Finding Your Motivation After Startup Failure

By | Business Tips | No Comments
Finding Your Motivation After Startup Failure

The journey that entrepreneurs embark on is full of twists and turns. Sometimes you become a success overnight. Other times you have to pivot into something completely different. And, there are times when you stumble along the way and fail.

As someone who has experienced failure, I can honestly tell you that it sucks.

Not only can it lead to an empty bank account, it also makes you feel physically sick. And, even worse, it makes you never want to go through the experience again.

The thing is, failure is a big part of the journey — not just for startups and entrepreneurs –but failure is part of the journey of life. That’s why you need to find motivation after your startup has failed.

It may not be easy, but it’s possible if you follow this advice.

Remember, most startups fail.

There’s a stat that startup founders are constantly reminded; 90% of startups fail. While that’s not exactly true, some believe it’s around 79%, the fact of the matter is that failure should be expected.

In fact, the greatest of entrepreneurs have failed at some point. Prior to Microsoft Bill Gates launched the failed Traf-O-Data. Andrew Mason, the founder of Groupon, struck out with a company called The Point.

I could go on and on. The idea is that failure isn’t uncommon. It’s to be expected and is almost viewed like a rite of passage.

So, don’t beat yourself up too much over this. Take comfort in knowing that failure is just another step you have to take in order the achieve success. Pick yourself up and try again, just like Gates, Mason, and the thousands of entrepreneurs who did the same.

Take time to heal emotionally.

At the same time, I’m not going to deny that failure isn’t a heartbreaking experience. And, it’s not something that you’ll recover from overnight.

So whether if you failed on your product launch or filed for bankruptcy it’s going to take some time to get motivated again. And that’s alright. You’re going to need a little bit of time to heal.

When my first business failed my wife and I went on vacation to Disneyland. The short trip didn’t completely heal the heartbreak, but it was the start of the healing process. It still took months to recover, but I needed that time to reignite that spark.

Build a support group.

In our darkest times we turn to the advice and comfort of our support group. This could be your spouse, best friend, mentor, or fellow business owners. Essentially, it’s anyone who builds you up and doesn’t criticize you about the failure of your startup.

You’ll need the guidance and support of your support group to prepare you for your next business attempt. They’ll also be there to help you heal emotionally.

You can’t be neutral.

Being inactive isn’t good for you emotionally, mentally, and physically. While it may a challenge to pick yourself up, you have to get moving again.

Of course, this could be different for everyone. Personally, one of the first things I did after I experienced failure was to start working on my next project. It helped my focus on something other than my previous venture folding. Since that started making a little bit of cash, it helped rebuild my confidence.

This is exactly what Bill Gates and Paul Allen did following Traf-O-Data. They started working on their next business, which became a little company called Microsoft.

But, what if you’re just not ready to start a new business? You can still get active and stay active by starting to work out, reading inspirational books, or learning a new skill. All of these are effective ways in improving yourself physically and professionally so that you’re ready to conquer your next challenge.

Startup Failure doesn’t Mean You Can’t Experiment.

I absolutely love this advice from James Altucher;

“Sometimes people say Thomas Edison failed 999 times before he finally came up with the lightbulb on the 1000th try.

This is a total lie. It is normal in a lab to experiment with many many materials before coming up with the right one.

Oh! Your experiment didn’t work? OK, change something and let’s try a new experiment.”

Rehearse past successes.

You obviously experienced some sort to get your startup up and running. For example, you had an idea that was supported by your support group, investors, and customers. And, it took a lot of guts and hard work to make that idea a reality.

Even though things didn’t turn out the way you liked, you should still reflect on those past successes. Give yourself some props by speaking positive, affirming, and congratulatory words to yourself. For an extra boost, place visual reminders on a vision board to remind yourself that you’re not a failure.

Tap into your intrinsic motivation.

Harvard leadership expert and best-selling author Bill George argues that entrepreneurs should chase their intrinsic motivation instead of extrinsic motivations. This is usually done by aligning your strengths with your intrinsic motivations.

For example, Bill Gates was driven by making a difference in the world. Guy Kawasaki focused on meaning instead of making money. Steve Jobs was motivated by doing great work.

Other entrepreneurs have been motivated through personal growth and accomplishment. And, others such as Elon Musk, found motivation by helping others achieve their goals.

Before you can stage your comeback, think about what you’re passionate about. What do you enjoy doing? What do you find interesting?

Focusing on your intrinsic motivation will encourage you to pick yourself up so that you can move mountains.

Shift your focus.

Have you purchased something like a new wardrobe or car and then noticed everyone else wearing the same jacket or car? You have your Reticular Activating System(RAS) to thank.

Kris Hallbom and Tim Hallbom explain that the “RAS is the part of your brain that serves as a filter between your conscious mind and your subconscious mind. The RAS, which is located in the core of your brain stem, takes instructions from your conscious mind, and passes them on to your subconscious mind.”

In other words, RAS regulates your attention.

As the Hallbom’s further explain, “Setting your intent plays a key role in encouraging your subconscious mind to bring forth a desired goal, as well the most optimal future.”

So, instead of focusing on past failure, think about your next endeavor. This will guide you in finding the necessary resources, actions, and ideas to make your next startup a success.

For me, when I founded my other company Due, my goal was to have one of the best invoicing platforms for small businesses. My intent, however, was to provide a platform that could help freelancers and small businesses grow. We’ve been able to do this by continuing to add new features and publish daily content that assists businesses in improving their business.

Sounds simple. But shifting my focus keeps me motivated each and every day to reach my future goals. As a such, the failure I experienced in the past is now just a distant memory.

How to Tell Challenging Customers the Truth

By | Business Tips | No Comments
How to Tell Challenging Customers the Truth

It goes against every professional instinct to disappoint the person signing the checks, but the truth is, the customer is not always right. 

If a client has you working around the clock, rearranging your online calendar around their needs, or scrambling to provide services you don’t usually offer, it’s time to have a conversation. Can you reasonably meet their expectations?

Perhaps not. Sometimes, you’ll need to push back on challenging customers without hurting your relationship or losing business. 

Threading that needle is not easy, much less enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you have constructive conversations that reinforce your boundaries and prevent client relationships from deteriorating:

1. Go Back to the Contract

A lot of client overreach is born not out of entitlement, but out of the fact that the client has simply forgotten the scope of work. This is why it’s so important to establish clear expectations at the beginning of a client relationship, and to put those expectations in writing. If you don’t, you will have a much more difficult time telling a pushy client why something can’t be done.

Moreover, pointing to a contract is a respectful way to turn down a request, and one few reasonable people will argue against. If the client still wants you to perform extra work, you can offer to renegotiate their contract — and find opportunities to upsell them in the process. 

2. Take Time to Listen

When a client makes a demand that sounds unreasonable, it’s easy to assume they’re disrespecting you and your time. But it’s possible that they’re facing extenuating circumstances you don’t know about: Perhaps they’re under immense pressure from their own boss, or perhaps they simply don’t understand how much time and effort their request would require. 

Before saying “no,” schedule a meeting to talk through their request. Ask clarifying questions, and practice active listening when they answer. Fully understanding their needs will help you brainstorm a solution that works for both of you. And if you do still need to turn them down, the respect and consideration you showed them will soften the blow. 

3. Pick Your Battles

Being flexible without becoming a pushover is a difficult balance to strike, but an important one to master. If a task is technically out of scope but wouldn’t significantly strain your resources, consider the pros and cons of taking it on. If your contract allows you five business days to complete your deliverables, but the client’s CEO wants it on their desk in four days, it’s likely in your best interest to make an exception. 

In these situations, it’s helpful to make sure your client is fully aware that you’re pushing the bounds of the contract. Tell them, “While we usually prefer five business days to complete this task, we’re happy to expedite the process in this particular circumstance.” This reminds them what the norm is while highlighting the fact that you’re going above and beyond for them.

4. Be Specific

This should go without saying, but just saying “no” without an explanation won’t do much for your customer retention. The more clarity you offer your client, the more likely you are to end the disagreement amicably.

When explaining why a request can’t be met, point to specific aspects of the client’s request that are misaligned with what’s in their contract. This gives the client more clarity into what you can and cannot do. Plus, it emphasizes the fact that your denial is due to business needs, not your personal feelings. 

5. Remove Emotion from the Equation

When dealing with pushy clients, it’s easy to feel frustrated, angry, or insulted. But it’s important to remember that the matter probably isn’t personal for your client; it doesn’t have to be personal for you, either.  

When speaking with the difficult client, take a mental step back. Think of yourselves not as two individuals having a disagreement, but as two business representatives trying to work out the most mutually beneficial business deal. Speak in a calm tone, explain the situation with professional precision, and avoid getting into arguments.

There’s little you can do if your client behaves rudely. But if you make an effort to avoid retaliating in kind, you can prevent the conflict from getting worse. 

6. Consider Matching Their Request 

In some situations, you may be able to get some concessions from the client that make their request a little fairer. Just be sure you don’t insult them in the process.

“If the client asks for something outrageous,” Shortpress’s Sam McKeith suggests, “it can sometimes pay off to deflect with something equally as impossible.” 

Say a client asks for a massive discount. You could say that discount is available if they lock into a two-year contract or if they refer you to their own clients. This way, you can turn an extreme request into an opportunity for new business. 

7. Keep the End Goal in Mind 

Clients can often have you running around in circles as you try to meet their every whim. What they forget is that their own actions are delaying completion of their project. 

It’s your responsibility to keep the end goal in focus. Avoid letting them sidetrack you with irrelevant requests. Remind your client what you’re there for, and emphasize that it’s in their best interest to focus your joint energies on that end goal. 

8. If All Else Fails, End the Partnership

“Firing” a client can and should be a last resort. After all, they’re the one who initially hired you. But a client relationship that isn’t mutually beneficial isn’t worth maintaining. 

Remember that your company is in the business of making money, not providing charity to your clients. If an overbearing client is costing more in terms of manpower and morale than what they pay you, it may be time to end the relationship. 

Keep opportunity costs in mind. Your team could better use its time serving the clients that value their relationship with you. Your efforts could improve retention, generate more upsells, and create a healthier business in the long run. 

In most cases, though, consulting your contract, listening to your client, and communicating openly is enough to ease client challenges. Either way, professionalism and honesty go a long way toward encouraging clients to better respect your time. 

How Much Does Your Workspace Affect Your Productivity?

By | Business Tips | No Comments
How Much Does Your Workspace Affect Your Productivity?

Our physical environments have a major impact on our well-being. If you fall asleep in your bedroom with the lights on and the TV blasting do you think you’ll have a good night’s rest?

The same can be said about your workspace. If it’s filthy, cluttered and located in a dreary basement with no light — the likelihood of a highly productive day won’t be possible.

You want a place that gives off  happy, creative, and productive vibes. An office spot that inspires you. Simply put, your workspace needs to be optimized so that you can be more efficient and productive.

With that in mind, here’s a closer look at how your workplace can affect your productivity. You can make the appropriate changes.

Desk Clutter

While a little clutter may encourage creativity, the fact of the matter is that cluttered workspaces are threatening your productivity.

For starters, when we have a messy and disorganized workplace it’s much harder to find items when you need them. For example, if you wrote down an important phone number on a post-it and it’s somewhere in a pile of papers, how much time will waste looking for it? Even worse, there’s a good possibility that it’s gone for good.

In case you’re curious, the average American spends 2.5 days annually looking for misplaced items. It also costs households a whooping $2.7 billion a year in replacement costs.

Secondly, neuroscientists at Princeton University have found that physical clutter negatively affects your focus and ability to process information. That’s because instead of focusing on the task at hand that workspace clutter is distracting you. What’s more, clutter like multitasking forces you to shift focus, overload your senses, reduces creative thinking, and makes you feel more stressed.

This doesn’t mean that your workspace needs to be Mr. Clean approved every day. It just means that it should be tidy and organized so that you can easily locate items when needed and eliminate being distracted.

If this is a challenge, here’s a couple of ways to get started:

  • File your documents and properly identify them using folders.
  • Trash any documents you no longer need.
  • Group notes by priority and chuck any notes pertaining to completed tasks.
  • Keep frequently used items nearby.
  • Give everything a home and return them when not being used.
  • Label items so that you can locate them when needed.

Background Noise

Unless you’re in solitude, there’s most likely going to be background noise from others talking. It could be your spouse on the phone while you’re working at home, a couple chit chatting next to you at the coffee shop, or co-workers gossiping next to your desk.

This isn’t just annoying and distracting, it’s also the hardest noise to tune out.

Here’s where this harms your productivity. You spend a lot of energy attempting to filter out this type of background noise. As a result, you deplete your executive functions faster and have to work harder than you have to. That’s definitely not good.

To block out background noise from others, try to find a quiet space when working on your most important and challenging tasks. If that’s not an option, then you might want to invest in some noise-cancelling headphones and download an app like Noisli or White Noise.

Lighting and Color

Did you know that Americans on average spend 90 percent of their time indoors? That’s not just depressing, it also proves that we need more access to natural light.

Alan Hedge, a professor in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell University, conducted a study that found that “workers in daylit office environments reported an 84 percent drop in symptoms of eyestrain, headaches and blurred vision symptoms, which can detract from productivity.”

Additionally, the study found that employees sitting next to a window reported a two percent increase in productivity.

“The study found that optimizing the amount of natural light in an office significantly improves health and wellness among workers, leading to gains in productivity,” said Hedge. “As companies increasingly look to empower their employees to work better and be healthier, it is clear that placing them in office spaces with optimal natural light should be one of their first considerations.”

If you don’t have access to natural light work under “blue-enriched” light bulbs that are 17,000K. These bulbs can boost work performance by supporting mental acuity, vitality, and alertness. Researchers at the University of Greenwich discovered that those working under “blue-enriched light bulbs” reported feeling “happier, more alert and had less eye strain.”

Besides proper lighting, choose the right color for your job. For instance, since red is stimulating it’s a great fit for those in physically-demanding jobs. Blue and green are calming and aids in concentration so it’s ideal for office workers. Yellow is perfect for innovators and entrepreneurs because it sparks creativity.

Add Plants and Artwork

One of the simplest, and most effective ways to optimize your workspace is by surrounding yourself with a plant or two. Researchshows that office plants can reduce stress, improve attention capacity, and help employees recover from demanding activities.

On top of surrounding yourself with plants, bring-in some artwork as well.

As Karen Higginbottom writes in Forbes, “Research by Exeter University’s School of Psychology found that employees who have control over the design and layout of their workspace are not only happier and healthier — they’re also up to 32 percent more productive.”

Temperature

There was another study conducted by Cornell that found when employees are cold they make more mistakes, while warmer workers perform better.

To find this out, researchers recorded the amount of time employees in an insurance office keyboarded and the amount of time they spent correcting errors. For this specific study they used an environmental variable; temperature.

“At 77 degrees Fahrenheit, the workers were keyboarding 100 percent of the time with a 10 percent error rate, but at 68 degrees, their keying rate went down to 54 percent of the time with a 25 percent error rate,” said our friend Alan Hedge.

“Temperature is certainly a key variable that can impact performance.”

Ergonomics

“One of the surprising factors that can affect productivity is workplace ergonomics,” writes Kayla Sloan in a previous Calendar article. “Not everyone buys into the concept, but it truly does have an impact.”

This actually makes a lot of sense since ergonomics can help reduce health risks. Poorly designed workstations can definitely affect your back, hands, wrists, and joints. As a result you feel drained and are focused on how much you ache. Productivity can drop if you have little aches here and there. When this happens — you may not even know it’s pain because you have gotten so used to b being uncomfortable.

Here’s a couple of ways that you can change the ergonomic environments around in your office — even your home office:

  • Invest in an ergonomic chair.
  • Position your computer screen correctly by using a screen or laptop support.
  • Use a palm rest on your chair can help keep everything aligned when you are typing.
  • Keep your hand, wrist, and forearm aligned when using your mouse — the palm rest can help with this situation as well.
  • Use footrests so that you can rest your feet naturally. Much of the ergonomic sense is according to your height and weight.

Air Quality

Finally, after a 10 year study researchers at Columbia, the University of Southern California, and the University of California, San Diego found that air pollution like dust in the air, carbon emissions, and forest fires can lower productivity.

Plants and air filters can help improve the air quality in your workspace. However, if there is a pollutant that you can’t reduce, you may have to set-up shop in a location that has better air quality.

8 Best Employee Perks on a Budget

By | Business Tips | No Comments
8 Best Employee Perks on a Budget

When business is good, your employees should share some of the reward for the work they do every day. One obvious way to keep your workers motivated and encouraged is to provide a good benefits package. Tossing an extra perk or two into the mix could well prove a deciding factor in your ability to attract and retain hard-working employees.

Your business might be dealing with a tighter budget these days due to the recent pandemic. Or, perhaps you’re managing a new startup without a lot of wiggle room. It is possible, though, to offer your employees a few perks without breaking the bank. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Offer a Flexible Schedule

Time is everyone’s most valuable asset; it’s the one thing that can’t possibly be replaced. Consider allowing your employees to spend their time the way they’d prefer.

Of course, every employee will need to put in a certain number of hours every week, but allowing at least some flexibility can provide a boost to morale. You might even be surprised to find that this perk increases productivity.

As long as deadlines are met, an employee coming in a little late or leaving early shouldn’t be a huge cause for concern. Pushing this idea one step further, consider offering remote work options that allow trusted employees to transition away from the office to home as needed. Being allowed to finish projects at home allows workers to stay connected to family and keep office stress levels to a minimum.

2. Keep It Casual … Within Reason

When employees need to be in the office, allow casual clothing as long as it stays appropriate and is not a distraction. Giving employees some leeway to decorate their own offices increases their comfort. This sort of freedom is greatly appreciated and can be implemented without any additional bottom-line cost.

Be aware that you might need to enforce an occasional upgrade to employee dress code on days when potential client meetings are held on site. Be clear with all of your employees about what you expect on special days and the impression you wish to make. Casual wear can be great for spurring creativity, but it might not be the best choice when courting investors.

3. Offer Employee Discounts

Whenever possible, extend an employee discount on your products and services. This can be a welcome bonus if your product is highly desirable or your service is needed on a regular basis. If you run a cleaning company, say, provide a discounted price for employees requesting the service or a discount on supplies they can take home.

Maybe your company doesn’t offer products or services employees need. A worker at a marketing firm won’t have much call for those services unless they’re launching a business of their own. In this case, get creative as you look for partnerships with other companies. Maybe your company could offer in-kind services to a local restaurant. Offer to run a marketing campaign for them in exchange for food vouchers you can distribute to your team.

4. Invest in Wellness Programs

The health of your employees should be a top priority. Many companies already offer some form of health insurance, but expanding on those plans can be cost-prohibitive. Fortunately, there are other health and wellness perks you can offer in the meantime.

For example, some gym memberships cost as little as $10 a month. Memberships will enable your employees to manage their health more effectively. Vouchers for spas, physical therapy, or massage studios are another wellness perk you can offer your team.

5. Consider Expanding Paid Time Off

Everyone appreciates getting a day off with pay. While you can’t be expected to pay your team to do nothing continuously, offering an extra day off every so often will score huge points. You send a strong signal to your employees that you value them as human beings and see them as more than productivity machines. An extra Friday off gives employees a chance to plan a short-term vacation without worrying about lost income.

Even better, giving employees the option to either take a paid day off or accept those hours as additional pay puts them in control of your largesse. Hopefully, you have at least a few employees who love what they do and would be grateful to get a little extra cash instead.

6. Provide Opportunities for Professional Development

Take an active interest in your team members’ career goals. Check in with them regularly to ask how they’d like to expand their skill sets. Your company will benefit as your employees expand their network and take advantage of opportunities to advance their career. You don’t want to become known as an employer that holds people back.

As appropriate, send your employees to conferences, speaking engagements, and networking events as they become available. If possible, offer assistance for any college courses or online classes employees are taking to hone new skills. As you invest in their future, you’re likely to benefit from improved work performance — and greater loyalty.

7. Promote Ride-Sharing and Office Commute Assistance

Most employees have to commute to the office every day. Managers can look for ways to make drive time more bearable by offering fuel credits or bus cards as an alternative. Once the pandemic passes, organizing an office carpool would help employees save money and appeal to those who want to minimize their environmental impact.

Some companies are even offering a fleet of office bicycles as a clean alternative to cars. When the weather permits, employees living relatively close to the office can choose to leave their car in the lot overnight and get a little fitness time as well.

8. Host Informal, Upbeat Company Activities

Holding some after-hours activities is a great way to bring your team closer together. Company activities can be a nice employee perk. As long as the events are properly planned and you make it clear that participation is 100% optional.

If your budget allows for it, look into discounted group tickets for athletic events, movies, or other entertainment. You might even think about offsetting the cost of babysitters or otherwise helping those with families enjoy a worry-free night out.

Take some time to see what your company can reasonably offer without sacrificing its stability. Offering your team one perk is better than nothing. And, you want to be able to offer something without regretting it later. Perks are best offered with an open hand and a sincere heart.

5 Ways to Get Back on the Productivity Rails Fast When You Fall Off

By | Time Management | No Comments
5 Ways to Get Back on the Productivity Rails Fast When You Fall Off

Last month, I would say that everything was firing on all cylinders. By that, I mean I knew exactly what I was doing. And, I was getting those things done. Here are ways to get back on the productivity rails when you fall off.

As a result of getting things done — I felt super-productive. But, then, just like that, it was gone. It was most likely a combination of reasons, such as watching too much news and losing sleep over business concerns.

Whatever the exact cause, my routine was shattered. I couldn’t focus. And, I welcomed distractions since they were an excuse not to work.

Definitely not good. But, before things got worse, I used the following five tactics to get back on the productivity rails quickly.

1. Schedule habits into your life.

“Our habits form our character and drive our lives,” notes Francisco Sáez, founder and CEO of FacileThings. “They consistently—and often unconsciously—are reflected in our daily behavior and our response to any situation. Ultimately, our habits are what define how efficient or inefficient we are.”

In short, when it comes to personal productivity, it’s all about habits, such as:

  • Surrounding yourself with the right tools and people.
  • Establishing a morning and evening routine.
  • Not always grinding it out.
  • Decluttering your workspace.
  • Trimming down your to-do-list.
  • Single-tasking.
  • Being physically active.
  • Leveling up your skills.
  • Reflecting and learning from mistakes.
  • Learning how to delegate and outsource.

But, to make these habits stick, you need to first schedule them into your life. And, according to James Clear, there are two ways to achieve this.

Option 1: Put in your calendar.

“Want to get back on track with your writing schedule?” he asks. “9 am on Monday. Butt in chair. Hands-on keyboard. That’s when this is happening.”

“Want to bounce back with your exercise habit? Give yourself a time and place that it needs to happen,” Clear adds. “6 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I’ll see you in the gym.”

Option 2: Tie it to your current behavior.

“Not all of your habits will fit a specific time frame, but they all should have a trigger that acts as a reminder to do them,” Clear states.

“Want to floss? Every day after brushing your teeth. Same order, the same way, every time.”

“Want to be happier?” asks Clear. “Every time you stop at a red light, tell yourself one thing you’re grateful for. The red light is the reminder. Same trigger, same sequence, every time.”

“The bottom line is this: it might be nice to tell yourself that you’re going to change, but getting specific makes it real and gives you a reason and a reminder to get back on track whenever you slip up.”

“Soon is not a time, and some is not a number,” he writes. “When and where, exactly, are you going to do this? You might forget once, but what system do you have in place to automatically remind you the next time?”

2. Conduct a self-audit.

“People tend to develop behavior patterns that they repeat, often without realizing it,” says Lyn Christian, founder of SoulSalt Inc. “By noticing your own bad habits, you may recognize how to pull yourself out of a rut and get back on track.”

How can you go about this? Christian recommends asking yourself the following questions:

  • When has this happened before?
  • How is this time similar to other times?
  • Is this indeed a pattern, or is it a singular incidence?
  • How many times a year does this pattern play out?

It’s always important to remember that “when you’ve gotten off track, it’s not always self-inflicted,” she adds. “You also have patterns in how you respond when life throws a wrench into your plans.”

“You can apply these same questions to audit your patterns of reacting to change and crisis,” adds Christian. “Are you proactive or reactive? Do you overreact and panic, or shut down and do nothing?”

Since most of us have difficulty being honest with ourselves, we should seek feedback from others. It could be your spouse, best friend, business partner, or mentor.

“Ask them to share their impressions,” advises Christian. “If you sense the cause of things going awry is a bigger deal than just a coincidence, find a professional, such as a coach or therapist. They “can assist you in breaking harmful patterns.”

The main takeaway? If you want to turn things around, don’t just do it by yourself. “After all, if you could have turned things around on your own, you probably would have already.”

3. Don’t put yourself down; build yourself up.

It is incredibly easy to beat yourself up — particularly when it comes to losses, mistakes, or performance. It’s also the case when we aren’t as productive as we would like to be. I think we’ve all cursed at ourselves when we’ve procrastinated or failed to meet a deadline.

But, why are we so hard on ourselves?

“We live in the age of perfectionism,” states elite performance expert Dr. Michelle Cleere. “One mistake, error, or loss is a knock to your ego and identity. You become ‘less than’ or so you think.”

“The problem? This creates a snowball effect “until you don’t really know who you are or why you are doing what you are doing,” adds Dr. Cleere. Even worse? If this becomes the norm, “you’re coming from a fixed mindset and will never be good enough or able to enjoy what you are doing.”

Instead of being unkind to yourself, use setbacks as learning experiences that can help you grow. Preferably, focusing on what went right and what went wrong.

Additionally, find ways to rebuild your self-confidence. Some ideas to try out would be:

  • Reflecting on past accomplishments.
  • Telling yourself every day to “awesome.”
  • Learning something new and sharing it with others.
  • Surrounding yourself with a positive support system.
  • Enhancing your existing skillset.

Practice self-compassion.

And, most importantly, start being kinder to yourself. “In research studies, people who have greater levels of self-compassion tend to be more motivated, less lazy, and more successful over time,” notes Susan David. One way to cultivate self-compassion is by ending the tug-of-war inside yourself.

This simplest means not viewing emotions and experiences as either “good” or “bad.” So, the next time you face “a challenging emotion like sadness or disappointment,” don’t berate yourself. Instead, say, “I’m feeling sad.”

And, follow that up by asking, “What is this sadness a signpost of? What is it pointing to that’s important to me? What is it teaching me?” advises David.

4. Make a change.

Want “a simple and effective way to spur your productivity?” asks Angela Ruth in a previous Calendar article. “Well, why not spruce up your workspace? After all, your workspace has a direct impact on your productivity.”

That actually gels. I mean, how productive are you going to be if you’re working “in a dark, dingy basement?” Or, if “you’re surrounded by piles of paperwork and empty coffee cups?”

And, that’s not even getting into distractions like the TV, noisy housemates/co-workers. “No wonder that 46% of professionals indicated that their existing workspace influenced their productivity,” adds Angela.

The good news? Even if you’re on a limited budget or don’t have too much room to work with, there are ways to spruce up your workplace. Examples include:

  • Purchasing ergonomic furniture.
  • Organizing and eliminating clutter.
  • Personalizing your workspace with art and photos.
  • Introducing live plans.
  • Choosing the right colors. For example, blue affects your mind.
  • Embrace natural lighting, keep the temperature between 68-76 degrees Fahrenheit, listen to white noise, and adding aromas.

Besides shaking up your workspace, you might want to change-up your schedule. In a perfect world, your schedule would be based on when you’re most productive. So, if you’re a night owl, it doesn’t make sense to force yourself to wake up at 5 am.

5. Strip away complexity.

Have you ever tried to lose weight, only to get derailed? It happens to most of us. After all, it’s a challenge to overindulge or work out less during the holidays or summer vacation.

What’s your response to this, however? Do you immediately plan to hit the gym two hours each day and try out every diet until one stick? The thing is, trying too much too quickly is unrealistic and overwhelming — which means you’re just setting yourself up for failure.

The same is true when it comes to your productivity. Rather than overdoing it will tools and hacks, go back to the basics and work yourself up from there. Getting back on track might be something as simple as prioritizing your time, turning off your phone, or single-tasking.

7 Valentine’s Day Celebrations for Your Remote Team

By | Business Tips | No Comments
7 Valentine’s Day Celebrations for Your Remote Team

Love might be in the air, but so is the coronavirus. With a record number of employees working from home, it can be difficult to maintain much emotional connection — let alone affection — by gazing longingly into a Zoom meeting.

Ask any member of your remote team; it’s been difficult to build strong relationships when you spend all day working from home. The upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday might provide a fun opportunity for concerned managers to playfully disrupt the usual routine. 

Remote work highlights the need for increased creativity when it comes to planning online get-togethers. Here are a few thoughts for leveraging the technology many of us are using anyway to take a unique approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day:

1. Send Virtual Valentine’s Day Cards

Bring back fond elementary school memories by sending humorous Valentine’s Day cards to all your team members. Sending virtual cards is inexpensive, but it still makes the point that you are thinking of your employees even though they aren’t in the office.

Personalize your messages using inside jokes and company flair. If you have photo editing skills, have fun swapping a manager’s face with the Mona Lisa or put your accountant on the back of a love-crazed velociraptor. Stay workplace-appropriate, though; you should assume everyone will see every card you create.

2. Have Special Lunches Delivered

Brush up on your logistics expertise and host multisite lunch. If you’re really brave, you could even schedule a meeting with your remote team and attempt to coordinate food delivery for 15-30 minutes after the start time. By doing so, you turn a routine meeting into a surprise virtual meal together.

Food delivery services have been going full throttle since COVID-19 struck, so you should be able to coordinate lunch delivery for everyone. Providing a free lunch might not sound like a big deal, but this is an opportunity for you to level up your management game. Start by discovering each employee’s preferences. They’re certain to feel valued when they go to the front door to find their favorite dish from their favorite restaurant. 

3. Introduce Employee Spotlights

Do you regularly highlight positive things about your employees? If not, consider using Valentine’s Day to launch a new weekly spotlight feature. How you shine the spotlight is up to you — special email, verbal praise, whatever works best. 

Take time as a company leader to highlight each individual and say why your company loves them. Doing this in an online forum provides an opportunity for all employees to learn more about each other as human beings, not just co-workers. 

4. Host an Online Karaoke Competition

Keeping your introverts in mind, consider hosting a quirky event that allows everyone to participate without feeling overwhelmed. Hosting a karaoke event online allows your showboats to strut their stuff while letting your more self-conscious employees join in on the laughter without feeling pressured to perform.

Hosting a karaoke event using video conferencing software is typically simple. Use screen sharing to post lyrics and have one of your team members take primary responsibility for supplying the music feed. Whether or not you record the event is up to you. 

5. Schedule a Virtual Wine, Chocolate, or Food Tasting

Here’s another unique event that managers can use to demonstrate how much they know and appreciate their employees. Not every employee drinks wine, of course, and some are doing their best to avoid sweets. By creating a list of your employees and jotting down the treats you know they enjoy, you promote team spirit and signal that you are paying attention.

The key to any food-themed virtual event will be making sure that everyone receives their special treat in time to participate. You can also encourage your employees to take fun photos and upload them to social media using a special hashtag tied to the event theme. You’ll get bonus points if you take time to curate those images and put together a creative collage for the office.

6. Hold a ‘Secret Valentine’ Event

You’ve heard of Secret Santa. This year, why not try a Secret Valentine gift exchange? Randomly assign each remote team member a co-worker for whom to be a Secret Valentine. Set a price limit on what can be purchased (remembering to include shipping) and offer to provide ideas for each recipient. Set a deadline for delivery so every employee will be sure to receive their Secret Valentine gift on the day.

7. Play a Valentine-Themed Game

Schedule a game that can be played virtually and put a Valentine’s Day spin on it. A game of Jeopardy! featuring questions about love and relationships can provide a lot of laughter. Just be sure to keep questions pitched at a PG-13 level or below. Offer gift cards for the first, second, and third prize winners.

Other games to consider include Pictionary, Charades, and 20 Questions. Choose activities you know your team will enjoy and plan them out in advance so they run smoothly. Have a Plan B close at hand should technology fail you at a crucial moment.

Everyone had a tough time of it in 2020. In 2021, go the extra mile on Valentine’s Day to let your employees know that you care about them.

164 February Holidays and Observances

By | Scheduling | No Comments
164 February Holidays and Observances

Isn’t February the worst? Well, unless you can zoom to the Rockies for a couple of good ski days…

I know that there are some notable happenings like Black History Month, the long President’s Day Weekend, the Super Bowl, and multiple viewings of Groundhog Day. Overall though? You’re still coming down for the holidays, you’ve already broken your New Year’s Resolutions, and the weather is atrocious.

The good news? You can make the shortest month of the year more tolerable by celebrating the following holidays and observances.

February 1

  • Baked Alaska Day: Also known as omelette norvégienne. This decadent dessert is said to have originated at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City in 1876 to honor the newly acquired territory of Alaska.
  • Dark Chocolate Day: Do we really need a reason to celebrate dark chocolate? Not really. But, if you do, just know that dark chocolate contains nutrients that can improve your health and lower the risk of heart disease.
  • Freedom Day: It was on this historic day in 1865 when President Lincoln and a joint House and Senate resolution signed a resolution that would become the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which outlawed slavery.
  • Get Up Day: Following National Skating Month (January), the Get Up Campaign was launched in 2017 “to help skaters and non-skaters alike to recognize the grit, passion, and perseverance needed to Get Up in the rink and life every day.
  • Serpent Day: Personally, I’m terrified of snakes. But, I’m also a realist and realize how beneficial they are to the ecosystem.
  • No Politics Day: It’s normal to feel exhausted after an election. But, the 2020 Presidential Election, and the last four years overall, have been brutal. We all deserve a much-needed break from politics, even if it’s just for one day.
  • Texas Day: Back on February 1, 1863, a group of Texas delegates declared the Lone Star state’s secession from the Union. However, this wasn’t granted until February 23, 1861.

February 2

  • Candlemas: As defined by Britannica, this is a “Christian festival on February 2 commemorating the occasion when the Virgin Mary, in obedience to Jewish law, went to the Temple in Jerusalem both to be purified 40 days after the birth of her son, Jesus, and to present him to God as her firstborn (Luke 2:22–38).”
  • Groundhog Day: Did you know that Groundhog Day has its roots tied to Candlemas? Via History, on this day, the “clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be. Germans expanded on this concept by selecting an animal–the hedgehog–as a means of predicting the weather. Once they came to America, German settlers in Pennsylvania continued the tradition, although they switched from hedgehogs to groundhogs, which were plentiful in the Keystone State.”
  • Heavenly Hash Day: What the heck is a heavenly hash? It’s not what you think despite its title. Depending on the region, it can be a fruit salad, candy, or ice cream. The common ingredient, though, is marshmallows, marshmallow creme, or whip.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day: According to the CDC, arthritis affects roughly one in four adults overall — which comes out to over 54 million Americans. To raise awareness, visit the Arthritis National Research Foundation.
  • Tater Tot Day: This tasty kitchen staple was invented back in 1953. We can thank F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg, founders of Ore-Ida, who got creative with leftover pieces of potatoes.
  • Ukulele Day: Did you know that the Hawaiian nickname ukuleletranslates to “jumping flea” in English?
  • World Wetlands Day: This environmentally-related celebration dates back to 1971. For ideas on how to observe and spread awareness, head over to www.worldwetlandsday.org.

February 3

  • Carrot Cake Day: While this may seem like a more recent dessert, carrot cake can be traced back to a Medieval favorite simply known as carrot pudding.
  • Doggy Date Night: As a dog owner, I can proclaim that dogs are the best things on Earth. So, on this day, spend a little extra time with your best friend by taking them to the park. You could also take them on a long car ride or to get groomed.
  • Feed the Birds Day: To help birds survive the winter, fill-up a feeder with seeds and pick-up a new hobby like bird watching.
  • Girls and Women in Sports Day: 2021 marks the 35th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). “Every year, this celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. ”
  • Missing Person’s Day: Approximately 2,300 Americans, both children, and adults, are reported missing daily. Visit sites like National Missing and Unidentified Persons System on how you can help.
  • The Day the Music Died Day: It was on this day in 1959 that Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper” passed away tragically in a plane crash.
  • Women Physicians Day: February 3rd is the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, who was the first woman to obtain a medical degree in the United States in 1849. 2021 will be her 200th birthday.

February 4

  • Create a Vacuum Day: The exact origins of this holiday are unknown, but you can celebrate it by learning more about the science of vacuums and/or sucking up those dust bunnies you’ve been neglecting.
  • Hemp Day: Fun fact, it used to be illegal not to grow hemp. For example, because it was such a valuable crop, the Assembly of Jamestown Colony in Virginia passed legislation in 1619 that required all farmers to grow Indian hemp seed.
  • Homemade Soup Day: Soups have been warming us from the inside for around 9000 years! Celebrate this day by making your favorite homemade soup.
  • Stuffed Mushroom Day: Stuffed mushrooms didn’t become featured at restaurants until the 1940s or 1950s. Back then, they were a delicacy.
  • Thank a Mail Carrier Day: Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General? That’s an awesome fact. But, now more than over, show your carrier how much you appreciate everything they do.
  • USO Day: The United Service Organizations was established on February 4, 1941, and has provided live entertainment and programs to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families since.
  • World Cancer Day: Created in 2000, this global initiative aims to reduce “the number of premature deaths from cancer and non-communicable diseases by one third by 2030.”

February 5

  • Bubble Gum Day: The first commercial bubble gum, Dubble Bubble, was invented in 1928 by Walter Diemer in Philadelphia.
  • Chocolate Fondue Day: Although fondue was billed as a national dish of Switzerland in 1875, chocolate fondue wasn’t invented until the early 1960s in New York City — by a Swiss, of course.
  • Give Kids A Smile Day: Launched in 2003 nationally by the American Dental Association, the Give Kids A Smile program has given more than 5 million underserved children free oral health services.
  • Shower with a Friend Day: You don’t have to literally do this; that would be awkward. In reality, this was a marketing ploy by a company that makes water filters “to encourage people to shower in filtered water that is free of chlorine.”
  • Wear Red Day: Celebrated on the first Friday in February, it’s suggested that you wear red to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease.
  • Weatherperson’s Day: “The day commemorated the birth of John Jeffries in 1744. Jeffries, one of America’s first weather observers, began taking daily weather observations in Boston in 1774, and he took the first balloon observation in 1784,” explainsthe National Weather Service.
  • World Nutella Day: I love this hazelnut cocoa spread, which has been around since 1964. Apparently, I’m not the only avid fan since the American blogger Sara Rosso established the first World Nutella Day on February 5, 2007.

February 6

  • Chopsticks Day: Here’s an interesting fact, cooks in China began using chopsticks to prepare food way back around 1200 B.V.
  • Frozen Yogurt Day: Believe it or not, yogurt has been around for about 5,000 years. However, frozen yogurt wasn’t a thing until H.P. Hood introduced “frogurt” in the 1970s.
  • Ice Cream for Breakfast Day: To entertain her children on a snowy day in the 1960s, Florence Rappaport in Rochester, New York, came up with this activity that has since become a global celebration.
  • Lame Duck Day: This day recognizes the ratification of the 20th Amendment, aka the Lame Duck Amendment.
  • Pay a Compliment Day: Created by Adrienne Koopersmith, on February 6, 1995, this day is all about giving “genuine and soulful compliments” to others.
  • Play Outside Day: Celebrated on the first Saturday of every month, you should spend the day outside as much as possible. It will do wonders for your health and wellbeing.
  • Take Your Child to the Library Day: 2021 marks the 10th Anniversary of the holiday where you and your family should, well, visit and support your local library.

February 7

  • Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: “The first National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) was marked in 1999 as a grassroots-education effort to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and treatment in communities of color,” explains HIV.gov.
  • Dump Your Significant Jerk Day: How can you observe this day? It’s simple. Finally, end that toxic relationship you’ve been once and for all.
  • Fettuccine Alfredo Day: Fettuccine with butter has been a recipe in Italy since the 15th-century. However, the dish that we’re more familiar with was invented by Alfredo di Lelio in Rome in 1892.
  • Periodic Table Day: Why celebrate the Periodic Table on this day? Well, it’s the publication date of the first table of elements.
  • Send a Card to a Friend Day: If we’ve learned anything from COVID-19, it’s how important staying in touch with others has been. So, why not sit down and write a handwritten letter to a friend, family member, or co-worker just for the heck of it.
  • Super Bowl LV (55): The big game will be a little different this year, but you’re probably going to be close to one of the 100 million watching when it goes down at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa at 6:30 p.m. ET.
  • Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day: Even if you don’t have the best relationship with all of your neighbors, greet them with a big wave to show your appreciation or to just put a smile on their face.

February 8

  • Boy Scout Anniversary Day: On this day in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America were incorporated.
  • Clean Out Your Computer Day: Falling on the second Monday in February, the Institute of Business Technology started this in 2000 to remind people to organize and declutter their computer, as well as backup all of your programs.
  • Football Hangover Day: While relatively newer, it became official in 2019; this has been observed since 1967, football fans are encouraged to recover if they overindulged the night before.
  • Iowa Day: Spend the day learning about the Hawkeye State, which became the 29th state back in 1846.
  • Kite Flying Day: Did you know that kites date back to China in 470 B.C.?
  • Laugh and Get Rich Day: Laughter truly is the best medicine as it boosts your immune system, improves cardiac health, increases endorphins, and strengthens relationships. As such, find ways to laugh as much as possible on this day.

February 9

  • Bagels and Lox Day: A perfect excuse to enjoy this Jewish-American tradition by devouring a bagel topped with cream cheese, lox, red onion, and capers.
  • Cut the Cord Day: Sling, a live TV streaming service, introduced the first-ever, official National Cut the Cord Day in 2020 to celebrate its fifth anniversary.
  • Extraterrestrial Culture/Visitor Day: Recognizes the UFO incident that occurred in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947 by celebrating past, present, and future relationships with extraterrestrial visitors.
  • Pizza Day: Since pizza is my favorite food, I already have this marked on my calendar. But, did you know that pizza can be traced back to the 10th Century in Naples, Italy?
  • National Toothache Day: Definitely a weird and unusual holiday. It’s meant to remind you to book an appointment with your dentist.
  • Read in the Bathtub Day: We could all use a little self-care these days. And, what better way to do that than by enjoying a good book while soaking in a bathtub?
  • Safer Internet Day U.S.: This day is meant to promote safe, positive, and responsible technology use. After the last couple of years, this is a must. Head over to https://saferinternetday.us/ for more information.

February 10

  • All The News That’s Fit To Print Day: In 1897, Adolph S. Ochs, owner of the New York Times, first printed the newspaper’s famous motto, “All the news that’s fit to print.”
  • Cream Cheese Brownie Day: Brownies have been around since the 1800s. However, the first documented recipe in 1906 in The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book.
  • Flannel Day: I’m a big fan of flannel here. So, I did a little digging and found out that the fabric originated in Wales around the 16th Century.
  • Home Warranty Day: Homeowners have been observing this holiday since 2016. Adding it to your calendar will remind them to review their policies. And to make sure that they have the appropriate coverage.
  • Teddy Day: In 1902, a political cartoon by Clifford Berryman lampooned Theodore Roosevelt’s bear hunting trip — here refused to shot a bear that was tied to a tree. This inspired Morris Michtom, a Brooklyn candy shop owner, to create a stuffed animal known as “Teddy’s Bear.”
  • Umbrella Day: Did you know that umbrellas have been around for 4000 years? They were first discovered in the historical Mesopotamia region in Western Asia.
  • World Pulses Day: “World Pulses Day is a designated United Nations global event to recognize the importance of pulses (chickpeas, dry beans, lentils, dry peas and lupins among others) as a global food,” states the Global Pulse Confederation. “It has been proclaimed on February 10 of each year since 2019 by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 20, 2018.”

February 11

  • Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day: The jest behind this holiday is to stop fussing over things that can’t be undone. As such, it’s the perfect day to let go of regrets and learn from past mistakes.
  • Get Out Your Guitar Day: It’s believed that the guitar originated in Spain sometime in the 16th century deriving from a late-medieval instrument with a waisted body and four strings known as the guitarra latina.
  • Inventors’ Day: First proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, this event takes place on the birthday of Thomas Edison.
  • Make a Friend Day: The key to health, happiness, and a long life? Friendships. So, go out and make some new friends on this day!
  • Peppermint Patty Day: These minty and tasty treats have been around since 1940, thanks to the York Cone Company based in Pennsylvania. The company merged with Hershey in 1988.
  • Shut-In Visitation Day: Over the last year, I would say that many of us have become shut-ins. And, that type of isolation isn’t good for our health and wellbeing. Spend the day contacting others or stopping by — even if you’re socially distancing and wearing masks.
  • White Shirt Day: Why observe this holiday? It commemorates the historic auto worker strike that ended on February 11, 1937, resulting in GM recognizing the United Autoworkers Union.

February 12

  • Chinese New Year: For the uninitiated, the Chinese New Year is a festival celebrating the beginning of a new year based on the traditional lunar calendar. Also, in 2021, it is the year of the Ox.
  • Darwin Day: Did you know that Charles Darwin was born on the same day as Abraham Lincoln on February 12, 1809?
  • Georgia Day: It was on this day in 1733 that the Province of Georgia was founded. The Peach State would become the 13th Colony and 4th state to enter the Union.
  • Lost One Penny Day: Pennies don’t get much love these days. But, they have a long history. In fact, it was Benjamin Franklin who designed the first penny and introduced it in 1787.
  • NAACP Day: Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States
  • Plum Pudding Day: Not really sure why we celebrate Christmas pudding in February, but if you’re feeling festive, give this English plum pudding recipe a try.

February 13

  • Break Up With Your Carrier Day: Made official by T-Mobile, the company promises to make it as painless as possible to break-up with your current wireless provider.
  • Cheddar Day: This holiday was created in 2019 by cheese manufacturer Tillamook. It celebrates one of the most famous cheeses in the States.
  • Galentine’s Day: As Parks and Recs fans know, this holiday was created by Leslie Knope. “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style,” Leslie explained in the “Galentine’s Day” episode. “Ladies celebrating, ladies.”
  • Tortellini Day: While disputed, both Bologna and Modena, located in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, claim to be the birthplace of tortellini. Regardless, celebrate the day by whipping up this delish homemade recipe.
  • World Radio Day: Proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day, it’s encouraged that we learn about the evolution, innovation, and connection of radio.

February 14

  • Cream-Filled Chocolate Day: Would it be easier to just buy these at the store? Probably. But, you think if you make your own homemade filled chocolates, you’ll definitely be earning some brownie points.
  • Douglass Day: As explained over at douglassday.org, this “is a holiday that began around the turn of the 20th century. After the passing of Frederick Douglass in 1895, Black communities across the U.S. gathered to celebrate his birthday every year on February 14th.” It’s believed that this would serve as the inspiration for Black History Month.
  • Ferris Wheel Day: Did you know that the world’s largest Ferris wheel is in Las Vegas. Appropriately known as the High Roller, it stands at 550 ft. (168 m)?
  • Organ Donor Day: If you haven’t done so yet, add this to your calendar so that you can register to become an organ donor.
  • Quirkyalone Day: Despite the misconception, this isn’t an anti-Valentine’s Day. Rather, Quirkyalone Day is all about celebrating self-love regardless if you’re single or not.
  • Valentines Day: Before he was known as Cupid, he was known to the ancient Greeks as Eros, the god of love.

February 15

  • Angelman Syndrome Day: Via the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, “(AS) is a rare neuro-genetic disorder that occurs in one in 15,000 live births or 500,000 people worldwide. It is caused by a loss of function of the UBE3A gene in the 15th chromosome derived from the mother.”
  • Gumdrop Day: Purportedly, Percy Trusdale invented gumdrops in 1801.
  • Presidents Day: Fun fact, President’s Days doesn’t fall on the birthday of Washing or Lincoln — or William Henry Harrison or Regan, who also have birthdays this month. Instead, it’s celebrated on the third Monday of the month thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
  • Singles Awareness Day: Were you alone on the 14th? No worries. Today is the day for singles to celebrate.
  • Susan B. Anthony Day: Born on this day in 1820, Susan B. Anthony is remembered for her role in the women’s suffrage movement — which paved the way for the 19th Amendment. But, were you aware that she was arrested for illegally voting in the 1872 presidential election.
  • Wisconsin Day: The Badger State became the 30th state in 1848 but the first European. French explorer Jean Nicolet visited back in 1634.

February 16

  • Almond Day: Although originally from central and southwest Asia, 80 percent of the world’s almonds are now grown in California.
  • Do A Grouch a Favor Day: Sure. Big Bird might have come up with this idea on “Sesame Street.” But, if there’s an Oscar in your life, do something nice for them.
  • Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras: Falling on the day before Ash Wednesday, Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday and is the culmination of Carnival.
  • Paczki Day: Our friends in the Midwest may be familiar with this holiday. But, if you’re not, it’s a Polish-style pastry that is traditionally filled with prunes. It falls on the same day as Fat Tuesday, so that you can splurge before fasting for Lent.
  • Pancake Day: Also known as Shrive Tuesday in the UK, it’s another traditional feast day prior to Lent.

February 17

  • Ash Wednesday: In the scheme of things, Ash Wednesday is relatively new, with the first ceremonies taking place sometime in the 11th Century CE. Also, here in the U.S., it didn’t gain mainstream popularity with Christians until the 1970s.
  • Cabbage Day: Did you know that there are more than 400 varieties of cabbage? Time to start trying them out since cabbage is loaded with Vitamin C, proven to be a cancer determent, and provides headache relief.
  • My Way Day: Today is the day that you tap into your inner Frank Sinatra and do things your way.
  • Random Acts of Kindness Day: Doing and witnessing kindness gives us hope, increases happiness, and can make the world a slightly better place. If you need some inspiration, visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.
  • World Human Day: Started in 2003 by Michael Levy of Point of Life, everyone is encouraged to meditate for two minutes at 3 pm Eastern Time to find the true spirit of freedom and peace that lives within us all.

February 18

  • Battery Day: My man Ben Franklin has popped up several times already. And, here he is again. After all, he coined the term “battery in 1748. However, it referred to “charged glass plates.”
  • Crab Stuffed Flounder Day: Did you know that there are 100 different species of flatfish known as flounder. Celebrate the day by making this crab-stuffed flounder recipe from the Food Network.
  • Cow Milked While Flying In An Airplane Day: What’s this obscure holiday about? Well, on February 18, 1931, Elm Farm Ollie became the first cow to fly and be milked in flight during the International Air Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • Drink Wine Day: Drink Wine Day has been taking place for over 8,000 years, originating in the Eurasian region — this is in modern-day Georgia — the country, not the state.
  • Pluto Day: Discovered in 1930, the ninth planet has been on quite the journey. In 1992, its planet status was questioned. And, then in 2004, it was degraded to a dwarf planet.

February 19

  • Chocolate Mint Day: Here’s a fun fact for all my fellow chocolate mint lovers out there, the Girl Scouts began selling their most popular cookies, Thin Mint, in 1953.
  • Caregiver’s Day: Since 2016, the third Friday of February is reserved to give props to selfless professional caregivers.
  • Lashes Day: Did you know that people have focused on eyelashes since around 4000 BCE?
  • Tug of War Day: Tug of war has been practiced worldwide, particularly in Cambodia, ancient Egypt, Greece, India, and China. for centuries. And, it was even a part of the Olympic Games from 1900 until 1920.
  • Vet Girls RISE Day: Founded in 2019, this day aims to bring awareness and provide opportunities to the contributions of women veterans — which they’ve been doing since the Revolutionary War.

February 20

  • Cherry Pie Day: While Morello cherries are preferred when making pies, you can also use black or Montmorency cherries as well. To see for yourself, try out this classic cherry pie recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.
  • Love Your Pet Day: Those of us who have a pet typically have lower stress, are more active, and happier. Return the favor on this day by going on an extra-long walk, giving them a special treat, taking them to the groomer, and making sure that their vaccines are up-to-do-date.
  • Muffin Day: In print, the word muffin first appeared in 1703 and was spelled moofin. But, enough with the history. Here are 60 muffin recipes you can put to good use on this day.
  • World Day for Social Justice: First observed in 2009, the UN General Assembly has named February 20 as the annual World Day of Social Justice. Spend the day educating yourself and discussing issues like gender equality, human rights, poverty, and social protection.
  • World Whale Day: Whales, they’re just like us! These majestic mammals breathe, have warm-blood, feed their young, play, sing, grieve, and cooperate with each other.

February 21

  • Card Reading Day: No, this isn’t about Tarot card reading. Instead, it’s getting sentimental and reading any greeting cards that you’ve saved.
  • Grain-Free Day: For some, a grain-free diet has health benefitslike reducing inflammation, enhancing weight loss, and lower blood pressure. And, it’s a must for those who are allergic to wheat or have celiac disease.
  • International Mother Language Day: First announced on November 17, 1999, by UNESCO, this annual observance is meant to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as multilingualism.
  • Sticky Bun Day: Originally known as “Schnecken,” a German word. It’s not surprising that it’s believed that these tasty treats were brought to Pennsylvania by German settlers.

February 22

  • Be Humble Day: ” Don’t be humble. You’re not that great.” — Golda Meir
  • Cook a Sweet Potato Day: Despite their name, sweet potatoes are not potatoes. They’re a root vegetable in the morning glory family.
  • Margarita Day: While there are several variations of this refreshing drink, “the basic recipe is Blanco Tequila (though reposado is a popular and delicious variation), mixed with lime juice and orange liqueur, often served in a glass with a salted rim,” writes Kara Newman for Wine Enthusiast.
  • Recreational Sports & Fitness Day: In honor of the 50th Anniversary of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, the first-ever Recreational Sports & Fitness Day began on February 22, 1999.
  • Walking the Dog Day: Here’s something to share with your fellow dog owners when walking your four-legged best friend. Jim Buck is credited as the first professional dog walker in New York City in 1960.
  • World Thinking Day: Since 1926, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), along with Girl Scouts of the USA and the other WAGGGS member organizations, have celebrated what it means to be a peacebuilder.

February 23

February 24

  • Inconvenience Yourself Day: You might assume that this an odd holiday where you put yourself into precarious situations. In actuality, it’s about helping others, like shoveling the snow from your elderly neighbor’s walkway.
  • Tortilla Chip Day: If you’re a devourer of tortilla chips, like yours truly, today is the day to overindulge. And, if you’re curious, it’s believed that Rebecca Webb Carranza invented tortilla chips in Los Angeles in the 1940s.
  • World Bartender Day: You might not have patronized your favorite watering hole lately, but you can still support your bartender on this day however you see fit. After all, bartending is one of the oldest professions going back to the 1400s!

February 25

  • Chili Day: The first written recipe for chili con carne dates back to 1519! Head over to National Chili Day for more trivia and recipes to try on this day.
  • Chocolate Covered Nut Day: Goobers are believed to be the first chocolate-covered peanut candy in 1925.
  • Clam Chowder Day: The debate between New England and Manhattan clam chowders has been so heated that in “1939, a Maine legislator introduced a bill outlawing the use of tomatoes in chowder.”
  • Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day: Engineers Week has been going strong since 1951. On this particular day, however, the focus is on inspiring girls to get into engineering.
  • Toast Day: On the last Thursday of the month, enjoy a slice of toast with jam, Avocado, or cinnamon and sugar.

February 26

  • For Pete’s Sake Day: The idiom, “For Pete’s sake,” originated as a substitute for “for Christ’s sake. Since the early 1900s, though, it’s been used as a replacement for any profane expression.
  • Pistachio Day: I have no problem finding an excuse to crack open some pistachios or consume pistachio ice cream or gelato. After all, they’re delicious and packed with antioxidants and nutrients like potassium and B6.
  • Skip the Straw Day: On average, we use 1.6 straws per day. If you weren’t aware, that’s terrible for the environment and wildlife, ranging from birds, fish, and turtles. On this day, avoid using plastic straws and purchase more sustainable options. You could also ask local eateries to not automatically provide plastic straws.
  • Tell a Fairy Tale Day: Researchers have found tales that date back to the Bronze Age!
  • Yukon Heritage Day: Since 1976, people in the territory spend the day celebrating with activities like the Sourdough Rendezvous. There’s also a fiddle contest, snow sculptures, and air show. It falls on the Friday before the last Sunday in February.

February 27

  • Anosmia Awareness Day: Launched in 2012, this day is meant to spread awareness about the loss of smell. Since this is a symptom of COVID, there may be more attention to this condition than in previous years.
  • International Polar Bear Day: PBI “founded the day to coincide with the time period when polar bear moms and cubs are snug in their dens. As part of our celebration, we focus on the need to protect denning families across the Arctic.”
  • No Brainer Day: This fun and made-up holiday encourages all of us to stop overanalyzing, do less, and take it easy.
  • Pokémon Day: It was on this day in 1995 when the world was first introduced to Pokémon. At the time, this was a game on the original Game Boy.
  • Retro Day: The jest behind this holiday is to revisit a time when we weren’t glued to our phones and internet. It also gives us a reason to dust off our favorite clothing, gadgets, music, and movies from back-in-the-day. However, you don’t need to wait until February 27 to do this if you frequently use these 10 strategies to reduce screen time.
  • Strawberry Day: Did you know that strawberries are the only fruit that has their seeds on the outside?

February 28

  • Chocolate Souffle Day: Vincent La Chapelle authored the recipe for omelette soufflée in Le Cuisinier Moderne in 1742. If you want to attempt to make your own chocolate souffle day to honor this day, check out this instructional video.
  • Floral Design Day: This day celebrates the birthday of Carl Rittner. He was the founder of the Rittner School of Floral Design in Boston. In 1995 Massachusetts governor William F. Weld proclaimed it an official holiday.
  • Golden Globes: Hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler for the fourth time. You can watch the 78th Golden Globes on NBC.
  • Public Sleeping Day: Naps can restore alertness and provide an energy boost to get through the rest of the day. If only this was encouraged every day and not just once a year. Sigh.
  • Rare Disease Day: Did you know that 1 in 20 people will live with a rare disease at some point in their life? That’s why this day is so important to spread awareness about rare diseases.
  • Tooth Fairy Day: The Tooth Fairy that we’re familiar with can be credited to Esther Watkins Arnold. She wrote a playlet for children in 1927. However, myths involving baby teeth have been around for centuries.

5 Calendar Tips for Lowering Your Utility Bills

By | Appointment | No Comments
5 Calendar Tips for Lowering Your Utility Bills

Every year there’s a winter tug-of-war between wanting to blast the heat and wanting to avoid high utility bills. The same thing happens in the summer when cooling costs are even more astronomical. Unless you want to foot these steep bills every year, it’s time to discuss some solutions.

You need not be a slave to your utility bill. There are ways to cut it down without ruining the way you live. With some structure from your online calendar, these 5 tips will be saving you plenty in no time:

1. Set Savings Goals

Online calendars are excellent tools for goal setting. They allow you to illustrate the plans you hope to take in pursuit of your goals as well as keep you accountable for the decisions you make. You can use your own Calendar to set and pursue goals with utility savings in mind.

For example, a small yet attainable goal is to turn off the lights in any room you’re not using. In your Calendar, you can set reminders to check the house and see if you’re achieving your goal. After a while, you won’t need the reminders because you’ll develop an energy-efficient habit in your home.

2. Adjust the Temperature

Thermostats today are wonderful because they can moderate temperatures automatically. You can keep your thermostat set to 70 all year long without a care in the world. However, if you want to lower that heating and cooling bill, you’ll want to make some adjustments.

Let’s say you plan to take a trip home for Christmas break. Your home doesn’t need to be heated to 70+ degrees while you’re gone, as there’s nobody in the house to keep warm. Set a reminder in your online calendar to adjust the temperature before you leave as part of your checklist. This will save you a couple of bucks over the course of your trip, and your home will warm up quickly upon your return.

You can also lower the temperature of your water heater for some extra savings. A few degrees lower can save you more than a few cents. Use your online calendar to remind you of the change you made if you only want it to be temporary, such as lowering the heat during the summer and raising it back up during the winter.

3. Set a Daily Routine

A simple daily routine can promote habits that lead to lower utility bills. For example, taking shorter showers can do a lot to lower your utility bills, especially if you love steaming up your bathroom to warm yourself up in the winter. This is something small you can tackle that will end up making a considerable difference in your monthly bill.

To cut down your shower time, set a morning schedule that requires you to get in and out more quickly. Not only will your utility bill benefit from the new routine, but you’ll also be able to fit more productive activities into your day. You can also set routines for the lights and appliances in your home to reduce the amount of electricity you use.

One impactful routine you can work on is your laundry. Running several cycles a week will rack up quite the electricity bill if you’re not careful. Instead, establish a laundry routine that minimizes the number of times you have to do laundry, therefore using your washer and dryer sparingly.

Running laundry, or the dishwasher for that matter, at night might qualify you for lower energy rates since the demand is less during those hours.

4. Perform Routine Maintenance

A few fixes here and there will keep your home looking nice and make it more energy-efficient. You should be performing routine maintenance on your home to make sure it never falls in disarray and to stay ahead of your utility bill before it gets too high. In our Calendar, markdown a date a least once a quarter to scope things out.

Check the seals on the door and windows to see if they’re letting in air that’s causing your heating and cooling system to work harder than it should. See if any leaky faucets are running up your water bill overnight. You can even audit your lightbulbs and appliances to see if it’s time to switch to something more energy efficient.

For bigger fixes, schedule a professional technician to fix things up for you. Most people aren’t capable of repairing an HVAC system after all, but it’s an essential component of your building and works much better when finetuned correctly.

5. Schedule an Energy Audit

If your efforts don’t seem to be making much of a dent in your utility bills, it might be time to call in some professional assistance. Many energy and utility companies will run an energy audit of your home or business, sometimes even for free. They’ll be able to tell you exactly what’s running up your bill and what you can do to lower it.

You might have no idea that lowering the temperature of your fridge a few degrees was costing you dozens of dollars a month. These are the types of things you can learn from an energy audit. Without one, you would be grasping at straws in an attempt to make a difference.

Ready for savings? Start making adjustments to your energy usage with the help of your online calendar today. You can use those savings to invest in more energy-efficient equipment and appliances to compound the savings you get from being more energy-efficient.

How to Handle Appointment Scheduling When Schedules Change

By | Scheduling | No Comments
How to Handle Appointment Scheduling When Schedules Change

As Americans return to work, many are losing their 9-to-5 freedom. No longer can they book appointments whenever they please thanks to the flexibility of remote work prompted by COVID-19. Appointment-based businesses must know when and how to adjust their own schedules as work practices revert to the old norm. Here’s what you can do to handle your appointment schedule when schedules change:

Manage Walk-Ins Wisely

Walk-ins can be both a blessing and a curse for appointment-based businesses. On the one hand, walk-ins represent welcome revenue on slow days when appointments are hard to come by. On the other hand, turning prospective customers away due to high volume is always a bummer. The best approach is to allow a set number of walk-ins per day or per hour and to work everything else through appointments.

Some of your customers might not know their availability until after they clock out. This may prompt them to stop by in an attempt to squeeze into your schedule. Instead of playing the odds, use their desire to your advantage. Send out notifications to your customers informing them of available appointment slots throughout the day. This way they’ll know beforehand whether you’re full to the brim or whether there’s a slot they can book right then and there using their device. 

Adjust Your Business Hours

When your regular customer base returns to a 9-to-5 schedule, your own business hours might see a decline in appointment volume. To cater to changing needs, consider adjusting your business hours to accommodate schedule changes. This could involve opening up a little earlier and staying open a couple extra hours to give everyone an opportunity to stop by.

Before making any changes, gauge the interest customers would have in amended store hours. If you’ve been developing a personal relationship with them, you can ask directly. Otherwise, send a survey asking for input or do a week-long trial run to see whether the new hours are popular. 

Be sure to get your employee work schedules straightened out beforehand, though. You’ll need to know that you have people willing to fill the new time slots. 

Go Virtual

If the nature of your business allows it, try incorporating virtual appointments into your services. This allows customers to book appointments and phone in even while they’re at the office, filling your 9-to-5 slots when physical appointments are infeasible. The convenience of virtual appointments will also benefit stay-at-home parents who struggle with dragging the kids around for errands.

While we’re still a long way from virtual haircuts, plenty of appointment-based businesses can pull off virtual appointments. Healthcare providers can check in on patients’ treatment plans, for example, while counselors only need to speak with their clients to make an impact. 

When deciding to go virtual, make sure to do it right. Invest in proper sound equipment, solid internet service, and robust videoconferencing technology for a high-quality appointment experience. Ready yourself for virtual appointments by doing extra preparation in advance and brushing up on online etiquette. 

Take Advantage of Customers’ Availability

Even as your customers return to their desk jobs, you can still take advantage of certain times to lure them in. The most reliable is the lunch hour, when employees might grab a quicker-than-usual bite to eat so they can fit in an appointment before clocking back in. Capitalizing on these brief moments of availability will give your business a nice boost of revenue each day.

Take a page out of the restaurant industry’s book. To get workers to stop by for lunch, they offer specials available only during certain times of day. Any appointment-based business can use this tactic to give customers an incentive to book a lunchtime slot. For example, a car detailer can offer a free exterior wash for any customer who brings in their ride between noon and 2 p.m.

Bring Your Business to the Customers

Back in the olden days, doctors would travel to private homes to care for their patients. Bringing back this old trend mould allows busy professionals stuck at work until 5 p.m. to book more appointments with you. 

Remember our car detailer? They could travel to their customer’s place of business and clean out their car in the parking lot. This way the service is still being performed without the customer having to take time off work or sacrifice part of their evenings or weekends. Any appointment-based business with enough creativity can pull this off as long as there’s demand. 

Adjust Your Late and Cancellation Policies

What happens if a customer can’t make it to their appointment because their boss asked them to stay late? Take a look at your late and cancellation policies to determine how best to accommodate these types of scenarios. Some leniency on your part will encourage customers to try — and try again — to visit your business and develop loyalty to your brand.

Of course, there will always be times when your late and cancellation policies must be enforced. Repeat offenders shouldn’t be given the same benefit of the doubt as loyal customers who have to cancel last-minute due to unforeseen circumstances. 

As a business owner you’ll always have to make adjustments on the fly when circumstances change — and the workplace upheaval caused by COVID-19 is certainly one of those circumstances. As the 9-to-5 norm is re-established, work to give your customers the service they deserve, and you’ll always come out on top. 

Online Appointment Software Says a Lot About Your Business

By | Appointment | No Comments
Online Appointment Software Says a Lot About Your Business

Not every company uses online appointment software, at least not yet. Your business is sure to stand out — in a good way — if you choose to become an early adopter. Potential customers will take notice of your willingness to embrace newer technologies while simultaneously appreciating you for making their lives easier.

Your company may have chosen to transition to online appointment-making for the sake of convenience, financial incentives, or both. The good news for you is that your decision sends several positive signals. If you’re on the fence about diving in, it might help you to consider some of the positive, unspoken PR an online system brings with it:

You Respect People’s Time

Using online appointment software isn’t just about saving time and money, though it will definitely save you both. In addition to those benefits, online appointment-making saves your customers time and hassle. They’ll appreciate anything you can do to make their interactions with you as simple and pain-free as possible.

Few things frustrate a customer more than long wait times and unexpected delays. Online appointment software combats both of those problems by having customers choose from a predetermined list of options. Studies have shown that you are actually doing your customer a favor by limiting their options.

When implemented correctly, this feature helps to narrow the window of time customers spend on the front and back end of their appointment. Who doesn’t like freeing up some extra time?

You Embrace Newer Technologies

Companies that embrace any innovation that makes doing business easier are a welcome respite from those that provide poor customer service. However, it’s important that you not adopt anything just because it’s new. Instead, look for newer tech that demonstrably makes your business run more efficiently. As your company fine-tunes its practices, your customers stand to benefit.

Consider a few ways using an online appointment system will improve your business operations. When customers are able to set up their own appointments, it frees up at least a few of your employees to attend to more pressing issues. Perhaps the increased efficiency will allow you to add an extra appointment slot per hour, thereby serving more customers and increasing revenue.

You’re Willing to Make Investments

Free business software is typically worth every penny you paid for it. Jokes aside, you’re unlikely to come across enterprise-level software that’s free and trouble-free. Once you’ve accepted that your business must invest in the software tools it uses, you won’t be as tempted to sabotage your business using cheap solutions.

Online appointment software is no different. Reliable packages often run on a subscription basis, typically with a monthly recurring fee.

Moving into new tech shows customers that your company doesn’t pinch pennies when it comes to making their experience pleasant. They’ll appreciate that you’re willing to invest in the technologies needed to facilitate their interactions with you.

Play the long game. You are committed to upgrading when needed, with an eye fixed on how your business operations make life better for your customers. They, in turn, will appreciate your stability and be less likely to start window-shopping your competitors.

Your Employees Are Capable

Is there anything more comforting than arriving at an appointment to be greeted by an employee who clearly knows their stuff? Efficiently handling appointments both online and as customers enter your facility leaves a lasting impression. 

In case you feel any trepidation, rest assured that no one needs a degree in information technology to operate online appointment software. You won’t need to hire a computer engineer from MIT to install your system, either. 

You will, however, need to commit at least some time up front to make sure all of your employees know how to use the new system. No need to stress, though. Most will get the hang of it in no time.

You Place a High Priority on Data Security

Online appointment software moves a lot of information around on a daily basis. Customers expect you to keep their information safe, preventing credit card or identity theft stemming from vulnerabilities in your system. While online appointment software increases data capacity, it does so while holding data in an iron grip.

Savvy customers will recognize that moving their appointments to an online system is in fact more secure than traditional means. Data can be quickly compiled, archived, secured, and deleted on command. Software vendors, for their part, have a huge stake in keeping the information of your clients safe.

Using online appointment booking enables stronger confidentiality. The risk of someone overhearing your information is eliminated. Patients visiting the doctor’s office can type out notes regarding the nature of their illness instead of announcing potentially embarrassing symptoms in a waiting room.

You Cultivate Relationships

In addition to offering increased convenience, customers will see that you want to establish a relationship with them. Tracking appointment frequency with your new system makes it easier to remember individuals who enter your business regularly. This allows you to demonstrate that your company sees people as something more than dollar signs, but individuals with names and faces. 

Make it a point to use the personalized aspects of online appointment software to your advantage. Personal interactions give infrequent customers more reason to become regulars. When an employee sees a name pop up on the screen as a customer walks in — or even a photo, if allowed — they can make a point of addressing the visitor by name. The employee will also have access to important details about the customer’s most recent appointments.

You Encourage Flexibility

Making life easier for your customers is almost always the right thing to do. When it comes to appointments, this means greater ability to roll with the punches that come with daily life. Personal matters and unexpected circumstances will arise that cause customers to reschedule appointments. Online appointment software can help with that.

With access to the internet, or even a mobile app, your customers can make adjustments to their appointments when needed. By allowing them to feel a heightened sense of control whenever life throws them a curveball, you ease your customers’ tension and demonstrate a willingness to help them refocus on more pressing concerns.

Implementing online appointment software will help place your business in a positive light. Making life easier for your employees as well as your customers sure sounds like a win-win. Schedule some time to look at your options, remembering to assess costs through the lenses of increased productivity and customer loyalty.

Register Now & Get a 30 Day Trial Register Now