Stubbins, Watson, Bryan & Witucky - December 2020

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point in the film, and while this detail doesn’t make “Iron Man 3” more of a Christmas film, it’s still an interesting parallel between it and “Die Hard.” Convinced as you might be about the status of these action- adventure movies as holiday films, they do have a few strikes against them. For starters, both of these films were actually summer blockbusters. Neither film was released during the Christmas season. But, if you think that disqualifies them, keep in mind that “Miracle on 34th Street” was also released during the summer, and I don’t think anyone is rushing to disqualify that movie — whose main character is Santa Claus — just because it wasn’t released in December.

Another possible reason why “Die Hard” and “Iron Man 3” might not be categorized as Christmas movies is that neither of their plots hinge on the holidays. You could take the holiday out of these movies without affecting any of the crucial plot elements. Christmas in these movies is like extra tinsel on a tree — it might make the final product a little more flashy, but it’s still just a superficial decoration. However, not even this argument is rock solid. Take a look at the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Only a fraction of the film actually takes place on Christmas Eve, but the film’s themes of regret and thankfulness, much like a well-rooted pine tree, are evergreen. If you don’t believe me, I encourage you to look at some of the homages to this holiday classic that don’t have any Christmas elements, such as “13 Going On 30,” Adam Sandler’s “Click,” and even “Shrek 4.” At this point, no matter which side of the Christmas movie debate you’re on, you might be throwing your hands up in the air. However, I don’t want to leave you without an answer to my original question, so let me just say this: A Christmas movie is whatever movie gets you in the Christmas spirit, which varies from person to person. So, whether that means watching Scott Calvin gripe about sliding down chimneys in “The Santa Clause” or watching John McClane gripe about sliding through air ducts, if it signals the start of the Christmas season and makes you feel festive, go ahead and throw it on the TV.

As a business leader, you’re likely well-versed in making decisions, but in the midst of a global health crisis, a political minefield, and environmental disasters, planning for the upcoming year is different territory for even the most seasoned business professionals. So, how do you make the right decisions for your 2021 plans? Start with these three steps. No. 1: Look at the data. Data has never steered you wrong before, so don’t stop using it now. However, you have to use the right data and contextualize it with today’s lenses. For example, when choosing a new marketing campaign or direction, continue looking at the cost, revenue, potential errors, and risk factors. Use those to make an informed decision about which step to take. For example, is the campaign empathetic to the needs of your clients, or will it come off as tone-deaf? ( Hint: Try split testing in 2020 before fully deploying a new campaign in 2021!) No. 2: Don’t go with the status quo. “This is how we’ve always done it” will kill your business. Nothing is the same as it was just one year ago. The entire world has transformed, and attempting to continue with what’s “normal” will only cause you to miss what could be . As you plan for 2021, consider the abnormal. Look at options you would have never considered doing and test their efficacy. If DECISIONS, DECISIONS Tactics for Making the Best Business Choices

one fails, move on. But there’s a big chance that you may stumble into something that is totally unique and completely worth your time.

No. 3: Embrace change. You’ve set your course. You have your team in place. You’re excited to begin. Now, get ready to change everything. Sounds exhausting, right? But it can happen. Rather than being resistant to what isn’t working, admit defeat and move on. If there’s one benefit of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that we were all given a crash course on how to adapt quickly. Take those lessons and apply them to your 2021 plan. Be prepared to admit when your original plan isn’t working because staying on an ineffective course can do more harm than good.

Don’t avoid it. Planning for 2021 is necessary — even if you need to change course quickly.

2 • swbwlawfirm.com

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