Similarly, the ability to interview subject matter experts over the phone, upload a digital recording, and download a transcription saves hours of travel and tedium. Need a quick, low-cost way to communicate with your network of clients, friends, and prospects? E-newsletters through Constant Contact, along with social media tools like Linked In, Twitter, and Facebook make it easy. Finally, don't overlook the transformational power of the DVR. While it's bad news for advertisers, it's a great time saver and a convenience for those of us with a low tolerance for commercials.  

Reliable, Smart, Talented Colleagues

I'm not the only person who left corporate life to strike out on their own. Therefore, when the need arises, I'm grateful I can tap into my network of freelance writers, editors, designers, and proofreaders. People like Nancy Opiela, Rick Sauder, Liz Craig, Fran Fahey, and others. These folks enable me to manage varying volumes of work, ensure my clients' needs are met, and maintain my sanity.

A Wise Wife (and Great Kids) 

When I first floated the idea of leaving my corporate job to my wife Theresa back in 2004, she was understandably skeptical. But I was prepared. After I showed her my detailed spreadsheet that analyzed every possible variable in the decision, she ultimately came around. Since then, she has been my biggest booster and "perspective provider." If I complain that I'm buried with work, she reminds me of those days when I had a little too much free time. If I'm experiencing cabin fever, she'll turn the TV to the morning traffic report. Now that she has her own mental health private practice, I can occasionally offer her some words of wisdom, but usually it's the other way around.

I am also very grateful to have two down-to-earth, intelligent, talented, smart, and beautiful teen-age daughters. Seriously, unlike what you see on TV sitcoms, many teenagers today are light years ahead of where my friends and I were growing up in the late 1970s/early 1980s. Our nation's future is bright!

The U.S. Economy is Growing 

Despite the constant drumbeat of negativity in the media, I'm grateful that the economy is actually growing. Starting in the second quarter of 2009, we have had nine consecutive quarters of GDP growth. Granted, the pace of the expansion has not been fast enough to help the millions of people who remain unemployed. But we're making progress.

While I think most people agree that government bailouts should be avoided whenever possible, I believe we need to consider what would have happened with no government intervention. Would a second Great Depression have been preferable to TARP? Because that's what I believe would have happened if we had let "the market" decide the outcome. And, although economic growth has been slow, was the debt-fueled speculation of the late 1990s and mid 2000's really "normal"?

While the situation in Europe remains scary, I'm grateful that the U.S. economy remains resilient and that we live in a country where, with hard work, anyone can still succeed.

Americans Still Build Quality Cars

When I set out to find a new family car last summer, I first looked at the imports. After all, the last American-made car I owned was a 1970 Ford Maverick that I purchased in college for $350. Moreover, our Honda and our Subaru had provided us with reliable transportation for years. But when I decided to check out the new Fords, I was pleasantly surprised to find that U.S. manufacturers have recaptured their mojo. If you're looking for a comfortable, roomy, and dare I say, cool-looking family car, check out the Ford Flex. It has more headroom and legroom than most, a smooth ride, and the Synch voice activation system. The fact that I am supporting an American company and American workers is icing on the cake.

Proud Owners of a New Ford Flex

How about you? What are you grateful for this holiday season? 

Like us on Facebook (seriously, we're in need of more "likes") and join the conversation.

In the highly regulated world of financial services, communicating in an engaging, or (God forbid), entertaining manner is no easy task. After seeing good copy watered down by overzealous legal and compliance reviewers lo these many years, I have to remind myself that's it okay (sometimes) to write that an event "will" occur, rather than "may potentially" occur.

The communications approval process gets even more challenging when legal and compliance reviewers insert their own editorial comments as well. For example, a recent draft I wrote for a client had, according to the legal/compliance reviewer, the following offending phrases:

• It's no wonder
• Makes your head spin
• Catch wind
• Set aside

These phrases were deemed "too conversational" and thus were stricken in favor of blander, more legal sounding phraseology.

One way to avoid this kind of micro-management of your communications is to develop a firm-wide style guide that spells out what's acceptable and what's not.

Obviously, when it comes to compliance, there is no avoiding certain rules, and often for good reason. For example, making exaggerated claims or making unsuitable recommendations is not just bad communications, but bad business as well.

That said, a detailed style guide can help you gain more control over editorial issues, help resolve disputes, and streamline the review and approval process. In addition to detailing how your firm treats terms like "e-mail" or "euro zone," your style guide should address your overall approach to communicating with your target audience. For instance:

• We speak directly to the reader, using the second person (you)
• We use an informal, one-to-one, conversational style
• We always focus on customer benefits rather than product features
• We avoid jargon and write short sentences

A written policy also gives you something to refer to when disputes arise. When someone tries to reword something to their own liking, your style guide allows you to push back ever so gently. 

While you're in the process of developing your style guide, take the time to document your approval process. Document who needs to see what, when they need to see it, how much time to allot for review, and the scope of the edits you're looking for. Keep in mind that the more people you include in the process, the more comments you're going to get. So, unless a person's input is critical, leave them out.

Finally, make sure you document who is responsible for proofreading and who needs to give final approval. Keep in mind that, once you have documented your style guide and approval process, it doesn't need to be set in stone. If problems arise, revise it and move forward.

How does your approval process work? Share tips and suggestions on our Facebook page.