It’s important to let your clients and business associates know that you value the relationship you share. Businesses typically do this at Christmas, when 2 billion cards are sent. How do you compete, and do you even know whether your client celebrates Christmas or other winter holiday?

This Thanksgiving, stand out from those 2 billion by sending your clients the message that when you reflect on what you have to be thankful for, you think of them. If you’ll be including a gift with your well wishes, think about something that will have a lasting impact, such as something they will use for entertaining during all those holiday parties.

Tip: Cheese boards, serving trays, and gourmet goodies are sure to be appreciated during the holiday season.

According to human resources, finance executives, and marketing professionals, here’s what business and organizations can expect:

• Monday: most common day to call in sick (heard of the “Monday Blues?”), and for those that do show up, many don’t want to be there; yet as the “catch up” day after the weekend with e-mail and meetings, Monday is considered the 2nd most productive day of the week
• Tuesday: full of momentum, this is the busiest and most productive day of the week
• Wednesday: known as “hump day,” this mid-way point has employees looking forward to the weekend and has greater incidences of errors
• Thursday: can go either way
• Fridays: 2nd most common day for absenteeism and generally less productive as people are feeling TGIF and are anxious to begin the weekend, often leaving work early

Tip: Reduce absenteeism by making Mondays or Fridays a part of your employee incentive program, perhaps offering free lunch, hosting employee bbqs, allowing a casual dress day, or having a weekly zany shirt competition

Did you know that appliances that are turned off still suck electricity? Apparently, 75% of energy used by appliances occurs while they are turned off. Prevent this by plugging them into a power strip that actually cuts off the energy flow when you flip the switch to off.

A sharp mind!

As we get older our memory starts to decline, beginning in our thirties. Also, stress can affect our ability to store new memories. When we exercise we counter the natural effects of aging by increasing blood flow to the brain and reduce stress - so encourage it!

1. Eliminate paper statements from your bank, utilities, and credit card companies by switching to online
2. Practice the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
3. Paper or plastic? Neither - bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store
4. When purchasing products, look for items made from recycled materials
5. Buy local and reduce pollution and fuel use
6. Switch to natural cleaners without the harsh cleansers, such as Caldrea
7. When showering, turn off the water while lathering and shaving
8. Wash loads of laundry on cold water setting
9. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use 75% less energy than regular
10. Save paper by adjusting margins from 1″ to .75″ and use both sides  - I was able to purchase a duplexer for my all-in-one printer, which makes using both sides easy; I just love this feature!

We all know things are tough all over and can be seen by the increase in home foreclosures and bankruptcies. Your employees may be facing some exceptional financial stresses at home, which can result in low morale, tension between coworkers, and reduced productivity.

How can an employer help without being taken advantage of?

• Offer financial & emotional counseling opportunities
• Allow the use of flex time to sort out problems
• Be flexible, yet fair
• Treat employees equally

What makes bamboo an environmentally sustainable choice?

• Doesn’t require pesticides
• As a renewable resource, is the world’s fastest growing plant and regenerates without replanting
• Reverses the effects of global warming & helps reduce carbon-dioxide gases
• A unique building material, bamboo is termite and rot resistant and has the tensile strength of steel

Make a difference in the future of our planet by looking for eco-friendly alternatives for everyday products. Bamboo products to look for: cooking utensils, serving trays, cutting boards, bowls, baskets, clothing, bed linens, towels, rugs, floors, and fences.

Did you know that women are better at creating the buzz? According to Rick Segal, retail marketing guru, women are more likely to recommend a product or service they like than men - and do so 57% more frequently.

Flowers? Jewelry? Perfume? Pampering?

Nope.

To be loved, valued, and appreciated.

Verbal praise is a prime means of employee recognition, with a multitude of benefits.

1. Makes employees feel valued for their contribution and gives meaning to their work
2. Increases self-esteem, and stats show that those with high self-esteem tend to be the best employees
3. Fosters a positive attitude toward management
4. Quick - only takes a few seconds to a few minutes
5. It’s free, so be liberal (but genuine) with verbal praise

Tip: Praise has the most impact when it’s for a specific task or action rather than general performance, and is administered relatively close in time to the action.

When did your employer last praise you and how did that make you feel?