The New York Times article called “A Clip-And-Save Renaissance” reports that online coupon redemption is up 25% for the first half of 2009 vs. last year.

One reason for the revival is that they’re easier to redeem than rebates and you don’t need to wait to see the savings.

The demographics of coupon users isn’t blue haired, moth-balled seniors either. According to the Times’ article, households earning $70,000 or more a year were among the top users.

A few weeks ago, Copy Cop introduced its own coupons—both paper coupons and online (CopyCop_Coupons_2010.pdf) and early tracking shows that print customers are redeeming coupons steadily.

Even before the economy became a cliché, finding a job was tough work. It was, in itself, a full-time job.  So many cogs need to move together to land the right position with the right employer.

Networking. How many online applications have you filled out to never hear from the employer again? Nevermind “again,” you just don’t even hear anything after sending your resume. If you do get a reply, it’s usually a form letter saying they’ll “keep your resume on file” for a year (which means don’t send another resume anytime soon).

It’s easier said than done, but the path of least frustration is by networking. Through websites like facebook, or linkedin, build a network of friends and contacts in your industry. When you’re looking for work, they should be the first people you contact!

Stand out. Listing your day to day duties may show potential employers what your skills are, but what makes you a better candidate than the 200 others applying for the same position? What did you bring to your past employers that wouldn’t have happened without you? Perhaps an idea that turned into a successful program or trimmed the company expenses? Highlighting personal contributions you made will help you stand above others.

Your presentation. You can do everything right, but the long-held adage remains—your resume is your first impression—make sure it is spot on. Have several friends proofread it. Get your resume and cover letter printed professionally on quality paper. Go a step beyond the sticker return address labels and also have envelopes printed professionally with your return address. Your first impression will be greater even before the recipient sees your resume!

I remember the date. September 27^th. The blue and white lights wrapped around the faux pine tree, shining brightly at the front of the wholesale store. Christmas shopping season had arrived! Yes, before Halloween. Before even Columbus Day! It had arrived while Labor Day weekend was still visible in the rear view mirror and New England temps were still playing in the mid-70s. After the Summer That Wasn’t, we’re once again moving quickly into another holiday season. Much too quickly, for me.

We’re headed into another merry season of egg nog, red and green decorations, lightly-falling snow (hopefully lightly falling!) and three cars fighting over one parking space at the mall. Oh, and holiday parties! Before your calendar gets filled with events to attend, now’s the time to plan hosting your own Jingle Bell Rock!

While you deal with more important tasks for your party—like putting together a cool mix of party music on your iPod (don’t forget the requisite “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree!”), leave the invitations to us! Your invites printed by Copy Cop will make make your event it’s the “can’t miss” party! Take your pick… folded invitations or as postcards, we can do bring life to your holiday party invites.

We also create gifts family members will love for the next 12 months—personalized calendars! Just send us (upload online or stop into your local Copy Cop) 13 photos (12 months and a cover photo) and you’ll get back a wall or desktop calendar that Aunt Millie can enjoy all year long!  And, with just one stop to Copy Cop and gift shopping is done for all of your aunts, uncles and cousins.