The Eventual Conclusion that December is a Time for Productivity NOT Distraction

So it’s the last week before Christmas, and it seems to me there are three things most people are trying to do … finish their holiday shopping, finalize their holiday plans, and try to get their year-end work done without being distracted by the first two things.

It can be a serious challenge, and as someone who leaves his shopping and planning until the last possible moment, I can relate. At this very moment I’m trying to write a blog post while simultaneously witnessing a lengthy – and  occasionally heated – email string develop between my wife and my mother (who are arguing and debating about when we’ll be over to open presents and drink eggnog – isn’t it nice to be wanted?). I’m also trying to figure out when I’m going to catch up on committee meeting minutes and over-due marketing collateral while pondering how I’m going to do all my shopping on my Wednesday lunch break.

Interestingly however, I’ve noticed over the last week or so my phone isn’t ringing too much and my (work) email inbox is relatively empty. It seems I’m not the only one having trouble focusing. It also occurs to me though, that rather than seeing other peoples’ inefficiency as a saving grace for my own distraction, I should see it as an opportunity. How often do workplace distractions quiet down to a gentle buzz? Rarely. The last week before Christmas might actually be the best possible time for optimum productivity. No one bothers you. It’s just you and the large to-do list you’ve been meaning to get to all year long. So step up and get to it!

And for all of you requiring some tips on how to be more productive, here’s a short article that might help. Come on – read it now, and you can procrastinate for five more minutes!

From the Burnaby Board of Trade, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! See, I said both. No one’s offended

The Ironic Musings of a Neo-Luddite Blogger

I’m back! Amped up, ready to go … blog posting #2 (career). You might have guessed based on blog posting #1, Hello Blogosphere (Goodbye Movember), that I am not a techie kind of guy. To be honest, I have difficulty even embracing “everyday” gadgets like smart phones or laptops. True story: My phone is a several year old LG flip phone that I acquired begrudgingly and free as a hand-me-up from my little brother. I say begrudgingly because if they still existed anywhere, I could probably get by on 75 cents per month using payphones.

But even now, my phone bill is only $10 per month (+ tax) and it serves all my needs. It makes me seriously wonder how much more value anyone could possibly be getting out of a $200-$400 “smart” phone.  And at the rate these things become obsolete, should companies really not just be giving them to you in exchange for the additional $100 per month payment you’re already making just for the privilege of using it?

“Ah but!” you’ll say. “The phone is not just a phone, it’s also a computer that lets me shop online, check facebook and follow Charlie Sheen’s twitter account!” Okay, fair point I guess – if not for the fact that you probably also carry around a laptop or tablet for that very purpose. And if you feel any of those things are really worth your time. Mobile online shopping, for instance, just seems unnecessary (and says something about gross hyper-consumerism). As far as rampant social media goes, I’ve never really understood the fascination. I have no Facebook account, yet I don’t seem to be lacking for friends. And I don’t tweet, as there have been few worthwhile statements ever made in 140 characters or less (and I don’t believe the average tweeter is capable of mastering the art). I do have LinkedIn, but only because you can’t get a job anymore without it.

Now as for blogs … do I sense some potential here? The opportunity to express full, complete thoughts? To inspire real dialogue? Maybe there is a place for me in the too often superficial world of cyberspace. I feel like Christopher Columbus, discovering something millions of people knew about before me!

… And yes, for the sharp ones out there, that last line was a Simpsons reference. Expect a lot of those from me; I use them frequently and shamelessly.

I suppose my real issue with social media is not the general idea of it, but the volume and shallow content that has frankly grown out of control. People (and businesses) with nothing to say are providing the same useless updates about their lunch plans and whatever else on not one, but three or more different media channels. This is ludicrous behavior, and if you’re a business it’s also harmful. I know everywhere you turn people are telling you that social media is a must for engaging your client base – and they’re probably right. But it has to be done well. It has to be relevant, interesting, and absolutely should not be used for directly selling something. I’m not going to provide tips for effective social media (it’s obviously not my strong suit), but if you want to find out more, there’s an interesting article in the Burnaby Board of Trade Membership & Resource Directory.

So remember: use social media responsibly; buy new technology critically; and argue with me! Let me know what’s so great about all this new-fangled, feel-good online sharing!

Buy Local

Buy Local

Like Michael, I too took some kind of beginner computer programming course at university but that was back in the day when I still deluded myself into thinking that I was a ‘techie’. By week three I was forced to drop out because I had no idea what was going on and I enrolled in film instead. Any illusions of technical ability died with that course. Chatting and telling stories were much more my thing. Like Michael I am hopeless with technology or anything that requires spatial sense but unlike him, I love social media. HELLO WORLD! Social media is the perfect environment for an almost professional conversationalist.

It was by way of the oldest of these digital technologies, email, that I came across the idea for this post… a little something to chat with you about. The email was about ‘buying local’. If you’re anything like me, gift buying is difficult at the best of times. But buying gifts in financially uncertain times is definitely a challenge for all of us. That’s why buying local makes so much sense.

It’s not just about supporting businesses in your local community but also buying things that people might actually need or use. For example, there were some great ideas in the service sector that I would never have thought of as gifts. Along with gift certificates to your favourite local restaurants, pubs or hotels, why not  give gift certificates for services like hairdressers, oil changes,  florists, financial services, pre-paid vet or dental visits, car detailing, gym memberships, museum or gallery visits,  a round of golf at a local course, computer tune-ups, garden makeover or support local musicians by supporting your local pub! (I’m quite partial to this last one!).

If you’re looking for something a bit more personal there are local artisans, jewelers and fashion designers that could provide just the right gift. I’m sure I’m missing a hundred categories but you get the idea.

For Burnaby Board of Trade members there is the added bonus of our Member to Member Discount program that offers special discounts to BBOT member purchases. For example, J and M Jewelery Ltd. offers a 10% discount on all regular-priced jewelery and Baxter-Kobe Flowers and Gifts offers 10% off all floral arrangements, gift items and greeting cards!

I would love to hear what your gift buying strategy is this season and if there’s anything I’ve missed here that’s obvious.