3 Gifts Everyone Needs (They don't cost any money!)

It seems like every year we move into the holiday shopping season earlier and earlier.  I was seeing Christmas decorations in stores back in October.  So I realize, I may be a little late to the party (even though it is before Thanksgiving), but I wanted to share with you 3 gifts to consider giving to everyone on your list this year.
These gifts won’t cost you any money, but they will take intentional effort.  I personally am committing to give more of these gifts year round than I ever have before.

Gift #1 – Appreciation

Most of us work hard each day to serve somebody.  It may be our clients, our employees, our neighbors, or even our family.  We put effort into helping others (even if we are “just doing our job”).  Unfortunately, most people do not show appreciation or say thank you.  They may appreciate what we do, but they get to busy to say it.  However, when someone does say “Thank You” it makes us feel so good.  One gift of appreciation can have us living on “cloud 9”  all day.
Therefore, as you go through life, particularly this holiday season, make sure you are showing appreciation.  You will encounter sleep deprived UPS drivers, frazzled waitresses, overworked retail workers, and stressed family members.  In those moments take action and show appreciation.  I am sure you will make someone’s day.

Gift # 2 – Encouragement

Life can be discouraging.  Unexpected things happen… the car won’t start, we loose our best client, an employee quits, the equipment breaks down, or we get a tax audit.  These things can leave us feeling defeated.  On top of that, running a business is hard work.  Therefore, we all know how much we need encouragement.
The reality is, that everyone needs encouragement.  Everyone faces difficult things that wear them down.  Encouragement is like a “shot in the arm.”  So make the intentional effort to encourage someone today.  Let them know that you believe in them and are supporting them.

Gift # 3 – Love

I know that people define “love” a lot of different ways.  But for this gift I want to define love as, value.  When we love someone, they have a high value to us.  We care about them and understand their worth as a person.  What often times gets lost, particularly in a busy season, is telling someone how valuable they are to us.
As you go through this busy Holiday season, make sure you slow down enough to let your friends and family know how important they are to you.  Spend time with them,  share a cup of coffee, give a hug, and say “I love you!”  This unconditional love could be just the gift that someone is longing for today.
So there it is.  I have given you a foolproof way to to give great gifts this Christmas without breaking your budget.  Today I want to start the gift giving with a gift of encouragement to you.  Below is the first in what will be a series of Small Business Revival Quote videos to encourage you each and every day.  I hope you enjoy it.

 
Have a Great “Gift Giving” Day!

• Brian