This weekend I found myself away from home with a dead iPhone and no charger to be found. It seemed like a culture shock to be out of the loop from music, Facebook, other apps, e-mails and most of all text messages. I hadn’t realized how addicted I was to my phone until I had to go without it for a bit.

I’ve decided to work on the amount I spend checking my phone and computer. My question to you: do you realize how much you use technology, including TV, computers, iPads, iPods, etc.? What features do you treasure most? Is it a healthy addiction or are you attached at the hip?

Multitasking… its the Willow way.

A Day in the Life….of Kim, Director of Client Services

When it comes down to it, every day for me at Willow (well almost every day) is like a big ‘ol party….

Some days I’m coming up with ideas for the party – answering all of the important questions about when, why, how, who are we trying to reach/invite, what’s the theme, what makes sense for us to get the most out of our party, who’s in charge of what – all of the important details!

And in the same day I may be setting up the for the party – checking all of the details to make sure they all fit with the strategy for the party, being flexible enough to make changes to the party plans and making the fiesta happen. Heck, I’ve even been known to drive the beer cart when needed!

But my favorite part of my job is sitting back and watching as our clients celebrate…and joining in! Just this past week I got to see one of our clients celebrate all of their accomplishments over the past year to the cheers of hundreds of their members and another kick off the new year with a fun, festive photo and video shoot. Even the small revels like seeing an increase in leads from a new marketing campaign or placing an article in a national publication (we just had a client in the WSJ!) makes my day!

I’m even thinking about changing my title to “THE Party Planner” or “Queen of Celebrating!” I’m open to other suggestions…

1. Star Sand
Acquired: 1997
Previous Home: My bookshelf at home
Backstory: My neighbor & babysitter growing up took a trip to Japan and brought me back this very unique gift. Star sand is actually the shell of a small organism and only found on two islands in Japan.  (A simple google search should suffice your appetite for more star sand details.)

2. Ralph the Rubber Ducky
Acquired: 2010
Previous Home: Some kid’s bathtub
Backstory: I found this guy here on the first floor at Willow. He sparked my interest in bringing in other fun things to add some flare at my workspace.

3. Painted Boomerang
Acquired: 2008
Previous Home: In a drawer at home
Backstory: I studied abroad in New Zealand and traveled to Australia while I was in the region.  Naturally, I wanted a solid souvenir and I bought this at an outdoor market in Melbourne – (I’m guessing it was made in China).

4. Starfish with Shells
Acquired: 1999
Previous Home: On my dresser at my parents house
Backstory: This was my mother’s and she gave it to me back when I was switching rooms at my childhood home. Also, I am the chair of the aquarium committee here at Willow. This is currently our only one, but we’re always exploring our options to add more aquatic life. Unfortunately Warm Cookie, our Beta, did not survive Thanksgiving break and took the royal flush.

5. Gary the Gargoyle
Acquired: 2000
Previous Home: Bookshelf at home.
Backstory: My friend Zach traveled to Europe and brought this back for me. He was also kind enough to give me the following that all sat next to each other for 10+ years in my room:
A. Black Lab figurine. I had two black labs growing up that both died young (named Cricket I & Cricket II). After that we got Max, a beagle mix from the pound that was a loyal dog who enjoyed sleeping either on my bed or on my chair.
B. Jim Harbaugh & Marshal Faulk figurines. Zach had two of each so he gave me a set.
All four of these items were prominently displayed in my room until recently when I made the hard decisions on what stayed and what got boxed up with other juvenile like objects.

Any items that you would like considered for my flare shelf can be sent to Willow Marketing c/o Doug Fredbeck.

This past year (all 2 months of it so far) I’ve been reminded just how important it is to say thank you. Whether it be face to face, a hand-written note or an email, I believe saying those two words can be some of the most meaningful words you can extend to a person. I think this is especially true in the business world. According to YourThankYouCard.com “just saying thank you to your clients…particularly new clients, can increase your business by 17%.”

So here’s my question to you: When was the last time you said, “Thank you”?

Sources:
http://yourthankyoucard.com/strengthening-customer-relationships/