This is geared to business owners, but the same applies even in people’s personal lives.
Read Does Your Business Have a Superhero Factor?
Keeping it short and succinct, here are seven things to NOT do this festive season:
Driving, speeding, drinking.
Obviously, alcohol and driving should not be mixed. If you’re running late to an event, don’t worry. Unless you’re the Mayor (and even then) they will start without you. Better late than dead. Remember also holiday driving and making sure you are fresh. Remember, of course, to not leave children or dogs in the car, even just a ‘moment’ … things happen, you run into someone, start chatting and meanwhile, they are literally cooking. If you see something like this, you can report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. They are not the Police but do work with the Police.
Party Tricks.
Being interesting and engaging is always great for business networking events. Being the centre of attention may not be. If you dress sexily (ladies), are dancing on the tables, rolling over drunk or way too loud, picking fights or embarrassing at a business function, then don’t be surprised when you are not taken seriously in business. Perception does matter (and is relevant) and unfortunately if you are in business (not much different from politicians) then you’re in the public eye. People will judge you and may think twice about doing business with you.
Texting / On your Phone.
Oh my gosh! I was at a social event on the weekend and turned around to talk to the people on my left, and not one, but five of them were on their phones! You’re at a social event – with PEOPLE. Put away the phones, stop texting, stop being on social media. I regularly hear parents complaining about kids being constantly ‘plugged in’ but go to social events and it’s the older generations too.
Business Entertainment.
Business entertainment is not tax deductible, so if you are going to spend big, don’t have a fit when your accountant (rightly) says it’s not deductible. However, you can give gifts to staff, reward them and that is allowable (although there are limits). Check out first what is allowable or not beforehand.
Not have Security.
This is the time of year when theft is up. If you have business premises, absolutely ensure you take a backup of the server and computers offsite with you. If you have laptops, even take them home or lock them away. Leave nothing valuable around.
Work right through.
Many businesses close for a week or two between Christmas and New Year; so be sure to take a break and not use this time to ‘catch up’. Sadly for many business owners, this is the only time of the year they get a break, so take that break. Even have a look at some holiday destinations and plan a holiday now … well in advance, so that it can happen.
Not think about the year ahead.
Now is a great time to plan for the upcoming year. Take a few hours (not the whole week or two) to think about the upcoming year and put a plan in place how you will make it a great year. You can, of course, contact me about a planning session in early January … a half day where we put a plan in place to achieve a number of goals – including all the action steps required. Simply just email me at donna@donna-stone.com.au.
Have a wonderful Festive Season and may next year bring you every success!
