28Nov 2012 by CJ

Decorate your office for the holidays – why not be happy wherever you are

Life & Living
Do you decorate your office for the holidays? Some people might think it’s a little strange for a 37 year-old-man to decorate his office for the upcoming Christmas holiday, but I’m guilty. Truth be told, I never did in the past, and truly had no intention of starting now. But that was before I understood how important it is to create a pleasant, comfortable and joyful environment no matter where you might be. Let’s face it, work can be challenging at times – wearing on the very fibers which comprise one’s character. But by creating a space filled with pleasant reminders like photographs of that special someone, candles, flowers, and yes, even small Christmas trees, suddenly your brain isn’t just filled with anxiety but familiarity. It’s this familiarity which helps…
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27Nov 2012 by CJ

The key to business longevity is building relationships with customers

Life & Living
I’ve worked in and out of marketing for over a decade now, and if I’ve learned one thing it’s this: slick advertising campaigns are a great way to lure new business, but building a credible, sustainable relationship with consumers is your key to business longevity. Case in point, I recently ordered a few gift cards for relatives out of state, at an eatery near their home. I won’t bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that several weeks went by and my online order was never processed - even though I was given confirmation. Rarely at a loss for words, I complained to the establishment for the gift was somewhat time sensitive in nature. What happened next pretty much astounded me. After going back and forth a…
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25Nov 2012 by CJ

Where has the time gone – life never slows down for anyone

Life & Living
Where has the time gone? Another Thanksgiving is in the history books and I’ll admit I’m a bit of a hypocrite. I’m quick to point out that it’s far too early for Christmas decorations, and yet as I write this post, my own Christmas tree is meticulously decorated and illuminated in my front window. It had to go up at some point, right? Time goes by so very quickly. I feel like not so long ago I was complaining about how hot it was outside, and now the air has turned cold and holiday songs and movies can be seen and heard 24 hours a day. My sister-in-law and her husband live in the mountainous state of Colorado, and just a few short weeks ago they welcomed an adorable little…
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21Nov 2012 by CJ

What are you thankful for in life – you probably have more than you think

Generosity & Kindness
I recently came across an article where the writer challenged readers to spend a few moments thinking about and then writing down a list of 10 things they were truly thankful for in life. While we all talk about what we’re thankful for, especially during this time of year, I don’t think we ever fully understand the magnitude of those blessings until we’re actually asked to write them down on paper (or typed on the computer, as is the case here). I suspect many of us believe that in order to be thankful for something, it has to be grandiose in nature. But truth be told, it’s often the little things – the ordinary things - that are the most meaningful in life. And so I challenge you all over…
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19Nov 2012 by CJ

Seeing others make food donation shows people do still care

Life & Living
Today was the day I dropped off my Thanksgiving food donation at the Center for Food Action (CFA) in Englewood, NJ. As I pulled into the parking lot filled with average cars driven by average people, I found myself truly inspired at the site of so many individuals who still understood what it meant to be compassionate in this world. The food donation seemed to be endless that day. Just when I thought humanity couldn’t care less about their fellow man, here was a small but clear sign of hope. But sadly there are still many people who fail to understand the value of giving back to those less fortunate. Too often we forget there are no guarantees in life. Our reality could change in a moment’s notice without any…
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