The Holiday Rushes

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The holidays are a time of joy and happiness, where giving love to those you care for becomes what is most important. But this is not always the case, especially in our businesses. Often times, we get so caught up in the rush to our holidays and to the end of the year, that we forget some of the basic business practices that allowed us to get to the end of the year in the first place.

1. Be thankful to your staff and team – Not only are you stressed about the holiday season, so are those around you. But it is by your successes together that your business is still functioning from this tumultuous year. Take a few minutes out and individually recognize them. Yes, you had the "holiday party" where you had the box lunches and White Elephant gift exchange ... but this is something different. All it takes is a short note, a card or a small something meaningful just for them. This enables them to feel like they are cherished.
2. Recognize your patrons – After 15 years in professional sales, I still see too many people missing the chance to have effective holiday communication with their customers. Either the budget does not allow it, time is not permissive or you are only allowed to do something for the clients over here, but not for those over there. Each one of your customers and business partnerships wants to feel like you appreciate them.  Something as small as a card, an email or a Facebook post might be enough to let them know that you are grateful for them.
3. Take time for you – Yes, the holidays are crazy, but if you respond to it with "crazy," then you are just going to make matters worse. Take 10 minutes out of your day tomorrow. Close your door, turn off the phone, close your laptop and take a deep breath. Ask yourself, "What are the things that are important to me?" Isn’t that what it is all about, reminding ourselves of what is truly important? Once you have your list, slow down and make sure you are taking the time to give each one the attention it deserves. And remember, you deserve to not have it be crazy, and you are in control of making your holiday special.

So take some time over these last two weeks to focus on the important things and to appreciate those who made it all possible. Not only will it help your holidays be more special, but it just might make someone else’s special too.

Happy Holiday!

Shad Bookout,

Chief Social Officer

OpinionsVary, Inc.