Client Holidays - Taking Care Of Clients And You At The Holidays
By Rochelle Togo-Figa
As the end of the year approaches, you may find yourself rushing around, feeling you’ll never get everything done in time. That often happens around the holidays, and even when it’s not holiday season. We live in a world in which there never seems to be enough hours in the day. Even with a “to-do” list, it’s difficult to be organized and get it all done.

Particularly around this time of the year, our stress level increases with the added responsibility of buying gifts for clients, attending holiday parties and unrealistic expectations of the holidays. We tend to put a lot more on our plate trying to do it all and do it well. What happens is we get overwhelmed and maybe even sick…Ughh!

Imagine getting everything done that needs to be done, being in control of your time, and enjoying the holidays!

After all, at the end of your life, would you look back and say, “I wish I had spent more time at the office?” It’s more likely you’d be saying, “I wish I had more time to do the things I love the most.”

Here are 6 tips to help you take care of clients, reduce holiday stress and open up more time for you to enjoy the things that matter most.

1. Make a list of client gifts. Make a list of all the clients you need to buy gifts for. Look for gifts you can buy for multiple people and one store where you can buy these gifts. If you don’t like shopping, plan a single gift shopping day and do it sooner than later to avoid the holiday shopping craze. Or, do all your holiday shopping from home. Thanks to the Internet and catalogs, you can order gifts from the comfort of your office.

2. Target a client’s interests. The gift you give is a direct reflection of your business. Try to find gifts that fit your clients’ interests. Do they follow certain sport teams? Like a specific kind of music? Have a special hobby? Make it a point to learn your clients’ interests over the course of doing business together. If you don’t know what your client enjoys, ask. You can also contact the assistant to find out what they like or dislike.

3. Reach out to clients. Give the gift of a phone call or note. Let your clients know how much you appreciate their business and say it with words. A little customer appreciation goes a long way and has you stand out from the crowd. Although the may seem like the perfect time to give a gift, a phone call or note letting them know they are remembered during the may be the best gift they get.

4. Refuse invitations. You don’t have to go to every party just because you’re invited. If party going becomes a chore or too exhausting, step back and slow down the pace. Attending a party you really don’t want to be at will feel more like an obligation than a choice. Put yourself first by setting boundaries for yourself by saying “no thanks.”

5. Adjust your expectations. Be realistic. Just because it’s the holiday season, issues with clients and family may not always be joyous. Everything will not be perfect. The bring up many different emotions for people and even for you. Expect a few bumps in the road and you’ll be able to better deal with whatever comes your way.

6. Take time for yourself. With so much emphasis on spending time with family and friends, many people feel guilty taking time for themselves. Take it! When you consciously plan to have alone time, it keeps you centered and balanced. For the holidays, give yourself the gift of time. When you take care

A gift from Iona
Iona Flavell, aged 12, raised 175 sterling for the victims of the Asian Tsunami. Today (7th April 2005) she presented a cheque for that amount to Lt. Col Ian Joiner of the Aldershot Rotary Club which will be put towards the cost of the replacement fishing boats. The first boat will be named IONA in recognition of such a big effort from a young girl.
The School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (SEME) donate 6,000 sterling to Ex. Shrivenham Spirit
SEME are the training school for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) of the British Army. Earlier this year SEME undertook a rowing marathon to raise money for the victims of the Asian Tsunami.
MALABAR YACHT CLUB - new club facility
the club house for the MYC is now complete. The building has 4 good sized guest rooms each with a/c and on-suite bathroom. Pictures are in the gallery. Guests are now welcome - contact us for latest rates.
The Kondo Syokai Bouken Project gets underway with Exercise Shrivenham Spirit
the first UK Forces Adventure Training Exercise in Kerala (Ex. Shrivenham Spirit) is building a replacement fishing boat for the victims of the Asian Tsunami - reported here in the Malayalam Manorama news and here in the Hindu
Update on Asian Tsunami Boats
the first replacement boat for the Asian Tsunami is now out of the mold. Paid for by the Rotarians of Aldershot, UK, this is a 9M vessel. She will be named IONA after the 12 year old daughter of Lt. Col Alan Flavell who by herself raised nearly 200 sterling towards the cost. See here and click on Boats for the Tsunami link for pictures.
Asian Tsunami
following our narrow escape from the effects of the tsunami, Kondo Syokai is trying to help fishing families in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. See here for details.
ROSA in the News
Reporters from The Hindu (India's largest circulation English newspaper) and the New Indian Express visited Kondo Syokai today (26th November 2004) and were shown around ROSA, the Malabar Yacht Club's first yacht. Articles appeared in the press and on the web.
Ganso-Kiso
the "base" Gazelle from Kondo Syokai and the lowest cost of all the Kondo Syokai Gazelles.

In response to enquiries and suggestions the specification of Ganso-Kiso has been re-written. Now she really is a practical sail-away Gazelle for less than the price of a kit-boat. Ganso-Kiso is the door to the experience and benefit of journeying under sail.
First pictures of ROSA under sail
the first gazelle for the Malabar Yacht Club, ROSA, was sailed in the backwaters this week (17th October). This was simply to carry out a few preliminary checks prior to starting sea trials proper (scheduled for 30th October). It also provided an opportunity to get a few good pictures.
MALABAR YACHT CLUB
the first gazelle for the MYC is launched today 7th October 2004. The ribbon was cut by Mr David Pyle, Sales Director of Princess Yachts International PLC. This is a stunning vessel, the KS team have worked hard to get her ready for showing at the Indian International Boat Show this weekend. Pictures of the yacht can be viewed here.
SOUTH INDIA - Practical, Affordable, Yacht Ownership
for those of you who live in an area with cold and miserable winters from November to March this is just the tonic. Now you really can afford to own and keep a 50' yacht in one of the most fascinating places of the world - and at the same time escape the misery of winter.
The KS Boatyard is now able to offer wooden boat building

So you think all steel boats look the same? Think again!
the KS Boatyard produces an unbelieveable mirror finish using International and DuPont coatings.
Launch date set for Gazelle No.1
7th of March is the date that the first Gazelle will be put in the water
Auxillary Finalised
The decision was taken to fit the Simpson S 217 25.5 bhp diesel engine mated to a ZF 12M reduction gear as our standard item.
Boatyard Visits
Boatyard visits are also a great holiday opportunity - check out the Prospective Buyers Visit Package for more details and see the new images of the boatyard on the Boatyard Visit page

of yourself, you’ll have more to give to your clients, your family, and your own life.

ASSIGNMENT:

Your assignment is simple. Block time on your calendar to rest, relax, and do the things that bring you the most joy at this time of year. The more you take care of yourself, the more you’ll have to give to others in the coming year. Happy Holidays!

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Rochelle Togo-Figa, creator of the Sales Breakthrough System(TM), a proven sales process that helps you close more sales and sign on more clients. Sign up for free sales articles and teleclasses, visit www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.