The holidays are officially here! With Christmas just three days away, last minute shoppers are scrambling to buy gifts. Malls are crowded, lines are long, and finding parking takes hours. With all the stress that unfortunately comes with the holidays, there are a a few tricks that can be done to help you survive the season.1. Be Patient & FlexibleFor most, shopping during the holidays is one of the most stressful times of the year. The pressure to find the perfect gift for someone builds up on customers and often leaves them frustrated. Realize this as a small business owner and/or employee. You need to give your customers extra patience during this busy season. Understand that they might talk back at you, be rude, or even argue. It is nothing against you, just the frustration and stress of the holidays speaking. Be nice and patient with every customer at all times. If a problem arises, take a step back and think it through. Be flexible and creative to find resol...
By Cheryl Sowa · December 22 2009
marketing, customer service, fun, holiday
Tips from July 30, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss time management. Step 5: Look at the Big Picture.
Take advantage of down time. Regroup, prioritize, and view your future schedule. Take a few minutes for "me time."
Get physical. Working out improves your health & lifestyle. Exercise also provides a way to eliminate stress.
Have fun! A sense of humor will keep you in good spirits, put problems into perspective, & evoke positive feelings at work.
Definitely put time aside every day for personal life: family, friends, travel, religion, & more. Work at personal & life goals.
Daily Overview: Although it is sometime hard to admit, work is not the #1 priority. Leave time for important life things.
By Cheryl Sowa · July 31 2009
small business tips, small business, fun, big picture
Government, Politics and the Economy
Small Business: The White House is Deaf to Our Needs
President Obama's decision to cut off aid to small business lender CIT Group is just the latest in a string of decisions that demonstrate Obama's indifference to small business. WSJ.com
Shlaes: Look to Reagan for a Way Out of the Recession
Bloomberg columnist Amity Shlaes suggests that with the similarity between the current recession and the economic woes of the early 1980s, the solution to those woes, lower taxes and higher interest rates, is worth looking at today. Bloomberg.com
Management and Operations
By Charles M Cooper · July 17 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
