The Final Blog of 2010

The pressure is on! The final blog of the year should be something profound, I suppose. The media is full of “Greatest” and “Worst” lists of 2010. Business writers are busily analyzing statistics and forecasting 2011 growth. Consumers and business folk alike are committing to join a gym, lose five pounds, improve their LinkedIn profile, and get out of debt.   

So, what can I possibly add to that to help my readers in the final days of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011?

Perhaps I’ll just share five things that I will remind myself of on a regular basis as I glide, stumble, wade, and sometimes fall on my face (hopefully not literally) during 2011. Some of these may be relevant to you in your business and others may seem obvious and trite.  But there are 10 of them and they are pithy. So, they meet the criteria of an end-of-year blog. Enjoy!

1. Take time to innovate. Nothing new ever comes from doing the same old stuff.
2. If you are a digital immigrant (born before the Internet), listen to and learn from digital natives (those born afterwards). If you are a digital native, respect the wisdom of immigrants. Both groups know some cool stuff about business.
3. An app. can never replace eye contact and handshakes. Don’t forget how to use your body parts and voice.
4. Get out of your office and meet new people.
5. Get out of your office and take a vacation every now and then.
6. Don’t ignore your health…even when you get really busy at work.
7. Pay attention to your financials.
8. Have a solid plan, but remain flexible to change and calculated risks.
9. Read – whether it’s a book, a download, or a blog. It keeps your mind open and gives you new ideas.

10.  Be kind, fair, giving, and respectful to others.  It ultimately pays off.

Have a happy, safe, and warm New Year and an incredible 2011!