Small Businesses Combine Christmas Parties to Cut Costs, Increase Fun

Businesses all over the world are canceling their holiday parties. Some small businesses are coming up with a creative way to cut costs. They are combining parties. Author Larry Weaver gives ideas on planning a fun company party with printable certificates and an employee award ceremony that can fit with any budget.

Durham, NC (PRWEB) November 19, 2008 -- Companies across the world are being hit by a bad economy and canceling holiday parties. There are good reasons not to cancel the party (http://www.funnyemployeeawards.com/blog/2008/11/7-reasons-not-to-cancel-office.asp). Save costs by combining parties with another small business and plan entertainment that boost employee morale with employee awards certificates.

The news is full of big companies canceling parties (http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/03/news/economy/canceled_holiday_parties/?referer=sphere_related_content). There's Morgan Stanley, Hearst, Barclays Capital, ABC News, American Express, CitiGroup, and even MTV. It's enough to kill any Christmas spirit.

Small businesses don't have to follow AIG's example by throwing a lavish party and letting someone else foot the bill. Larry Weaver, author and expert in planning fun company parties says its time to be creative.

The tip to combine parties was mentioned in the article, More the Merrier at Christmas, in New Zealand's Star Times. "Auckland-based New Zealand Corporate Events is helping smaller companies make the most of their Christmas party budget by organising combined functions for businesses wanting a little extra for their money," it reads.

Renting a place to hold the party, decorations, entertainment, and food can add up - and combining parties means splitting the bill. "Find a small business with a similar company culture or one that you already work with as a vendor or partner. See if you can combine holiday parties. Not only will this help cut costs, but it can help solidify relationships," said Weaver.

Benefits of Holding a Combined Holiday Party:

• Cost savings

• More networking opportunities

• Bigger company party atmosphere

• Higher quality location and food

• Better entertainment

• Shared party planning responsibilities

Another way to make the party better is to add humor. Weaver's new book Funny Employee Awards: Your Complete Guide to Organizing a Humorous, Entertaining, and Rewarding Recognition Ceremony, has printable certificates (http://www.funnyemployeeawards.com/award-certificates.asp) which can be framed and presented to employees.

"Giving out funny employee awards can be part entertainment, part morale booster at your holiday party. It gives employees a chance to get to know each other better, and it keeps the mood things light. My book is full of awards and ideas for small businesses to make the most of their company party this year," says Weaver.

About Larry Weaver:

Larry Weaver is a professional comedian and creator of the Funny Employee Awards Show - the company party where your employees are the stars. With nearly 20 years as both a corporate comedian and office worker, Larry brings a unique and refreshing perspective to workplace humor. The Funny Employee Awards blog has stories from successful or humorous office parties around the world.

To see samples of funny employee awards or to order the book, visit http://www.funnyemployeeawards.com

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