During this holiday season when times are tougher than normal, I'd like to see us all 'share the love'. Even business-minded people want to help others whenever possible. Usually we begin our careers or businesses with the goal of making a difference for someone else. Sometimes we lose site of that goal with the many tasks and distractions involved in running a business, or establishing ourselves in our career. With the New Year almost upon us, it is a natural time to refocus ourselves and our businesses on our core purpose: making a difference!

We can also make a difference for others by sincerely endorsing or recommending someone else or their business. It is much more empowering and credible to sincerely “toot someone else’s horn”, rather than our own. Even when we’ve done well and deserve praise, it comes off as flat or shameless self promotion when we’re the ones to announce our good deeds or accomplishments. The holiday season is a natural time to give to others. Why not acknowledge an employee, a boss, a mentor, a co-worker, a colleague, a client, or someone in another industry for the work they do and how they’ve made a difference to you?

Most of us now belong to online social or professional networking sites which make it very easy to write a testimonial for someone else. Why not help those professionals you know and respect in your local area by writing a sincere testimonial about them? Your words and opinions are very powerful and can make a positive impact on those around you, as well as on those businesses you endorse. So why not “share the love” this holiday season? It’s a good thing for all concerned.