This is Tip #12 for creating a successful business.

Give something away.

It's December and we're finally into the holiday season, although we've been surrounded by Christmas decorations since before Halloween. This season, or Christmahanakwanzakah, as Virgin Records is calling it, appears to be about spending money. But no matter what holiday you celebrate, the idea of giving to others (especially those less fortunate than you) is central to this season.

As people in business, we get hit up by so many worthy causes that it's hard to decide which ones should be the recipients of our personal and business donations. Let me suggest one way of handling the decision.

If your budget is like mine, you don't have a lot of money to spread around. In that case, find a cause you really believe in and give as much as you can to one organization whose mission is that cause. It may be one of the major disease organizations because you have a relative or friend with that disease (or you may have it yourself.) Or you may be an enthusiastic reader and want to support a library or a particular literacy program. Whatever it is, decide what cause is closest to your heart first. Then, when the requests come in, you can make a decision based on that passion.

While you're at it, donate some of your time, too. When the cause is in line with your passion, it makes the giving a whole lot easier. It also makes saying no to the other causes easier, too.

I hope this season of giving finds you surrounded by the friends and family who love you and doing those things that make you joyful. Happy Holidays!

My friend Cheryl Cook has a wonderful newsletter (and if you like this one, you'll like hers, too.) Learn how to get more cash in your pocket, more sales in the door, and reduce the amount of cash leaving your business. To visit her website and sign up for this biweekly ezine, click here.

Join me at the City of San Antonio's and Bexar County's Fourth Annual Small, Minority, Women- Owned Business Enterprises Conference on Wednesday, December 15.

It's that time again! I'm looking for as many people as possible to help with registration, directions, seminar assistance, display floor assistance, etc. Shifts start at 6 AM, but if you aren't an early riser, you can pick any two-hour shift during the day. We especially need people from 10 AM to 2 PM to help direct during lunch.

This event gets bigger every year. This is a great opportunity for your business or organization to market itself. Put together a team and have your volunteers wear their company T-shirts. But I'll take individual volunteers as well who want to be a part of this amazing event.

If you've already volunteered, I'll be in touch by Monday with details. If not, email me at the link below with the time you can work. I'll be in touch soon. And be sure to register for the event itself. It's the best opportunity in town to find business!

Do you have a clear growth strategy for your business?

Can you articulate that strategy to others?

Do you have trouble prioritizing when faced with the competing demands of customers, employees, limited resources, and dwindling time?

Focus on Business Growth from The BottomLine is a succinct, but highly effective one-on- one three-hour strategic solution for the small business owner. It will quickly help you clarify your options and rank your priorities. Led by veteran business strategists and marketing consultants, you'll leave with greater insight and practical next steps on your path to growth.

For more information, click on the link below to visit The BottomLine or call 210-392-3309.

Do you have used computer equipment taking up valuable storage at your business? Are you keeping it in the hope that you will be able to sell it and recover some of your investment? Is the equipment dropping in value every day you hang on to it?

Corona Visions will pick up your equipment, wipe any storage (hard drives, fax machine memory, etc.) of existing data, and repair and resell or recycle your equipment. You may even qualify for the new E- Broker Program and have part of the net profit of any resale value returned to you.

Call 210-521-7612 to find out how Corona Visions can help you free up that storage space.