Happenings December 22, 2023

    In this issue:

• National Day Spotlight
• ASWi New Customer
• Acumatica Summit
• Sales 101
• Events, Blogs, Movies
• Webinars, Community

The purpose of a newsletter is an opportunity for the ASWi team to provide you and the rest of our clients with information on all the new ASWi and Acumatica related things (or “happenings”) that you may not otherwise be aware of.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with any/all of your team. Pease let me know if anyone on your team who would like to be added to the mailing list for the next issue and removed.

“Christmas is a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart. ” Freya Stark

Every year, over 2 billion people around the world celebrate Christmas. Traditionally, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ while those of other faiths celebrate the day as a cultural event.

One of the most popular Christmas customs is gift-giving. This custom has its roots in the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus shortly after his birth.

During this holiday season, the ASWi team reflects on our blessings, including have the opportunity to serve you and your team. Thank you!
FYI re: the picture:

This is a picture of the Beach of Christmas Past (South Padre Island, Texas); the Beach of Christmas Present will be in Cabo, Mexico. Can’t wait!

How do you hire Santa Claus?
A: Put him on a Ladder.

Q: Where do gingerbread men sleep?
A: On cookie sheets.

Q: Why do birds fly south for Christmas?
A: Because it would take too long to walk.

Q: Whey did The Little Drummer Boy put his drum to bed?
A: It was beat.

Q: How did Scrooge score the winning touchdown?
A: From a Ghost of Christmas pass.

Q: What is a snowman party called?
A: A snow ball.

Q: What is green, covered in tinsel and goes “Ribbet, ribbet”?
A: A mistle-toad.

ASWi is very humbled, privileged, and proud to be able to serve some of the most innovative organizations in the country as their ERP solution provider and trusted business advisor. Today, I would like to spotlight and introduce the newest members to our community: RAVE Computer.

RAVE Computer, with a staff of 31, is located in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Founded in 1988, RAVE is a privately held computer hardware manufacturer.

RAVE integrates world-class computer system solutions, offering commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom-engineered options tailored to client
requirements. RAVE Computer supports organizations within the Defense and Commercial industries that want computer solutions that meet their specific
requirements, with performance optimized for their specific applications.

RAVE Computers are experts in ruggedization supporting MIL-SPEC and industrial needs, in life cycle management supporting short-term and long-term programs, in meeting and supporting size, weight and power (SWAP) requirements and they are known for their excellent customer service.

Join EBizCharge, ShipHawk, and One Channel North America for a unique and social evening at Flight Club on Monday, January 31st. Indulge in delicious food, refreshing drinks, and the excitement of Social Darts® – a modern and engaging twist on the classic game designed for groups of 2 to 550.

Where
Flight Club at the Grand Canal Shoppes in the Venetian
3327 Las Vegas Blvd S Suite 2720, Las Vegas, NV 89109

When
Monday, January 31 | 7pm – 10pm Pacific Time

How
Reserve your spot at this fun networking event here.

The Sponsors
EBIZCharge
EBizCharge acts as a flexible gateway that offers everything you need to accept payments, integrate data to your current business software, and control it all from one central location.

One Channel North America (1Retail)
1Retail Point of Sale was developed within the Acumatica xRP platform and provides a seamless POS solution.

ShipHawk
ShipHawk provides an integrated fulfillment solution for high-volume eCommerce, manufacturing, and wholesale distribution companies

By Cotter Cunningham

This has been a hard year for our business. How do I convince my team that this was a one-time thing (and to stay on and keep the faith) versus a new reality?
It’s tough out there! Certainly, we have seen many headlines announcing layoffs, and there has been a reduction in PE funding in 2023 versus 2022. That said, unemployment remains relatively low.

It is an especially challenging time to be a manager. Your business is down, the general local business environment is down, but the market’s employment seems to be strong. Which means to me that competition for great people remains high. Make your case!

I think you have to present a clear argument to your company on why you believe the business will turn around. Hold an All-Hands and address your issues head-on. Start with a review of what has happened in ’23 and go through why you are confident that ’24 will be better. People will appreciate honesty. Don’t sugarcoat it. Just stick to what you believe and why. Remember to be confident. It is contagious.

In my experience, too often people can’t really explain what went wrong or why it will be better – or their explanation fails the “sniff test”. This may be the most important talk of your career – invest the time to be great. Highlight any “green shoots” (recent big contracts, future products or services, etc.). You know your business, so you can build a great case. But so do your employees, so no fudging.

Cut where you can. Most companies have some expenses they can reduce/eliminate, whether it be excess software seats, parking spaces they aren’t using, etc. Even if you don’t find much, people will notice that you tried.

Consider nonmonetary solutions. Obviously, it’s best to keep your team’s pay at market, but if raises aren’t possible, there are alternatives. It may go without saying, but most managers know that recognition is both highly valued by employees (and free).

I love programs that highlight “above and beyond” performance, and I would encourage you to try one (ideally through soliciting peer nominations).
I don’t like it, but many employers will use title changes in lieu of raises. Another option: A recent study suggested that employees would accept lower pay for flexible work-from-home policies.

Nearly every weekday, a motivational quote is posted on X/Twitter by @ASWiDelivered and on LinkedIn by @ASWi.

Here are last week’s “Morning Motivations”:
• “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Stephen Covey

• “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou

• “There is only one boss. The customer.” Sam Walton

• ”Enable your customers to gain better visibility, productivity, and prosperity.” Rob Kirkey

• “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” Thomas Edison