Too Many Turkeys

Negotiating your way through the holidays isn’t easy.  These days everybody has to borrow time from Peter to spend a little with Paul. If the list of loved ones clamoring for your Turkey Day attendance is longer than Pinocchio’s nose, take heart. In just a few simple steps, you can gain control of your holiday cheer:

1. First, sketch out what an ideal holiday will look like for you. This way you'll have something to bump it up against when objections surface. It could be as simple as, "this year I want to sleep in, drive fewer than 100 miles and take the kids to see a movie."
2. Second, craft your message, one that reassures family members that you love them, but also establishes the reality of life (i.e., kids, fatigue, etc.). If possible work in a few football analogies or famous movie quotes. For example, "I want to attend your dinner more than anything, but I'm holding myself to a short travel schedule. Really mom, I don't have much time. I'm supposed to get down to the school auditorium to direct a Christmas play."
3. Third, communicate your plans well in advance. Your family needs time for the news to sink in. Perhaps even announce next year's plans at this year's festivities. Send at least four reminder notes throughout the year with several smiley faces and xoxo's. The sooner you set expectations, the easier it will be for your loved ones to get past that short end of the stick you've asked them to stir the pot with. 
4. Finally, adhere to your plan. If you cave this year, they'll expect you to cave every year.

4 Ways to Ensure a Call Back

Live telephone conversations aren’t dead yet, and the key to receiving that crucial call back is leaving a great voice mail message.  To be safe, before you dial, make sure you have enough time for the call and assume the person is going to answer.  But when you hear the beep, be prepared:

1. Choose your words carefully: Saying the name of the person you are calling is a great way to draw them in. People like hearing their name, so begin the message by saying, “hello Mark…” and then close out the call by saying it again, “Talk to you soon. Thanks, Mark.”
2. Be concise: Avoid rambling by taking the time to jot down at least two points you want to make during your message. Rehearse before you call and you’ll never have to end with an apology about how long and drawn out your message is.
3. Make your number count: It might be a great message, but no one wants to listen to it three times in order to accurately take down your number. Try physically writing out your number as you recite it or imagine yourself dialing the numbers you speak. This helps ensure you’re offering the number slowly enough.
4. Do it on the sly: If you’re in a rush and don’t want to get caught up in a lengthy conversation or you need to deliver a precise message without entertaining questions, there is hope. SLYDIAL. Here’s how it works:

·      Dial 267-SLYDIAL (267-759-3425) from any landline or mobile phone.

·      At the voice prompt, enter the U.S. mobile phone number of the person you want to reach (sorry, but landline won’t work).

·      You will be directly connected to their voicemail.

·      Leave a message, sit back and relax.