Staying focused on work during the holidaze and other tidbits

A professional speaker friend emailed and asked for some ideas to help businesses keep focused during the holidaze. She is being interviewed by the Atlanta Constitution Journal and asked me for my input. Here’s the email I sent her (warts and all)Here’s what I am doing to keep focused on work:

1. Working on creating a vision for 2008 (I’m working on a plan to have a 4 Hour Work week starting 4^th Q in 08 – it’s very ambitious but attainable IF I develop a good plan and work the plan. That is helping keep  big goals on the big picture.
2. Revising, updating, and planning for 2008 (revisiting goals, refining my company positioning statement, working on printing new materials, creative communications – thank you cards, birthday cards, etc.)
3. Working on tech kinks and getting all office equipment working at it’s highest level to maximize efficiency (I think before Christmas is a great time to get more tech support as most consumers are busy for the holidays) If we are using tech more efficiently, it helps increase productivity and will result in less stress when there is down time.
4. Take time to appreciate my 2007 customers. I don’t usually send out x-mas cards. Instead, I  call and give a tailored genuine thank you either via voice mail or preferably live. Not only is it very different than what most companies send out, it’s also A LOT less stressful and is very focusing as well. IF you set it up right, customers will both tell you what you do well and give you suggestions for improvement (to any one local – Merry Christmas! That’s my card. Hey I am not being callous, I LOVE Christmas but I refuse to get worked up this year. I am spending time focusing on why we celebrate and enjoy moments with those I love and cherish. 
5. Give time and money away.  As trite as it sounds, it is the reason for the season. My family and my company are actively seeking ways to give back to make our community a better place to live. I believe giving employees PAID time to give, improves productivity, decrease absenteeism, and improves morale – all which affect focus, in my view.

 In the news: 

“Today is National Ginger Bread House day. Let me know if you had a party”.

America‘s best high schools have been named including several in East, TN schools.  Two local high schools, Alcoa and
Maryville just achieved an unprecedented 4 straight state football championships (neither were among the area schools mentioned as top schools). Hmmmmm.

There’s been a ban on “sagging” in Atlanta public schools. In case you don’t have or know a teenager, sagging is wearing your pants so low that you show your ….let’s just say it’s easier to moon someone today than when I was in high school. My personal motto: ”Keep crack out of schools”.

I watched the early news this am (which I rarely do) and you’ll see why. Apparently, a little boy named Trey, age 6, killed a black bear this week. According to the report, he is related to Daniel Boone. As you can imagine, the males in his family are ecstatic. His grandpa was asked by the TV reporter, “How did you feel when you heard the news?” To which grand pappy said, “Tears rolled down my cheeks.” If  you live in East, TN, please do something news worthy and call WBIR or WATE…quickly before some five year old girl shoots a buck to make “me maw” or grand pappy proud.

The local Angel Tree organization needs clothes, shoes, and toys (GI Joe with Kung Fu grip type stuff) as they are short $7000 in donations. Drop off to West Town Mall or send donations to: