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Keep things going during the last month of the year!

Avatar photo by Casey Woods, Executive Director | December 5, 2023
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December is upon us, and it is a critical month for many businesses. Keeping your attitude positive and your energy level up is important for customer interactions and your sanity. This newsletter will be about self care, and some strategies that will help keep your focus merry and bright into 2024.

  1. Get some distraction free rest.- Many entrepreneurs have a hard time unwinding this time of the year. Longer hours coupled with the demands of restocking, holiday events, and family obligations makes rest difficult. Focus on getting more quality sleep. That means setting the phone down and actually resting. Not running through everything you need to do tomorrow, or every mistake you have ever made; clear your mind and just sleep.
  2. A little exercise is important.- I’m not suggesting that you add a two hour daily workout routine to your packed schedule. Walk around the block before or after work (or if you get a break). Do something to get your heart rate up for a little while, and check off completion as a daily accomplishment.
  3. Eat right.- The amount of junk food around during the holidays is impressive, and we are coming off of a Thanksgiving that required some “stretchy pants” for a few of us. Concentrating on a healthy, high energy diet for the next few weeks can make a big difference in your mood. Preplan meals and snacks with some healthier options to get you through the season.
  4. Find the positives in your interactions.- Most businesses that have existed for a while have their “happy customers” or their “happy place”. The increased customer interactions during the holiday season may expose you to other folks having a tough day. You have to shake off the negative experiences and cherish the positive interactions. Verbalize your appreciation for positive experiences, and you will subconsciously encourage more positive behavior.
  5. Push for wins.- Find some satisfaction in checking things off your list every day. Celebrate achievements with your staff. Go beyond “we did a thing”, and think about what your accomplishments mean for your business and the community. Focus on the actual impact beyond the check list and you will form a more sustainable positive outlook.

Customers want to interact with holly jolly folks this holiday season. With weather, the sun going down earlier, and holiday stress it can be difficult to remain upbeat. Focus on the things that you can control, and enjoy your holiday season!

About the Author

Casey Woods, Executive Director

Before accepting the director position in March of 2009, Casey worked in both retail and agricultural jobs in the family businesses. A lifelong resident of the Emporia Area, Casey was a ten year volunteer for Emporia Main Street prior to his appointment as director. During that time he served as the board president and chair of the Economic Vitality Committee.

Casey also serves as a partner in PlaceMakers, LLC, a consulting firm that routinely works with both large and small communities, and their businesses, to promote sustainable economic growth through community and economic development practices. Casey consults with businesses, organizations and communities to understand their market capacity and fill vacant spaces. He has been involved in two projects that included crowdfunding as a part of their overall business funding strategies, Radius Brewing and Twin Rivers Winery & Gourmet Shoppe.