Send Your Employees on Vacation!: Taking Care of Your Team

As a smaller company we sometimes struggle with effective ways to take care of our team. We can't all afford to have profit-sharing plans, 401-K's and health benefits.

As I mulled over a solution (I can only give out so many hugs before my team starts looking at me funny) I encountered a company that seemed to have the exact thing I was looking for; a creative way to take care of my people that was not going to break the bank.

Travel Benefits: I met Todd at a local networking event and his description of services caught me at once. He quickly described how his company provided Travel Benefits to companies and their employees. Well, I was naturally excited but still skeptical. We set up a time to get the full details. I realized that for a nominal cost (costs vary by company size) I could take care of my team in a VERY unique way. I could give them access to wonderful trips all around the world at a highly discounted rate. What!? Needless to say, I signed up Oxford Property Management and its employees on the spot.

I'm now planning on further rewarding my team by offering to pay for one trip per year for each of them. How many companies that you've worked for have mandated you take time off AND paid for you to take a trip? My tally is ZERO. Some of these trips are even all-inclusive!

As we find out more information about this great new benefit we'll keep you updated on its effects on our team's morale and productivity. Heck, who doesn't want to go on vacation?

If you'd like more information on the Travel Benefits company we've signed up with please email me at ccooper@theoxford-company.com.

Submitted by Carlos Cooper, President-Oxford Property Management
www.oxford-tn.com

Email Courage: The Wussification of America

Ever had a friendly face-to-face conversation with a friend, family member, client or customer? Sure we all have. Now...have you ever had the follow-up email from that same person who, all of a sudden, sounds like a different person? You know, the people who may not have the guts to tell you something in person but have no problem turning into Darth Vader via email?

Ahhhhh!!!!

Yes, that's the sound of my frustration. After a couple recent episodes I've tried to figure out why people do that. Here are some of my ideas:

Impersonal: Email is a great tool when used properly. Heck, I love it as it gives me a written record of everything I write so I don't forget! Some people consider email a vacuum void of all emotions and decency. Let me give you a hint...email is still personal. Yes, words via email can hurt just as much as saying it to their face. Think about how your wording could be construed. Put yourself in their shoes.

The wizard behind the curtain: Some people plop down in front of their computers, either at their home office or work cubicle, and all of a sudden they feel fully empowered. (Ha, no one can see what I'm doing now) Great! It's good to feel empowered. But use that power for GOOD, not EVIL. Remember, even the good king has his royal decrees preserved forever in written record.

So...it's my oh so humble opinion that we should all treat email just like a face-to-face conversation.

- Use the same emotions (you do know how to make that famous smiley face, right? :) ) you would in front of the recipient of that email.

- Organize your thoughts but don't be a robot. I love bullet points and numbered items. That doesn't mean I can't sound like a real person and maybe insert a little wit here and there.

- Read the many blogs and articles about email etiquette (no ALL CAPS!).

- Know your audience.

Don't be a wuss...email is a great tool when used for good!

www.oxford-tn.com