DESIGN YOUR IDEAL WEEK You can design your ideal week, but it’s important to have a plan. Plan three different types of days: productive (work), practical (family) and play (yourself). Remember, you’ll need to be flexible. A productive day involves concentrating on moneymaking activities. If you’re in sales, it’s when you’re face to face with customers, or making presentations to a prospect. Plan on practical days in office to catch up on phone calls, write proposals, organize your office, and do maintenance for your business - it’s much more effective. Then plan a play day. Block out at least 24 hours and don’t do any work - no voicemail, computer or paperwork. Just time for you!

SAY NO! In order to have a great life, you have to learn to say “no” - even when you really want to say “yes.” Ask yourself throughout day, “Is this best use of my time, right now?”

UNDER-PROMISE, OVER-DELIVER Often in our desire to please people, we tend to over-promise. An example: You’re asked to provide a report or proposal and you promise to deliver it in five days. You put yourself under pressure and it turns out that some information you need is not available. You complete project in six days and no one is happy. If you know you can do it in seven days, promise it in 10. Leave buffer time for obstacles. When you deliver project a day or two early, you look like a hero and pressure has been minimal.

PRACTICE EXTREME SELF-CARE You must take care of yourself in order to be successful and to have a great life. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be effective in business or in your personal life. Block out time on your calendar and plan on ways to nurture yourself.

DREAM IN A DRAWER Do you have a dream? Is there something you would really like to do, but there’s never enough time? Most of us have a dream in our drawer. Take it out and take first step to making it a reality. Hire a coach or have a friend help you with a plan. Set up steps of accountability and make that dream come true!

So, you think including art in your company office is a great idea. Now you’re faced with a fundamental problem: how do you go about acquiring pieces of artwork?

Begin process with a step-by-step analysis of company's needs. Buying artwork is an important decision that requires substantial consideration. Contemplate following points:

•What form of art, and in what medium? Oil paintings on canvas, wooden sculptures, photographs. (Our recommendation would be hand made oil paintings on canvas. They are easy to maintain and oil paintings provide most desired affect.)

•Themes and content (Nudes and morbid imagery are a no-no!)

•Quantity vs. quality: few expensive pieces or numerous cheaper ones.

•Budget: don’t spend what you don’t have.

•Design and décor issues (sometimes it’s better to leave this to professionals)

After making best decision for your company, it’s time to get ball rolling.

1) Designate responsibility of proposal preparation, procurement and collection management within company, or contract from outside.

2) Consult with professionals in art business.

3) Complete acquisition and arrange for installation.

4) You may arrange an open house after acquisition where employees should be encouraged to objectively appreciate new collection. (This helps to stimulate creativity and promote diversity appreciation!)

Congratulations, you’ve now joined list of trend setting companies who motivate their employees to greater heights with inspiration of art. A job well done!

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Alex Oke has worked in the art business for over 4 years. For the last 2 years he has headed OverstockArt, an experienced online retailer of hand made oil paintings with the best prices and quality on the web. Contact OverstockArt today for a free consultation about your office décor and budget requirements at 1-866-686-1888.