We Give And Take This Season! But Giving Is Better!

I don't know about you, but I love giving gifts! When I find something I think a friend will like, I can't wait to see their reaction. If I've scored a particularly awesome gift — especially for someone who's really hard to shop for (not mentioning any names, Dad) — I might even do a little happy dance and congratulate myself for being such a pro shopper. I think most people are like that? Are you like that? For me, it feels good to be thoughtful and generous. I enjoy receiving gifts as well, but it's more fun to be the giver. I tend to think of this time of year, from Thanksgiving into the new year, as a season of giving. In addition to presents under the tree, there are so many other ways we can give, and I try to keep that in mind when the holidays roll around.

As busy as things are now, we all know people who could benefit from the gift of our time. It could be an elderly neighbor who needs help with some chores around the house, or a friend with young kids who could use a couple hours of babysitting to get some errands done... or sneak off to happy hour. Or we might look beyond the people we know and give some time to a local food bank, a shelter or any other organization that's extra busy around the holidays. And there's no shortage of places to give gifts to people we don't know. So many families struggle to get through the holidays and gift giving isn't always possible for them. Maybe we can help.

Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

Even though the official gift-giving holiday has passed and you may be well into returns or exchanges (always so fun), it's not too late to pay it forward with a donation or two. Once December has passed, many charitable groups are somewhat forgotten till the next year. I'm going to try to remember that throughout 2018 to make the season of giving ongoing. Maybe you'd like to do this, too, whether on your own or as something you incorporate into your business life. You and your staff could volunteer somewhere together (and consider the possibility of them being on the clock while doing it). Or your company could do some pro bono work for a needy client. There are lots of ways for you to get in the spirit of giving in a professional sense. I think you'll find it's good for business... and good for everyone involved.

I always say running a business means the work never ends! Ain't that the truth? I bet your to-do list is a mile long! Make sure that the items at the top of your list are the things that relate to being more profitable. Everyone is so proud of being so "busy"...But Are You Making Any Money? Don't be too busy to focus!

Check out the summary of last week's business tips and motivational quotes from my Instagram page which you hopefully got to see in real time! If not, let's make sure we're following each other on Instagram!! So...here is this week's roundup of Instagram images of My Top Business Tips and Motivational Quotes.

Season Of Giving – Tip #1:

Love this? Pin it to your Motivation Board.

"Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give." – Ben Carson

Season Of Giving – Tip #2:

Love this? Pin it to your Quotes Board.

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart." – Helen Keller

Season Of Giving – Tip #3:

Love this? Pin it to your Business Tips Board.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." – Winston Churchill

Season Of Giving – Tip #4:

Love this? Pin it to your Quotes Board.

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more." – Oprah Winfrey

Season Of Giving – Tip #5:

Love this? Pin it to your Motivation Board.

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." – Lao Tzu

Let's talk! I'd love to hear about your season of giving!

Did you do anything to make the holidays a season of giving? Tell us! What advice would you share with your fellow business owners? Which tips above did you find helpful? I would LOVE to hear from you!

Anyhoo...I publish these business tips and motivational quotes to get you fired up for your work week! And, if you want more business tips, get my book, But Are You Making Any Money? or contact me to really take your business to the next level!

xoxo M

‍