support small business...

I do my best to support small businesses, local and otherwise.  November 26th marks the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday, founded and sponsored by American Express.  I challenge you to do the bulk of your holiday shopping for loved ones by shopping at independent businesses in town and online...let's help the little guys give the big guys a run for their money!

Some of my favorite local and/or independent businesses are:
* Symmetry - to die for women's clothing and accessories
* Etsy - the website is chock full of amazing goods and offers a local search option
* The Monogram Shoppe - fun gifts and stocking stuffers for everyone
* Rustic Hutch - for festive and stylish holiday decor and gifts
* Firefly Coffee House - their boutique is almost a mini Etsy shop!

Check out and 'LIKE' the Facebook page for Small Business Saturday for more information about the event and associated promotions.  Don't forget to share your favorite shops and deals on Twitter: @fwshopreport

Shop SMALL on November 26th & everyday!

VOTE!!!

In my youth I typically placed the most emphasis on Presidential elections but as I've grown older (and I like to think wiser) I have come to understand that our local governments have the most noticeable impact on our daily lives.  I refuse to use a style blog to air my political opinions but I will tell you there are many issues important to me and that I take my right to vote seriously.

This Tuesday, November 8th is Election Day...don't miss your opportunity to let your voice be heard when and where it matters most! 

xx

JDF

Happy Happy Anniversary...

Today is the 2nd Anniversary of Navigate with Style!  When I first started this blog it was a private, creative outlet for me during a difficult, professional time.  I was wondering where my career would take me and pondered my options daily.

As I started to post here and there I rediscovered a passion of mine from long ago - to be a writer.  As the posts grew the focus and tone evolved.  I learned a bit more about blogging, played around with the layout, designed a logo and opened a Twitter account.

I have a ton more to learn about writing and blogging but I'm having so much fun and today I woke up to find I'd surpassed 4,000 page views!  I'm sure this number is small potatoes to most but I'm positively giddy about it!  I think I deserve a prezzie, actually...

Since the beginning of this blogging endeavor I have grown as a mother and a wife and we've moved from our beloved city of Boston, Massachusetts to be closer to our families in Indiana.  I said goodbye to a company that taught me almost everything I know to date and that feels a bit scary but also really fantastic!

NWS will undergo a few more changes as the year draws to a close; a new logo is on the way and I'll be updating the look and host of the blog.  Navigate with Style will continue to evolve as I do and it's certainly a journey I am more than thrilled to be on...

xx
JDF

introducing @fwshopreport...

I am a buyer by trade and am always searching for the coolest new stuff and the best deals and promotions around.  While I follow many retail brands through social media it's hard to catch every relevant tweet.  This got me thinking...

What if there was a Twitter feed customized for my local area that captured the greatest retail opportunities?  Shoppers could tweet at this account when they spotted great items for sale or on sale.  Local vendors could tweet at this account for more visibility and to drive traffic to their stores.

I'm happy to introduce to you now: @fwshopreport

As I scout around town and online I'll share with you all what I find of note through this feed.  I encourage all genders and ages and interests to tweet to @fwshopreport when you spot something another shopper might find interesting.  Please share the handle with your friends and family and as you interact with shop owners and managers.  I started this account a few months ago but I hadn't sussed out exactly how I would use it...AND I fully expect it to evolve further as more people engage with the idea.

I will do my best to retweet the best deals...I can't wait to see what everyone finds!!

xx

JDF

employee benefits...

Quite a few years ago I watched a 60 Minutes segment about SAS, a software company.  The profile focused on their employee benefits and I was BLOWN AWAY!  According to the piece, their impressive list of creature comforts started with the introduction of free M&M's on Wednesdays and grew to include a mind boggling list of resources and services...I started to list some of them but became totally overwhelmed...their list is VAST!  Watch the piece (in 2 segments) below:




Once I'd seen this profile on SAS, my opinion about how companies and offices should run had been forever transformed.  Now, there are many companies doing really cool things for their employees and that number is growing, slowly but surely.  Part of the reason I decided to pursue a freelance career is because I was tired of toiling under a lame, outdated corporate structure.

My former employer offered a ton of flexibility, some fabulous non traditional benefits and really did take care of me in a variety of ways.  I cannot say enough how much I still appreciate (and always will) my entire experience with said company.  That being said, "taking lunch" was frowned upon most of the time so I'd eat with one hand and type on my computer with the other.  I don't feel daily work should prevent someone from eating like a normal human being.  Sure, there are days when it's important to work straight through lunch but for that to be the norm is unnecessary.  And, part of the flexibility within my position was due to my near constant availability via emails, phone calls and texts, regardless of day or time or holiday.  I slept with my phone next to my pillow in case I needed to arrange a car service at 3am.

While I will always be the type of employee who will take on work beyond my job description and make myself available after hours I now fully know the importance of a healthy work/life balance.  Employers need to understand that fostering their company culture with generosity and goodwill will return more productive and loyal employees.  Every employee can and should be a brand ambassador and the way you treat every single member of your company will influence that, negatively or positively.

Employers should go beyond a paycheck to give back to the people working for them, even if it is free M&M's on Wednesdays...

xx
JDF