10 Gifts Your Colleagues Would Really Like for the Holidays

Skip the iTunes Gift Cards and Give Them Something They Need

Posted by Millie Olson on 12.18.08 @ 10:45 AM

Millie Olson

2. Production: This holiday season, they don't want to hear the following words: "I know the client hasn't approved a media plan, layouts or a photographer, but would you put together a ballpark estimate?"

3. Finance: New software to replace Clients & Profits, preferably with a feature that doesn't let people log on until they do their timesheets, kind of like a "Denver boot" for agencies.

4. Account exec: You know that research document I emailed to you AND printed out for you? Could you actually bring it to the meeting?

5. IT: Restart your computer. And check to see if the thing's plugged in. Then come see me.

6. Production again: When we all know the deadline, don't ask for the absolute drop-dead deadline.

7. Art director: After I show it to you six ways, avoid saying, "What else did you try?"

8. HR: Don't call in sick after a sunny 3-day weekend; it strains credibility.

9. Management: Don't call us "boss." It always sounds slightly ironic.

10. Office manager: For the last time, don't put the knives in the dishwasher with the blades up (does someone around here hate me?)

Happy holidays, and may there be empathy toward all . . .

4 Comments

  By robertjsolomon | NEW YORK, NY December 19, 2008 10:45:55 am:

A perfect gift list for any agency person. Affordable too.

On a more serious note, the one thing every agency person should get as a gift is a copy of my book, "The Art of Client Service."

Amazon sells it for a recession fighting $13.57; it's filled with pragmatic, actionable advice on how to keep clients. In this economy, keeping your clients is the best way to keep your job. There's no better gift than that.

If you order it today, it will arive in time for the holiday.

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  By darth_pixel | Irvine, CA December 19, 2008 12:01:54 pm:

Heh...wish I had something to hawk on here.

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  By cookiesoncall | Douglas, MI December 26, 2008 11:34:26 am:

After being away from corporate marketing for 6 years, I see that some things never change...now, I am even happy that I decided to leave after 30 years and start a cookie shop.
Franny Martin

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  By carlton23 | Williamsville, NY December 29, 2008 12:33:02 pm:

I believe the "One Phrase" often forgotten is "Thank You" in person eye to eye. We often use it as a closing on an email, when emailing first started, but now its' just left off and initals are there. In 09 use "Thank You", to your fellow co-works, as well as, to the customers.

Buffalo, New York

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