How do managers and employees keep focused on what matters most when faced with budget cuts, especially around the holidays? How do you show your appreciation to your family, to friends, employees? I had an opportunity to speak with some residents of Ladera Ranch and get their input of how they see the upcoming months.
1. "Back to the basics – Fran Falino, Director of Service for West, CheckFreePay shares, "Everything were focused on right now is about the economy, election, stock market, how to survive. What we need to focus on is back to the basics. Speaking as someone who lost family this past year, let me say that we need to take stock in all the blessings we have. We’re all worried about the stock market or the value of our house, but all of these are insignificant compared to having my mother back."
2. "It’s a year to be smart – People that have been using poor judgment will continue and people that are responsible will continue to be.
A financial personality is one of the hardest personalities to change. People that spend will continue to spend," states Dan MacMillan, Vice President, Cal National Bank.
3. "Live now how you lived seven years ago – "When we first bought our home, we felt fortunate to live and willing to not live beyond our means. We were happy to be able to be in our house!" Boyd Goodsell
4. Personal budget - Jeannie Falino, pharmaceutical sales rep shares, "My work cut my budget. We were told we have $200 to spend in total now till the end of the year. Prior to that, I was spending $1,000 monthly on lunches, Starbucks coffee, cookies, donuts, etc.
"What do you do about the holidays? Do I take out of my personal expenses to cover? I am in a dilemma and don’t know what to do. Do clients really care? How much does that something need to be – Starbucks coffee? Do you give to the entire office?"
5. "Its not too early to be thinking about the holidays. Clients don’t want a company logo on a mug, so how do you say "thank you" with a limited budget? Customers don’t understand its coming out of your pocket. No longer are gifts available through expense accounts .
6. Give to your favorite charity – Rather than give out lavish gifts, some companies have chosen to select a charity and let their clients know they have given to a specific charity in their name. A card to the client shares the name of the beneficiary and the companies action.
7. Gift moratorium – Our neighbors typically give gifts to each other every year. We recently started celebrating the Christmas holiday season together by having a night of caroling potluck style. This is our time to say thank you.
8. Shop at the sales - Christine Wolfson, a Ladera resident, teaches second grade at Hope School in Carlsbad. "I shop immediately after the holidays when everything is 80% off. Last holiday I bought gifts for my office staff and principal all 80 – 90% off and stored them in my laundry room. "If you shop in my laundry room you will find 35 candles and many other wonderful gifts. People appreciate the thought."
9.Focus on what the holiday means - Lisa Goodsell, key account executive for Dr. Martens USA, encourages us to focus on what the holiday means.
Lisa and her family are taking toys to families less fortunate. This season is about giving, she says. "We have had three healthy kids in three years; we need nothing. Recently we bought three puzzles – it is the thought that counts.
10. Show how much you appreciate your team - David Wolfson, President of Lexus, San Diego, says "In the past we have always given turkeys for Thanksgiving, costing the company $30,000.
"Along with layoffs, our turkey giving tradition has been cut saving the company $75,000. This year we will do a catered lunch, letting the team know we appreciate the team and are working hard to keep this team together in tough times."