for a quick note as a reminder or communication.

I recommend: Choose from several categories of notebooks and note pads, including spiral bound and glue-top pads, both ruled and unruled, at Office Depot. Find a large selection of note pads and writing pads at Business Supply.

Give a specialized note pad as a personal or business gift

Pre-printed note pads make inexpensive holiday or birthday gifts for co-workers. When you design a personal notepad, you add value to a gift beyond the actual cost. Give a personalized gift as a gesture of appreciation to a valued customer.

I recommend: Choose from a wide variety of humorous specialty note pads that make great gifts at Who's There. Design your own colorful, personal notepads for gifts at Personal Expressions Online.

Promote your business with note pads imprinted with your company logo

Have note pads printed up to give out at a sales meeting. Promote your business by handing out small pads of sticky notes printed with your company name and phone number or web address to customers. Add small notepads advertising your company logo to the bags personnel hand out at trade shows--most people keep and use this type of promotional gift.

I recommend: Order note pads in various sizes imprinted with your company logo and information from 48HourPrint.com. Have custom note pads printed by PrintPlace.com, which offers a 1-day turn-around on all products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choose small glue-top note pads for an easy and inexpensive option if you want to get a note pad printed with your company logo.