While the Iron is Hot

December 21, 2009 · Comments

blacksmith In many lines of business, stopping for a while makes an obvious result. If you stop hammering the hot steel at the forge, you lose the chance to shape it into the product you need. If you stop cutting down trees for firewood, you stop heating your house. But in pursuits attached to keyboards, it’s often difficult to visualize the impact of slowing down, of stopping.

Around me, I’m watching bloggers take breaks. I’m watching them explore other technologies. I’m watching them cut back on what got them to their level of notoriety in the space. It’s the end of the year. People are slowing down to turn their thoughts to family and to their own development, and to what worked and what didn’t in 2009.

Not me.

In December, New Marketing Labs closed 10 new accounts. I’m at the airport to visit a client today (a few days before Christmas). I’m working on my new business, working on how I can improve my clients’ efforts, working on a lot of things that I think matter because the iron is indeed still hot.

You Don’t Have to Do It This Way

There are lots of ways to the finish line. But you have to make a choice. You have to say, “I think going at the pace I’m at now is exactly what I’m willing to do,” and then accept the results that brings you. That’s a choice you’ve made.

The choice I’ve made is to strike while the iron is hot. I’m working now because we’re seeing results. I’m working now because I’m at the top of my game, and so I have a lot to share with companies who want to use social media tools as part of their business communications and marketing efforts. I’m working now so that I can choose my own jobs in years to come.

Those were my choices. Again, you can choose to work the way you want.

If You’re Looking to Strike Now

If it’s your idea to strike while the iron is hot:

  • Talk about the business benefits you can achieve with the tools. Stop talking about the tools.
  • Teach about the systems and educate your clients. Stop talking about talking.
  • Share everything. Stop holding on to your “big ideas” and make them into collaboration businesses.

We choose our success in life. We choose every step. My family and I have chosen the course I’m on, and I’m pretty happy with it. How about you? What have you chosen?

Photo credit Petteri Sulonen

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  • I like how you have taken this very old 700 year old saying and modernized it and made it relevant to blogging.
  • same as if we push something on the hills, once we stop and have a rest than we have to do it again from begining. I am agree to educate our clients or partners and give them as much as information they need.
  • it is good to educate our clients or partners, some others just want to take our money from their product and I am the one who spend a lot of money doing internet marketing business but I don't think they care about us, some very care and have good attitude. I find the wrong person to learn, they just want to get my money. I try to give as much as information on my blog. Thanks for your info.

    Cheers,
    Stefhanus
  • "Stop talking about talking" ...love it! You are a straight shooter! How often do we find ourselves doing this though...
    Good article!
  • I read your profile today and it was so good to me.i feel you are the only one missing in my entire life so i decided to stop on and let you know that i am interested to be a friend first.When the fight begins within himself, a man's worth something
  • ryankovach
    Been closing more deals in the last 3 weeks then in the last 8. Never stop moving and never slow down.
  • larrybruce
    Chris you’re absolutely right on about not stopping or slowing down, however I believe you're in charge of your own iron and it's as hot as you want it to be, when you want it to be.

    As for the finish...well there isn't one. The web is a journey and the best is yet to come, if you're finished you’re dead.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family, sorry we haven't spoken in a while hope we can catch up in the New Year.

    Larry Bruce (@pcmguy)
  • stevekeeler
    Part of the problem is when your clients are taking a break. I'm continuing to do background work, but my target-clients are taking time off. Even the gatekeepers are packing it in! Sometimes the cycle of renewal forces you to watch...even if it cools the fire.
  • kat
    as a note
    you will change pace
    you'll stop traveling for a week or so
    work locally
    it doesn't really slow down your work load
    but at least you'll be home every night :)
  • I know what you're saying here.

    I have been trying to work it this december. I work my full time job, and try and make time for so many other interests and things I am trying to do as my passion.

    It's very hard to do during this time. Sometimes the day J.O.B gets so out of control and leaves me with nothing left. I struggle and the iron cools. Then it takes more time to get the iron heated up again... it's a horrible cycle.

    I'm dying to just take the leap. The fiancee is the other type of person and gets very scared and upset when I bring it up about quitting the j.o.b. I understand her, yet I it just feels like I spin my wheels and burnout.

    It would make me so happy to strike now and see where it takes me.
  • For me, it's about balance. As someone who spent years doing the "work at all costs" thing, I learned that I lost moments with people who are truly important to me that I can never regain. Still, this month I am working like crazy due to a job layoff and starting a new venture. Fortunately I had already done the planning for that five months before so that helped. I still think balance is an important thing in life and yet it seems to be ever elusive.
  • I am with ya here on this one Chris.

    As a single parent who does not get any days off from being mommy, not every other weekend or anything, I have to keep plugging along each day to support us. Sure time off for the holidays might be nice to stay in bed a few extra hours but I just do not have it in me. I rest, get lazy, slack and then what ...

    I will stay with ya on this one and work along side ya.
  • Marielle
    This post is so interesting to get a kind of behind the scenes look into the decisions we must make and how consistency is key. Staying on track and being able to keep up with the workload you originally started with will be able to keep things productive and bring a flow to work. Your work has clearly paid off and it is through the hard work and support from family that really shows the way to success.
  • charlotterainsdixon
    Glad to read this take on working through the holidays, Chris. I've been feeling a bit out of sync with the rest of the world as I continue on blogging like crazy, and doing all my other work, too! I think there is a lot to be said for finding the balance that works for you and not constantly doing what others do.
  • This is a fantastic post -- SO much here to remind people that *now* is the time to act.
  • Excellent post. As with business itself we all have to carve out our own successful practices. Although I choose to take time away because I have a 2-yr old daughter and want to spend time with her this time of year, that's a conscious decision I've made. And I don't take time off, just to take time off. There's always a method to my madness.

    My current blog incarnation is only a couple months old, and I'm relatively happy with the results so far. I'm always thinking of new ways that I can improve it, but seeing as I'm happy with the direction it's heading so far, I feel like the time away is good.

    I'm also one who spend almost 20 years as a professional actor, so I've learned the hard way that I have to have some balance in my life, otherwise I tend to burn out and my work suffers.

    Others, like yourself, know yourself well enough to say that you don't have those same concerns and therefore have no desire to stop and take a break right.

    To that, and to all those like me who take some time, I salute you!
  • Leanna
    And in NASCAR if you stop for a bit you re-fuel, change tires, check fluids so you can keep going. If you chop wood for a living, stopping to replant some trees means they'll be there in the future. Stopping or slowing down doesn't always mean that you are doing nothing, and doesn't mean you'll lose business.

    I slow down and reflect and refuel towards the end of the year. I look back at what happened during 2009 and plan for 2010. My clients tend to take this time off as well, so it works. But, my planning means that I'm looking to other professionals to see how they can help me succeed in the coming year. So, I'm hoping they are still working (or at least responding to emails to set something up for the new year.)
  • I love your comment about selling the benefits instead of the tools. In media we sell our radio station or TV networks and the size of the audience because it's the world we are caught up in. It was a good reminder for me to stay focused on the client's goals and what's in it for them. I too am trying to step on the gas while many are taking a break this week. Good luck!
  • Timing is as important as total effort. I've had several great ideas, but they were out-of-phase with the decision makers I needed to convince. I've learned to stop pushing against solid walls, and instead I record those ideas and revisit them so they can mature and become more developed. Of course, sometimes those solid walls aren't really solid, are they?!!
  • Good points that many should heed. As for me, I never stop. I learn a new thing every day and keep doing what I do best each day. Today, for instance, I interviewed for a part-time program management position that would be a great fit for me. So what it's a few days before Christmas? I don't celebrate the holiday so I'll keep plugging every day like it's the Ides of March.
  • marryroy01
    I am all for striking while the iron is hot - but if the rest of the world is going straight to voice-mail for the next two weeks, then there is an opportunity there to reset, and spend some time working on the back end, so when everyone wakes up from hibernation in January you're ahead of the pack.The way you choose depends on your highest placed value.

    usb kabel
  • I was interested and thank you for the post. I learned a lot from it.

    Please continue to post this kind of content. I find myself seeking knowledge and have a hard time finding credibility in blogs at times.
  • Marissa Green
    As someone just about to enter the workforce, I am going into it knowing that I will have to work past normal hours and as you said continually strike when the iron is hot. This is the time I need to show my potential, my abilities and what I have to offer professionals.

    However, maybe it's because I'm a millenial, but I believe strongly in life outside the workforce. Not to say that a hardworkers don't have a life or room to breathe, but I think it's times like this holiday season that perhaps we strike that hot iron 5 times instead of ten and we take some more time for ourselves and for our loved ones to recognize how much they have helped get us to the level we have reached.

    I know I wouldn't have passed my endless nights of studying into the wee hours of the morning to get that A if it wasn't for the friends that stayed up to share music links and video URLs to keep me laughing and motivated.

    I want 2010 to be a year that I land a job but I also want it to be the year that I focus more on my friends and family and recognize everything they do for me that will motivate me to get that job and succeed in the position I am given.
  • mrjWells
    Great point of view Chris. I like to rev up at the end of the year so I usually do a 90 countdown challenge. When 2010 arrives, I plan to hit the ground running, with a new launch shortly after. Right now while traffic has slowed, it's a great opportunity to work on new projects. I do have a 2 week simi-break planed for the last half of January, but it will still be a working vacation. If we don't strike while the iron is hot, we may find ourselves out in the cold.
  • ryanstaylor
    Why take a break if you love what you're doing? Keep at it, I say! It's even easier if your family fully supports you. Daddy's gotta make a living!

    I'm not against taking a break at all. I take breaks just to replenish my creative juices. I take time to absorb new experiences, new outlets, new thinking. Then, when that creative urge hits, it's back to work!
  • I find myself to be a binge and purge working... Sometimes I am so ON work all night and day and really GID (Get It Done). Then I swing the other way and even walking into the office is tough. Ideas to getting out of this horrible pattern?
  • Rod
    I'm with you on that one, Chris, "stop talking about talking." Now is really the time to get some momentum going if you don't have any and to keep it going if you've got steam behind you. Whatever you do it's time to really make it happen. I enjoyed your thoughts, sir!
  • I think one has to work at the pace that's right for him/her. That said, I hear what Chris is saying about seizing the day. And in this economy, though we're seeing some signs of better days ahead, his counsel may be well heeded.

    The other thing I like about what Chris has said is: focus on business outcomes, not the tools. At the end of the day, we're supposed to be helping people get from Point A to Point C. Point B is simply the means to get to Point C. Don't focus simply on Point B.
  • natfinn
    Wow, the readers drew sharp lines on this one. And I see both sides of the picture.

    But in the end, whether or not we push is up to the client. Pushing the client if they're not ready to be pushed is detrimental. They'll start thinking your employees beg for just one more lump of coal to stay warm.
    Conversely, telling them that you're not willing to go just a little bit further because you'd rather bake Christmas cookies or something could cost you just the same.

    Per clients, I pushed allnighters 3 of the last 4 nights to finish a project at 1pm edt. Now, they get to shut down for the holidays and I get to start finally enjoying my time here in ft myers because my other clients have started preparing for 2010 as well.

    And next year it'll be different. Trick is to stay flexible.

    (btw, Chris if the weather holds up tomorrow night, I'll be taking pictures along sanibel & captiva, including a place where I hope you and your family had a meal. If not, you'll see you should consider it next time :-) )
  • "The heights of great men reached and kept
    Were not attained by sudden flight.
    But they while their companions slept,
    Were toiling upward in the night."
  • Chris, I have a tattoo on my back that says "IN IT TO WIN IT"

    I believe this fully epitomizes what you're saying here. Best wishes to you in 2010.
  • jasonbsugar
    Thoroughly enjoy your writing, Chris. And your philosophy of being accountable for the choices you make. And your generosity about sharing your "big ideas". I truly believe that your "wealth" comes from your willingness to give.

    Thanks for being an inspiration to a fellow entrepreneur who's committed to being the greatest contribution he can be.
  • Thanks guy, your timing is perfect, as always. :)
  • I LOVE it when competitors take time off. Downtime is always important, but that's when you can really get traction and put separation between you and the competition, and make a real impression on your customers & prospects.

    Every time we have a snow day (which isn't super-often in Seattle), I think about this. Wrote about it here: http://bit.ly/4yCMDh
  • Chris, I was talking to my wife about this last night. I have nearly 21 days off from work this holiday, and I plan on working almost all of them (the blog side). She asked me why and I said that it's what I love to do.

    It's funny, I started a business to have more time, but now I realize I don't need it. As long as I'm doing what I love, it's more fun than not working. :)
  • hackmanj
    Great point here Chris, it is important to keep doing the things that "work" and pursue innovation out of our discretionary time.
  • Chris... I agree with your point of view on many things but I just can't on this one. Yes it is important to stay on top of your game and plan for the future but sometimes you just need to enjoy the present. Kids grow up fast, parents age quickly. As they say... No one lays on their death bed and wishes they had written just one more blog. Happy Holidays!

    p.s. I am excited we just signed a large national client. But I am more excited that my girls made it home safely from Chapel Hill!
  • luissandovaljr
    I admire your tenacity for getting "the job" done. I think there's definitely value in hard work, anyone that says differently is off their rocker, but I'm not sure if taking a break should necessarily be considered a bad thing.

    Now you stress that if we are happy with what we are doing then we must accept the successes or failures that come equal to the amount of effort we put in, and I think that very true.

    But I for one have slowed a few things down personally not due to lack of interests or taking a break for taking a break's sake, but rather because of all the things I do, certain projects ramp up during certain parts of the year. It's kinda like having seasonal work. I produce an internet show and podcast and it's noticeable that during holidays or down time, we see a surge in numbers for that particular period of time.

    Some may say that I'm leaving projects to flap in the wind, but redirecting efforts based on need is okay with me. It's awesome to see so much opportunity out there, and while sometimes a disconnect from everything is not always a bad thing, as long as people just don't let the "lazies" set in and then wonder why the return is so minimal.
  • Chris,
    On this I could not agree with you more especially this part: " Talk about the business benefits you can achieve with the tools. Stop talking about the tools.
    Teach about the systems and educate your clients. Stop talking about talking.
    Share everything. Stop holding on to your “big ideas” and make them into collaboration businesses."

    These are such simple yet vital lessons. Striking while the iron is hot also requires to keep the forge hot, and the heat generated by constant, smart action in business becomes that forge that allows the iron to get hot.

    The other thing about this is that by constantly staying a step ahead, business planning becomes pro active rather than reactive. Pro active is obviously much better.

    Happy Holidays, in whatever airport you are in! :-)

    Alan Silberberg
    CEO
    You2Gov
    www.you2gov.org
  • Chris, I started month 0 year 2010 at the beginning of December -- and the iron was super hot! What did that provide for me? This week of Christmas is a week of "ahhhh" to flush out ideas, spend time with family, listen to music, watch movies, a time of recharging. A time to build the fire -- so my irons will get hot! I think you have a different perspective because traditionally December, for you, is not always so happy a time. Perhaps keeping super busy works well for you to carry you through a month that often 'sucks'. That's great news for your clients! @debworks
  • balemar
    Chris,

    Very true! While it's necessary to take a break once in a while, when you're in the zone - you're in the zone. Putting forth that effort in a time when your competitors are pulling back differentiates you.

    Like you said, it's about choices and priorities. We make choices everyday - it's about time to stop and think about the consequences of our choices. If the iron is hot, why not now? Good ideas to think about going into 2010.
  • Very wise advice Chris.

    I think where you might be seeing some trepidation from a few voices is only in that the majority of companies see a slowdown in client acquisitions. But much like the recessionary pressure, outcomes are optional.

    My company tends to play the middle. We give ourselves permission to set slower expectations, but still start new clients while working on client campaigns set to launch in the first quarter.

    So, I certainly lean with you on this one. The focus you have today will likely return results within the next 90 days whereas everyone else will see their plans come full circle by, um, March or April.

    Best,
    Rich
  • I definitely see your point but I have to agree with some of the other comments about taking a step back to refocus during this time of year. Being an entrepreneur in a new business start-up, I would love nothing more than to be closing new accounts in December. However, there's even more value in making sure our infrastructure is in place so that we are clicking on all cylinders come 2010.
  • It's so funny to see a Finnish name on your blog, Petteri Sulonen.
    The photo is taken by Finnish guy...but great! you market Finnish photographer, that's cool! :)
    Happy Holidays!
  • gacconsultants
    Hi Chris,

    My motto: "Make hay while the sun shines" : ) keep kicking butt!

    Happy Holidays to you and your family - it's going to be one of the best ever!
  • jeffshuey
    Thanks for this Chris. I too am working hard thru the end of the year. Partially because I like to work and also because several really interesting projects came up in December that have short timelines. So, I decided to strike while the iron is hot.

    I think anyone who's been reading your posts over the past few months knows that it really is work and it really is not an overnight success --- rather it's a concerted effort with committed goals.

    With that said I don't envy your schedule. I see your tweets of all the travel and the time away from family. I did that for years and will likely do it again in 2010, but it's still hard to be away while the kids continue to grow. Technology makes it easier to stay connected and you are a master of the hand held video, but again there is nothing like being there. I hope your business continues to grow in 2010 and beyond. I also hope you find a few moments to take a break - you deserve it.
  • I agree, there is no "Absense makes the heart grow fonder" on the internet.
  • It's all contigent to your purpose in life. The more definite your purpose the more likely you'll do what it takes to achieve your goals, independent of any outside conditions.

    Dates are numbers on a calendar. Holidays are social conventions. I treat every day as a holiday, a vacation, a blessing. I follow my purpose and see where it takes me each day that I'm alive. It could be December 25. It could be my birthday. Doesn't matter. My purpose is what drives me.

    The iron is always hot.....Keep Striking ;)
  • Totally agree Chris. Your post reminded me of Gary Vaynerchuck and how he's constantly on his hustle. How I see it is that if you slow down or become inconsistent, someone will surpass you and that can possibly cause you to generate lesser great results. If we just keep pushing though and stay consistent, we can not only reach our result faster but with better success than if we stood still.
  • moorejer2
    Great point that a lot of folks are missing. These next 2 weeks aren't being shut down. People may be doing a little less new business, but everyone is about closing the books before Jan. 1st and tying up loose ends. So if you are about educating, now is the time when people may listen the most. Because you bet they want to know more, do better and be wiser when it comes to 2010.
  • bkjrecruiter
    Chris- Key point in this post... "My family and I have chosen the course I’m on"
    You made a decision as a family to work while the iron is hot... Nobody is qualified to judge you/your family....

    Clearly, your vocation is a "spiritual" experience (vs. a "JOB" for $), and If you were anywhere within 100miles of my home (Temecula, CA) I would arrange my schedule and pay a fair price to see you speak period!

    Best, Brian-
  • This time of the year is actually a great time to catch up a bit. While others have their minds elsewhere and are moving at a sluggish pace, there should be fewer distractions to getting things accomplished.
  • Chris,

    Reading this, I feel like I am hearing from the newest macho boys club - first one to take a break is a wimp!

    I understand your point though and agree that there are seasons of life where you should keep hitting it hard and take advantage of your success and momentum.

    That said, there is always a place for strategic planning. Maybe it's not this holiday season, for you maybe it will be in June/July. Who knows?

    I think one issue that social media has foisted on all of us is the incessant perceived need to be in contact and in action all the time. It's a bit of a trap and I suggest that leaving just a little space in each day to listen quietly to your own thoughts will contribute to longer term success - however you define it.

    Merry Christmas!

    Bill
  • sarahshawdubois
    Chris,
    Thanks for the last minute push. I have been ON IT this December and have closed 3 new coaching clients and am working on 2 more this week... but I must say, am looking forward to the last 10 days of the year with my 2 year old twins and no nanny!!
    Sarah
  • If you've made a choice to change your career, further the one you've got, grow your business, start a new business, then heed Brogan's advice and strike while the iron is hot. Great post, Chris.
  • Great post! I agree that timing is important. It is so easy to just put things off. That's why I am a big fan of doing things now.

    Also, any time we say "I'll do it tomorrow", there is a 90% chance that it never gets done. So I make it a habit to never say this.
  • I see it differently. Maybe it's my librarianness coming out, but ... there IS no finish line. Instead of a marathon, it's individual jogging - it's going for a personal best.
  • thomsinger
    Amen. I have been talking about this same issue to lots of people. I keep hearing from people that "nobody is working so I am not". NOBODY? I find this is a great time to reach decision makers as calendars are light and gatekeepers are on vacation. Plus, if you take December off from really working hard, it takes until the middle of January to get momentum. That is like handing a month of your salary to your competition. People forget that if they choose to take a break, their competitors might be choosing to work harder....double wammy.

    The flip side is people who save their vacation days for the end of the year. I believe that we all need down time to recharge. But there is a difference between using your scheduled vacations time in December.... and taking a long trip in the summer and then skating in December while you can get away with excuses.

    I think the biggest key point you make is "My family and I have chosen the course I’m on". This is why you are so successful. It is a team effort with your wife and kids. I travel a lot to give speeches....and people wonder how we do that at home. We do it just fine, as my wife is on board. One client I am consulting with told me he knows that networking more and attending industry events would help his career.... but his wife "wont let him" put in the hours or travel that much. Thus he "wishes" for more opportunities, but wont take the actions needed to hit the levels of success he desires. One cannot wish their way to victory!

    thom singer
  • I've got to finally disagree with you Chris. I can't spend every hour of my day now working hard to 'maybe' I can not work so hard in a few years.

    Maybe it's because I understand that I make more money building my business instead of working my business, allowing others to work it for me. This allows me to spend time as I choose to, not as I have to.

    While you're flying around to meet new clients a few days before Christmas, I'll be spending my time with my kids while they're off from school. Nothing is worth missing out on those chances.
  • Paul DeLuca
    Sometimes you have to work like you don't know any better. There's the classic story about the rookie sales rep who did things the experienced guys "knew" wouldn't work. The rookie outsold them all and went on to become the top rep in the company because he didn't "know" what he wasn't supposed to try to do. Being open to new ideas means being open to new opportunities.
  • BUT....(oh, come on now...there's always a BUT, right?)

    There's something to be said for taking a break. Not a break in the sense of "I'm just going to lounge around on the couch for days on end eating Christmas baking and drinking eggnog." It's more about taking a break from the momentum. The holidays allow us a bit of breathing space, and that is a good thing. You've said it yourself, Chris - taking time to reflect, plan, regroup and refocus are essential to moving forward with solid goals and a plan to achieve them.

    I'm all for striking while the iron is hot - but if the rest of the world is going straight to voicemail for the next two weeks, then there is an opportunity there to reset, and spend some time working on the back end, so when everyone wakes up from hibernation in January you're ahead of the pack.

    Move forward, strike while the iron is hot...yes. Always. But making sure your irons are in the right fires to begin with is just as important.
  • Suze has a third vote, from the Queen of Burnout City...
  • Agree with Suze here - the right places are just as important as the number of places, perhaps even more so. Besides, you can't enjoy the benefits if you're burnt out and unhealthy from too much work... ;-)
  • MF Collier
    I agree and if you never rest your irons in the coals, they won't be hot when you strike! It's all about balance.
  • 100% similarity: "My family and I have chosen the course I’m on, and I’m pretty happy with it." It's both a reason and an enabler for doing the work. Didn't realize this a decade ago, but the support has increased over the years and it's been a critical part of helping me drive towards success.
  • avilbeckford
    I liked this post because of its simplicity. I know for me in the past, which is something I have changed for this year, is that I slow down after a big spurt. I have learned to be more consistent and keep on going to the finish line. This year for me has been a year of planting seeds and building a solid foundation and I cannot slack off because the seeds need watering and nurturing.

    Over the holiday break I intend to read for my business because I am creating a course and that's part of what I have to do. I am not at the stage in my new business where I can take time off. Yes, balance is important and we have to incorporate rest to give us the energy to go on. But how much rest is enough?

    It is okay for folks to take a break if that's what they want and need, and I will do so when I feel a bit more secure in what I am trying to do. It's important to incorporate all aspects of ourselves into an integrated whole - work, play, family, friends and so on - for more harmony

    Happy Holidays! Avil Beckford
  • Chris, you are an inspiration. But don't hurt yourself dude! Having built several high growth companies in greenfield spaces, I understand and agree with your post. Their are seasons for sowing and harvesting. Get the barns ready for 2010!
  • "You Don’t Have to Do It This Way".

    The way you choose depends on your highest placed value. If, for instance, you value your business success more than anything else then that will be at the top of your the list and will be prominent in your life. On the other hand, if you value you your family time more than anything else then that will be higher up the list and be prominent in your life.

    Neither of them are right or wrong; they are both down to your choice.

    Regards

    Paul
  • ...on a similar note, my Dad had a heart attack at 37 from overwork.

    While it's great to go for it, remember your body is not a machine. It will break down if you don't give it some rest. Work, rest and play!
  • I'm with you Chris, opportunities are happening now which means it's not the time to take a break. Most companies can't afford to just sit back the last couple of weeks of the year and rejoice. There is a lot of work to be done, I'm glad I'm a part of this ride. Looking forward to announcing a pretty exciting new project about to kick off.

    There will be a time to sit back, relax a little before it starts all over again. Looking forward to an exciting and busy end of the year, start to the next.
  • I'm with you in this one Chris. December is shaping up to be one of the best months I've ever had for new business. If you're working in social media and know what you're doing, the world is your oyster right now.

    Virtually every company in the US is now realizing that they need to be doing something with social media. 2010 is going to be an incredible year.

    Doug
  • On the other hand - sometimes you have to withdraw the iron a bit, step back from the day-to-day, and get it even hotter. Not all seasons of slowing down are for cooling off - esp. at year end if it's the case that clients basically disappear (not true of all businesses, but certainly of many). Sometimes a change of pace just serves to fan the flames even more.
  • I couldn't agree more Chris. I *thought* like most folks December was going to be dead, but with some extra effort now we've beat our October and November numbers.

    Our approach to clients was let's work hard with you these remaining weeks while your competition sips egg nog and coasts into 2010. I'm grateful and thrilled to end 2009 this way.

    - Todd @Earwood
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