Keep the Magic Alive This Holiday Season
The Holiday Season of my childhood was magical.
Filled with warm memories of Thanksgiving meals, presents by the beautifully decorated tree and family traditions.
Then I grew up and became an entrepreneur.
Before I learned to balance and plan, I struggled as many entrepreneurs do, with the overwhelming stress monster that took over the Holiday Season as I had known it.
Family meals were spent checking e-mails from my phone under the table.
I skipped Holiday parties to finish work from home.
What happened to the most "wonderful time of the year"? Something needed to change, I wanted that magic back.
I read a great piece of advice that I have taken to heart and I think every entrepreneur needs to hear, "If you are not able to take a vacation, it means you have done a poor job as a manager.
Your business should be able to run without you if you've done a good job at setting up systems and structures.
" Systems and structure take planning.
It is a bitter pill to swallow, but from Thanksgiving and Hanukkah to Christmas and New Year's, employees and founders of small companies juggle current projects, plans for the upcoming year and closing the books for the past year.
Don't make the mistakes of Christmas Past, nobody likes an Ebenezer Scrooge.
Start planning now and avoid the hustle and bustle, and actually enjoy the season's pleasures.
Get Organized You live by your calendar and you know the holidays are fast approaching.
Start preparing now by making plans.
What kind of business do you expect to gain or potentially lose during the Holiday season? How can you plan to make this transition smooth? Schedule in the time you plan to spend with your family, friends and even yourself now.
Although it may be tempting to cancel as your schedule gets hectic, stick to those commitments.
You will be much happier if you do.
Communicate Always communicate to your customers and clients what is happening with your business.
If turnaround times on products or responses are slower let them know.
If you tell them in advance, they will understand.
As long as you are still fairly prompt, they will have that expectation in their mind.
Don't Underestimate the Power of a "Thank You" Let your clients and customers know how much you appreciate their business.
Start by wishing them a happy holiday season with a small personal card or note.
A personal touch will go a long way and will remind them of your services, so they will have you in the back of their mind during the most giving time of the year.
Send them early on, and you will see the benefits throughout the season.
Ask for Help It is OK to ask for help or delegate tasks if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Having quality "go-to" employees is important.
The more you can organize before the rush, the better off you will be.
Allow Yourself a Break Everyone deserves a happy holiday season, even if you have your own business and even if you have a pile of work to do.
Take time out for your family and yourself.
Make time for your Holiday traditions.
Plan your holiday shopping early on.
You don't have a problem taking initiative in your business, why don't you do the same in your personal life? Set Boundaries Set Boundaries in both your work and personal life.
Just because it is the holidays doesn't mean you can drop everything, but you also have to have a little fun as well.
It is important to remind your family that there are certain times for work and others for play.
Stay focused during your working hours by closing your office door or even taking your work elsewhere.
Then when it is family time, shut off your phone and join in on the festivities.
Keep the magic alive this Holiday Season.
As it quickly approaches, incorporate some of these tips and strategies to keep your stress level low, your business profitable and still enjoy!
Filled with warm memories of Thanksgiving meals, presents by the beautifully decorated tree and family traditions.
Then I grew up and became an entrepreneur.
Before I learned to balance and plan, I struggled as many entrepreneurs do, with the overwhelming stress monster that took over the Holiday Season as I had known it.
Family meals were spent checking e-mails from my phone under the table.
I skipped Holiday parties to finish work from home.
What happened to the most "wonderful time of the year"? Something needed to change, I wanted that magic back.
I read a great piece of advice that I have taken to heart and I think every entrepreneur needs to hear, "If you are not able to take a vacation, it means you have done a poor job as a manager.
Your business should be able to run without you if you've done a good job at setting up systems and structures.
" Systems and structure take planning.
It is a bitter pill to swallow, but from Thanksgiving and Hanukkah to Christmas and New Year's, employees and founders of small companies juggle current projects, plans for the upcoming year and closing the books for the past year.
Don't make the mistakes of Christmas Past, nobody likes an Ebenezer Scrooge.
Start planning now and avoid the hustle and bustle, and actually enjoy the season's pleasures.
Get Organized You live by your calendar and you know the holidays are fast approaching.
Start preparing now by making plans.
What kind of business do you expect to gain or potentially lose during the Holiday season? How can you plan to make this transition smooth? Schedule in the time you plan to spend with your family, friends and even yourself now.
Although it may be tempting to cancel as your schedule gets hectic, stick to those commitments.
You will be much happier if you do.
Communicate Always communicate to your customers and clients what is happening with your business.
If turnaround times on products or responses are slower let them know.
If you tell them in advance, they will understand.
As long as you are still fairly prompt, they will have that expectation in their mind.
Don't Underestimate the Power of a "Thank You" Let your clients and customers know how much you appreciate their business.
Start by wishing them a happy holiday season with a small personal card or note.
A personal touch will go a long way and will remind them of your services, so they will have you in the back of their mind during the most giving time of the year.
Send them early on, and you will see the benefits throughout the season.
Ask for Help It is OK to ask for help or delegate tasks if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Having quality "go-to" employees is important.
The more you can organize before the rush, the better off you will be.
Allow Yourself a Break Everyone deserves a happy holiday season, even if you have your own business and even if you have a pile of work to do.
Take time out for your family and yourself.
Make time for your Holiday traditions.
Plan your holiday shopping early on.
You don't have a problem taking initiative in your business, why don't you do the same in your personal life? Set Boundaries Set Boundaries in both your work and personal life.
Just because it is the holidays doesn't mean you can drop everything, but you also have to have a little fun as well.
It is important to remind your family that there are certain times for work and others for play.
Stay focused during your working hours by closing your office door or even taking your work elsewhere.
Then when it is family time, shut off your phone and join in on the festivities.
Keep the magic alive this Holiday Season.
As it quickly approaches, incorporate some of these tips and strategies to keep your stress level low, your business profitable and still enjoy!
