A few weeks ago we discussed imagining what this year would bring. We’ve received e-mails and messages from some of you, letting us know what your goals are, what you have planned for 2013, etc. All very exciting! : )

The start of a new year always seems to bring renewed energy and optimism around what to do and what’s to come. This renewed spirit can actually be felt and celebrated with each new day, in your professional and personal life. We hope that you’ll keep that positive energy going for yourself and remember…

Keep doing great things and shine bright!

We hope this holiday season you focus on what (who) should be most important – the people – the family, friends and loved ones in your life. Hug the ones you love a little tighter, laugh a little louder and be good to each other! Oh, and get ready to do BRILLIANT & BIG things in 2013!

Have a wonderful and blessed holiday season!

How was 2012 for your business? Did you achieve all of your marketing initiatives and goals? What aspects will carry over to the New Year? If things didn’t turn out as planned, what will you do differently? Be sure not to get lost in disappointment or what didn’t happen, focus on how far you’ve come from day one. There are likely to be some accomplishments there!

Also, doing a review of your business today may also serve as great story material for the future.

Consider this Lacoste Future ad, which goes back in time and imagines the future of their famous polo. (Thanks, AdWeek!)

Please note: Yes, please. We think this is awesome and when will this be available? Another note: This is likely going to require the use of technology, and fashion and technology are clearly friends as we’re reminded of this article we secured for our friend and image consultant/stylist, Laura Hunt. Last note: We hope this swipe shirt is possible. (If nothing else, it’s a cool ad!)

What are you imagining for your business next year? As you develop your 2013 strategy, make sure to think beyond next year and how your goals tie into your organization’s long-term vision. Need some help? Be sure to reach out to us!

In case you’ve been buzzing around from all the shopping thus far, holiday affairs or living under a rock, no worries, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the important scoop…

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Neiman Marcus and Target came together to create a limited collection for the holidays. The collection is designed by 24 leading designers, including: Diane von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch, Alice+Olivia, Kate Spade, Rag & Bone, and more. AND (yes, there’s more!)  price points range from $7.99 to $499.99!

Both stores, Neiman Marcus and Target will be carrying all of the coveted items.

Our friends at Neiman Marcus at International Plaza & Bay Street will open for this special, celebratory day at 8am. Rumor has it that lines will start forming at 6am, so yes, you’ll want to get there early.

Also, while the store is opening earlier than normal, don’t expect a disorderly shopping frenzy, this pop-up process is being handled in sophisticated Neiman Marcus-style, natch. Shoppers will be able to shop throughout the store, while gaining access in waves to the special holiday collection. Plus, breakfast will be available and on-hand for those who get there early. You have to have energy for early morning, power shopping!

Check out some of these cool items, and you can view them all here.

See you there!

This last post I’d like to focus on appreciation for those whom many don’t often think of saying “thanks” to. As a matter of fact, many people would sooner have them just go away…your competition.

You might not find yourself in a position to actually say the word “thanks” to your competitors face-to-face or in writing. Imagine: “Thanks [insert competitor], you really kicked my ass in [insert task/project/etc.]! I appreciate you!” Yeah, that might be a little awkward. I’m talking more or less about being grateful for the opportunity to learn from the experiences, feelings, etc. that come from certain competitive situations. (And of course, if you get an opportunity to say a non-awkward “thanks” to a competitor, by all means, do so!)

Here are some things to remember as it relates to competitors and being grateful:

Competition in business and life can be healthy. It pushes people, and when you have quality competition out there, you each sharpen one another’s skills as you grow. Think about football players who compete with one another on the field. Their game is improved when they’re able to compete with equally good or better players (in this game, occasion, etc.) And sometimes these same competitive athletes are traded and end up playing for the same team, learning from one another, etc. In the latter situation, you definitely want this former competitor turned teammate to do well and you recognize the strengths that he brings, which have been there all along. When I think about competition, I think about an interview with Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, where the two technology kings are asked to begin by pointing out the contribution each has made to the tech industry. Acknowledgement, appreciation, respect. Even understanding, with the right focus, is shown here.

You can view the rest of the interviews here.

Competition is less about the other guys and more about you. Take note on how you compete when it comes time to get in the game. Whether it be for new clients or sales, or for awards and recognitions, are you grateful to have “billing” with this person? Having gratitude in situations like this changes your view. You’re not on the planet alone, so there are going to be other people in your industry. Shouldn’t you have peers whose work you can admire and appreciate? If you’re not amongst the circle you want to be in, take note of what you need to do to get yourself there.

Consider coopetition. Having respect for others in your industry can provide new and different opportunities. In every industry there’s an opportunity to learn more, grow more, do more, so I agree with this video on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, featuring the next generation of spiritual leaders. When asked if they feel competitive with one another, they all agreed that there is enough for everyone, there is still a lot of work to be done and coopetition gets everyone where we want to be faster.

Know the difference, forget the haters. There’s healthy competition and the unhealthy kind…the haters, those who might not play by the same rules. How can you appreciate them? Well, for one, you can be thankful that you don’t operate in business the way that they do. Second, you can be grateful to know whom you can and can’t do business with. The way that people “do” business matters, and having the discernment to recognize the difference, what makes sense and what doesn’t, etc. makes for better interactions, relationships, opportunities and work. Whether it’s competitors or those who don’t play fair, don’t become consumed by either. You don’t have to focus on what you makes you better and what makes them (the competition or the haters) worse, but focus on what makes you different. Everyone has different preferences and tastes, and the difference of what you bring to the table is what people will notice. So be thankful for your differences. Plus, looking so hard at others can distract you from your goals. Stay focused on your vision.

How do you feel about thanking your competitors? What other ways do you have to give thanks in business?

I had the privilege of ending this month with the celebration of a woman I’m grateful for, Deanne Roberts. Last night (Nov. 29, 2012), Emerge Tampa, part of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, held an event honoring Deanne’s leadership and service in the community. The first Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award recipient was named (Congrats to Mike Griffin!) and the energy in the room was fantastic. I learned so much from Deanne in business and life, so it was a privilege to be a part of an event that celebrated her. I attended with Diane Egner and the 83 Degrees Media team, another group of individuals who are leading positive change in the Tampa Bay region. The keynote speaker was Simon T. Bailey who talked about the love Deanne shared for others in her lifetime, and he shared tidbits of wisdom from his book, The Vuja de Moment! You can read more about the event here.

I hope that you had a fantastic November and you’re looking forward to closing out the last month in 2012 with some great things in your business and life!

With gratitude for you,
~Nancy

OK, here goes:

Wed, Nov. 21: Look at the ads online. Yes, it’s that serious.

Thurs, Nov. 22: Eat, eat and eat some more. You’re going to need your energy to make your rounds. In between breaks, make sure to hug your loved ones, check out the ads that have been released (in print and online) and ask for hints on what they’d like to have for holiday gifts. For example, [while pointing at an ad], “I think this is really cool. Do YOU think this is cool?” Laugh now, but when you’re in a food coma, it’s not always easy to be creative.

If you’re going to go out in the middle of the night (dedicated!!), make sure you map out your course. Start with the must-have items and track store openings. Lines are long so you need to give yourself ample time. Wear your sneakers.

Fri, Nov. 23: It’s here! This is the day for great in-store shopping. We suggest you head to International Plaza and Bay Street. Doors open at 8am, there’s an Ice Palace for the kids and Santa is going to be there. Need we say more? It’s also a great time to hit up your big box stores (i.e. Best Buy, Target, Barnes and Noble, etc.) Or again, spend all day in the mall…stores galore, plus restaurants that serve wine.

Sat, Nov. 24: Time to shop local for Small Business Saturday. American Express has a list of retailers, which includes a $25 statement credit for card members at select retailers. Or you can pick up your city’s CRAVE guide and check out fantastic small businesses from women entrepreneurs. Or try the Scout Guide or download the 3/50 Project “LookLocal” app! We’re pumped!

Sun, Nov. 25: Day of rest. Say thanks for the good finds and pray for some new ones!

Mon, Nov. 26: It’s Cyber Monday! Check out your fav stores online for more fantastic deals. Need some help on what to buy? Check out The Ultimate Gift Guide from our friends at BonBon Rose Girls. They’ve compiled this season’s must-have items and where to find them.

Tues, Nov. 27: Save yourself some money for a good cause, and make a necklace, bracelet or earrings for someone on your list! Join us at Beads & Tea at the Art Institute of Tampa from 6-8pm to benefit those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Click here to view the flyer.

Wed, Nov. 28: Think Pink Holiday Shopping Boutique hosted by Working Women of Tampa Bay from 6-9pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall. We’re excited to be sponsoring this event again this year which has everything from cookies and candy to clothes. Plus, special guest Shivan Sarna (HSN Host) will be onsite. View the flyer here.

Phew!! You might need to download our Fashion PR checklist (sign-up on our home page). It’s a playful and fun list for PR girls who are running from appointment to event to social, etc., but you might find it handy for your shopping trip. You can skip the glam accessory, perfume and killer heels…unless you plan on going out after all your shopping. (Heck, may as well – you’re already out there!) And in addition to the fabulous bag that carries the cash, don’t forget to grab your reusable shopping bags and do your part to save the planet.

That’s a full week of shopping, don’t you love it?! Or are less than thrilled by all of the running around you’ll be doing. Or perhaps, you’re going to just curl up with a good book and stay in?

We hope this Thanksgiving you enjoy the time with your family and friends, and connect with those who are most important in your life.

Peace & Blessings,
~Nancy & The White Book Agency Team

This week I wanted to touch on appreciation for the little things (whether they are obviously or seemingly). Sometimes it’s just the act of reaching out or showing up. From a business perspective, I think an appreciation for the experience, interaction, etc. keeps things positive, opens the door to solutions (instead of dwelling on the problems) and makes for learning opportunities.

I received an e-mail last week from an associate who wrote:

Hey Nancy-

Just wanted to check in and say hi ___________ contacted me about some food-related events– she said she obtained my name from you. Thanks for the intro– she’s a great woman and she’s now helping me with an event I’m planning. So, thanks!

Gina

Short, sweet, simple and my role was minimal. I remember passing on the information like so: “You should call _________! Yeah, here!” The bigger deal is less what I did in making the referral/recommendation, but more in what Gina did…showing appreciation for the little things. How nice of her for even taking the time to thank me. How much more will I be willing to recommend her to someone else?

It’s interesting and real how focusing on gratitude opens up opportunities. How have the little things played a role in your business?

~Nancy

As part of our series on Giving Thanks we’ll discuss how acknowledgement is good. People like to be seen and heard. Being able to acknowledge someone is a moment of gratitude, and moments of gratitude are a blessing. If you are fortunate enough to have an opportunity to say “thank you” – that means that you have been a recipient of something. It’s also a gift that you can give to others.

We’re not trying to get sappy on you here, but in business, you can really make yourself stand out by this very simple service gesture: acknowledgement and gratitude.

Here are some simple ways to create opportunities for acknowledgment and give credit where it’s due!

Need to know? Ask. Also, share and speak up.
If you’ve followed any of our writing, you know we value discretion and strategic release of information (click here for Don’t Be So Revealing on The Agency Post). However, equally valuable is knowing when to talk to people. Sharing allows for new ideas, establishing partnerships and collaborations, and possibly an opportunity to show appreciation to someone else during or post-conversation. Sometimes you’ll have information that someone needs to hear, or by opening up the conversation, you’ll find what you needed to hear…then the thank fest begins!

I can recall going to one of my mentors for her candid opinion. On the surface, it didn’t seem significant enough to ask because I knew she had more important things to tend to and I didn’t want to be a bother. As she was giving me her advice, mid-way through the conversation, she thanked me for asking her opinion. Not only did she have important feedback for me (that saved me an amount that included a comma!), she was happy to share it with me and point me in the right direction. I learned a lot that day, too and was grateful that I took the time to ask, had someone to ask and received a great deal of intel in the process.

Pay attention to others
Many people think they do it all on their own. It’s especially easy for entrepreneurs and business owners to feel this way on occasion. After all, ultimately business owners are responsible for…everything: accounting, payroll, human capital, client satisfaction, employee retention, etc. This is why it’s important to have a good network, and also to remember those around you. Think about the people around those tasks you’re knocking out, from your employees to your vendors. If you can’t recall the last time you’ve said “thanks,” even if it’s a quick e-mail or phone call, you can do that now. A friend of mine is writing a book (we’ll be able to share soon as it’s going to be fabulous!) and already she’s thinking of her credits page. Those people along the way she’ll have to thank for contributing in their own way. It’s not just because she’s thoughtful, but the fact that she’s paying attention to others as she’s moving through her writing process will make sure she has everyone acknowledged when this fantastic piece of work is done (plus it’ll save her time from trying to remember everyone when she’s in production and perhaps prevent her from leaving anyone out).

You can also find unique ways to say “thank you” to those you appreciate. Our media partner, VERTICAL Tampa Bay has a section in the back of their publication called, “People Who Rock,” where they give thanks to their friends and supporters. I’ve had the privilege of being listed on that page as, “The one and only Nancy Vaughn.” (Thank you, VERTICAL Tampa Bay!) I’m not always sure what I’ve done (or maybe it’s because I’m driving them crazy, I mean, we do have some cool clients!), but it’s their line of thoughtfulness and credit to me in a unique way. And people notice as I’ve been told, “I see that line in VERTICAL every issue and I wonder, ‘what’d she do now?!’” That last line there is said with loving snark, but I’ll take it ; )

Link back: Track your degrees (of separation)
Most of us know that when it comes to writing an article or blog post, it’s often appropriate to link back providing credit, recognizing a person, photo, idea, thought or inspiration as necessary. This should happen in the flesh though as well.

In business and life, I’ve had the privilege of hearing wonderful advice or helpful hints from women and men I’ve come into contact with. When appropriate, I’ll share these pieces of wisdom with others and attribute credit. Years ago I was talking to a woman about networking, and she made a comment to me that I’ve remembered for years. She said, “The older you get, the more people you know.” And she added ‘by default really, because you’ve just lived longer, and the more people who will know you.’ (Thanks, Karen!) Simple enough, and it stuck with me. In the most basic sense, about networking, but in another sense, all the different types of people you come to know and encounter over a lifetime.

My journalism background has taught me the value of accuracy in the relaying of information and citing my sources. This requires a good memory for some people, but you can also simply write things down in a business journal. It doesn’t have to be cumbersome to keep track of all of your contacts and those you meet along the way, but if there’s something that stands out for you, jot it down. You might have someone to thank later on when you’re revisiting…even if it’s a silent bit of gratitude out in the universe.

Set a gratitude goal
Giving credit is really an easy thing to do, so easy that it’s often forgotten. Not necessarily due to lack of desire or appreciation, but the frenzied pace of the day has some things falling through the cracks. Just like everything else, you might have to schedule your ‘thanks.’ Set a gratitude goal a couple times a week or month. Plan a time where you’re going to write thank you notes or look to acknowledge someone for their contributions or hard work. We were reminded of the importance of this when a woman from an award-winning networking group (Congrats, Jessica of Working Women of Tampa Bay! And thank you!) shared how she made it a goal to write recommendations for each of her speaker participants after her conference. It was her way of going the extra mile in acknowledging the speakers and saying thanks.

The whole world is filled with opportunity, to give and receive thanks and credit. Three last things:

1) Your gratitude should be genuine and tied to no expectations. You’ll receive benefits from acknowledging others, however, you’ll save yourself a headache (and some cases heartache) if you’re grateful with no expectations.

2) It’s not always people you will thank. We believe inspiration can come from others and should be acknowledged, and we also believe in original ideas. Sometimes you may pull inspiration from or come up with an idea after taking a walk, listening to your favorite song, being rejuvenated and resting. Give the experience some gratitude!

3) What if you forget to thank someone? Do it when you remember. What if too much time has gone by? Find another way to show your appreciation or do something good for someone else in their honor. And what if you were the one who didn’t get credited? In some cases, you might have to speak up. Let’s say if you were supposed to receive your $1,000 discount for being such a great customer. Now is not the time to be shy! But maybe it’s the busyness of the day and your friend, colleague, etc. has inadvertently forgotten. Thank yourself and be grateful for the opportunity to be able to have been able to do something nice for others.

Do you think it’s important to give credit to others? Acknowledge their contributions? What creative ways has your work been acknowledged or recognized? How have you recognized others’ work?

And thanks to you for reading! Until next week!

~Nancy

Image courtesy of StockVault

Then I thought about the value of gratitude and how you really can’t have too much of it and then we got these from student recipients of the Hillsborough Education Foundation:

…and it only made sense that our next blog series would be focused on gratitude! Hopefully you’ll learn something new or be reminded of ways to be grateful for the things you have in business and life.

We’re going to discuss: giving credit where credit is due, appreciation for the little things and being grateful for your competitors.

Looking forward to a great November!

~Nancy