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HAVE YOU STARTED YOUR CHRISTMAS (HOLIDAY) SHOPPING YET?
Here is a novel approach that will fulfill the needs and wishes of many without adversely impacting the balance of trade and may, in fact, help the US economy.
Further, a couple of bright guys named Joe Pine and Jim Gilmore have done the homework that proves "experiences" are often far more valuable and rewarding than material objects. They live on in our minds, hearts and memories, long after the material objects are old, worn out and no longer the fashionable thing to have. Meanwhile, think about these shopping tips:
Christmas 2012 -- The Birth of a New TraditionAs the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Oh.... Yes there is! It is time to think outside the Box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?Everyone-- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Or how about a massage? Gym membership? Dance school fee? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Asian-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. More money? A family might like some small cement work, room improvements/additions, new windows, or house painting.There are a gazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. Remember the more money suggestions above-just a thought. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.Honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.How about donating food to a family in need or to the local food bank? You could purchase a cow, pig, or chickens for a poor family in a third world country, BUT taking a gift basket of fresh baked goodies to a new family in the neighborhood or needy family down the street is something that will be remembered and may be paid forward someday.You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that Asia can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US (We the People), encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we could not imagine.THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!! Please pass this around because we can make a difference...
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IF THAT ONE DOESN'T CHANGE YOUR POINT OF VIEW, HOW ABOUT THIS ONE:
We all complain about the various problems we have in the USA, and they are many and great. But, as I asked in the prior edition: How many of us are willing to leave this country to live elsewhere--somewhere that we think life will be better. Watch this slide show and feel free to pass this edition on to everyone you know. It is the holiday season, and what better time to spread cheer and goodwill--and to count our blessings?
IF YOU READ THE ONES ON THE BRENNER BRIEF, THAT'S PLENTY FOR ONE WEEK!
GET THAT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DONE AND ENJOY THE REAL MEANING OF THE SEASON…Peace on earth and good will toward all.
Best, JOHN
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-----New Book: COMING SOON: ROADMAP TO PROFITABLE GROWTH… ON THE FINAL EDIT PASS…
Author of the Award Winner: THE COMPLEXITY CRISIS, the exciting novel: THE CHINESE CONSPIRACY, and co-author of HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY: Leadership Lessons from the Obama Presidency
John L. Mariotti, President & CEO, The Enterprise Group, http://www.mariotti.net, http://mariotti.blogs.com/my_weblog/
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