COMING UP FAST: A SECTION FOR ENTREPRENEURS - Building to Last - It's the thought that counts

DILEMMA: What do I give the staff for Christmas? Last year's internet hampers bombed completely. Most didn't receive them; others didn't like what was in them. The complaints were horrendous and the cost of dealing with the hassle was almost as much as the hampers. Perhaps I shouldn't even bother.

ISSUES: Why bother is a good question if you think the cost and hassle outweigh the perceived value. But is it really such a bad idea, or are you letting last year's cock-up get to you? Remember that staff will be expecting another gift this Christmas and they'll be hoping for an improvement on last year's fiasco.