Reminders work

We're all back at work .... but are we all working in the same way. Do we all remember the regulations, specifications, parameters and guidelines we are supposed to be working to. There is no harm in reminding people - as long as you do it carefully (and not patronisingly). And, of course, if you do it regularly, it becomes easier to avoid being patronising.

No resolutions

Don't resolve to change your ways or do new things in the new year. Just do it!

But do plan where you are taking your business (after first understanding why that particular direction is important). What you needed for Xmas was a business satnav where you could have entered the direction and it would have told you how to get there. Unfortunately, they don't exist ... so its down to you.

Change is certain

Like death and taxes, change is certain. So, we have to shape our own change ... before someone else shapes it for us. Start planning now for a new year.

Merry Christmas

To those of you who celebrate Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas. To those of you who don't, we hope you have a great time anyway. And we hope you have lots of ideas and plans to make 2010 productive and rewarding ... after all, it is down to you!

Merry Christmas

Have you wished your customers a Merry Christmas? Of course, you have. Looking after them is your number 1 priority.

Tech can help

I do not normally encourage smaller firms to be technology leaders ... but they must not stand by and miss the benefits that can accrue from the use of well-proven technologies. But sometimes, the gains from an emerging technology come to the early adopters. So the lesson is to be 'cautious innovators' ... keep a watching brief and 'jump in' when the gains look good and the risks are manageable. Sounds like any other investment ... and it should!

Does technology help?

Being at the forefront of technology (the 'bleeding' edge) is expensive and risky. However, failing to recognise what technology can do for your company is also expensive and risky. Keep an eye on what the big boys in your sector are doing ... and when they've burned their fingers, think what lessons you can learn ... and think about what you've saved by waiting a short time before deploying a new technology.