Go To Very Useful ARCHIVES 

  

   

  

 

On January 10, be part of Setting Effective Strategies.

 

I am on the dais with two genuinely awesome business women: Kristine Quade and Mary Henry.

 

Our presentations ask for critical thinking. The takeaway book will not be a "throwaway," but a reference book for careful planning for all of 2014.

 

 

 

 

Kristine introduces Dynamical Leadership. She takes you on a journey from standard practices with quality business processes to a new level. You measure old standards against the unpredictable influences of shifting competition.

 

Mary Henry urges businesses to expect to grow and, early on, to realistically identify the challenges of the next growth level, then to plan carefully to deal with the impact of that growth. "If you are not growing, you are dead."

 

In my portion, I postulate that no business is too small to employ the advice (usually free) and support of a small army of experts to fill gaps in talent, skills, expertise, and critical thinking. I give solid examples of people power in your neighborhood and methods to leverage that.

 

All guests get lunch in a very classy place. Seasons 52. Early arrivals get a change to network. Click here for info and THE EARLY-BIRD RATE.

 

Bring a friend?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We know to give presents that our loved ones actually want, and not what we want, right? It's probably hardest to buy stuff for people so different from us because we ourselves do not place the same value on the gift. For example, my very Orange adult granddaughter wants a new tattoo for Christmas. To begin with, I don't understand tattoos at all and certainly would never spend any money on one for myself. But that's the point of a gift, isn't it? It's a gift -- something truly valuable to the recipient.

 

 

Gold Gifts. Who is the traditional, responsible Gold person in your life? They like what's "right." Here's a partial list: tasteful jewelry and clothing, practical furnishings and utensils for the home, the next piece of a cherished collection, gift cards for the right store, or an intimate item that further bonds your relationship.

 

Green Gifts. Your rational, deep-thinking Green friends and family members like stuff for their minds: cutting-edge software, books, intriguing games, coveted resources, tickets to events around their favorite subjects and hobbies, and useful material things that keep life utilitarian and efficient.

 

Blue Gifts.Those idealistic, harmony-seeking Blue folks in your life may be the least expensive to shop for just because they can value "the thought" more highly the actual gift. Are you good at making things that you can custom-tailor for your loved one? Can you write something special? How about tickets to music, theater, and conerts? Flowers and arty things? Or a warm piece of clothing they'll always remember you by?

 

Orange Gifts. Truth be known, nearly everybody wants to get what Oranges want and usually get. Oranges just want to have fun. They want to enjoy personal freedom. So they get surprises, trips, the latest clothes, cool tools, exciting games, toys, musical instruments, vacation tickets -- well, you get the idea.

 

Here's my own take on gifting. The best gifts are given with no strings, no investment in the outcome -- except in the hope the gift will bring genuine joy -- however temporary -- to the recipient. Say what you will about the materialism of the holiday season, underneath the colorful ribbons and enormous credit card debt is a desire to enrich the lives of others.

 

  

 

 

 

This really is YOUR newsletter. I like sharing stuff more than selling stuff. Send your stories and comments, please, to dermody@cox.net.