One of the advantages of looking over the brink is the opportunity it gives us to see what is really important to us.  Sure we all want wealth, success, health, etc.  However, happiness is really not all about getting the most toys before our time is up.  It's more about our relationships and our value to each other.
 
For many of us, Thanksgiving this year takes on a special meaning.  At Bolt, we are thankful to be here and able to communicate with you.  We're even more grateful that you are here to read this!  Recognizing the difficulties many of us are facing we're curious to know how you are planning to show your appreciation for the employees you have, who today are giving more and often getting less.  They are the people who make our businesses go, and we all know they deserve recognition these days more than ever.
 
We've come up with some innovative ideas to say thanks in a creative way, which we have listed below. We would love for you to share your suggestions with us. 
 
One of the simplest and least costly ways to acknowledge your employees is to find ways to leverage your existing business relationships so they can benefit your employees.  Here are a few ideas we are happy to share with you.  
 
1. Include your employees on your company's cellular phone plan.  This works well if you have unlimited minutes on your company plan.  For a very small amount, usually considerably less than your employees are paying for their personal service, you can bring them on to the company plan.  With number portability, they can keep their current numbers and pay the flat fee by payroll deduction.
 
2.  Are you paying for computer and network support?  Ask your provider how much more it would cost to cover your employees' personal computers.
 
3.  Do you do bulk computer buys?  See if your vendor is willing to extend your discounted pricing to your employees.
Another approach is to contact other businesses that live for cash flow.  Maybe you have a nearby coffee shop that is doing a little less business this year.  Maybe you can cut a deal with them for a month of discounted lattes for your employees for some upfront cash.  If you don't offer dental insurance, the same idea might work with a local dentist.  Maybe you can prepay for teeth cleaning for a deep discount.  Are there local daycare providers who would be willing to talk about discounted child care for your staff?  Health clubs, florists and other businesses will probably welcome a call from a business willing to pay in advance for deeply discounted services.
 
Other ideas include: a "Post Holiday" party.  Rather than plan your company party during the peak season, ask a caterer how much you could get for your dollar if you had a party in the middle of January.  Have you taken enough lumps for this tax year?  Maybe you can roll bonuses into next year?
 
What kind of ideas come to your mind? 
 
Send us your ideas by December 8th. If we get enough of a response, we'll pass them on next month.
 
We want to hear from you!  Happy Thanksgiving.