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Welcome to our Friday’s Food for Thought post. We often like to check the weather forecast in the mornings and, right now, it is 17 degrees outside in Washington, DC. Wow. Anyhow, this week’s FFT post is not going to be about the cold weather. No. This week’s theme is all about the holiday party season and what is in store for 2010. So, you have worked hard this week, perhaps attended a few holiday parties in the evenings, and deserve a little downtime. So, feel free to read on and happy Friday!

Office Holiday Party Do’s and Don’ts
We all have witnessed people stepping over the line — perhaps indulging too much — at the office holiday party. So, that is is clearly holiday party don’t #1. What is really important about holiday party behavior are the other, less obvious tips. Like for example it is recommended that you hold your drink with your left hand, this way your right hand will be free for shaking hands (and you won’t have a cold, wet hand to offer people). And, it is also recommended that you don’t spend the evening complaining, bragging, correcting, whining, or ridiculing. Good tips, right? Read more here.

Companies Still Planning on Offering Holiday Perks in the Office
While companies have been forced to make some difficult decisions in 2009 relating to their overall businesses, they still plan to reward their current staffs with holiday perks such as bonuses, gifts and parties, but sometimes on a scaled back level. This is according to a recent CareerBuilder. Here are some interesting stats: Nearly three-in-ten (29 percent) employers plan to give their employees holiday bonuses this year; more than a quarter (26 percent) of employers plan to give holiday gifts; and almost half (49 percent) of employers are planning a holiday party for their employees this year. So, overall it should not be too bad of a holiday season. Read more here.

Fortune Magazine Predicts Tech Trends for 2010
Technology investing is all about the next big thing. And the bright business minds at Fortune Magazin, have compiled a list of 4 technology trends for 2010. So, of course, smart phones are on the list, but so is on-demand software for business, as well as tools for better managing and harnessing data (consumer and business). Check out the full article here. Frankly, we believe that they left off one very important thing: the continuing rise of geo-enabled applications for businesses and consumers.

2010: Here We Come!
For many 2009 was a year of reckoning. We experienced the most significant global economic meltdown since the Great Depression. In early 2009, the economy was in its worst position. Whether fueled by fear, or just bottom-line reality, many companies were cutting back: people lost their jobs and their homes. Well, now that we have a bit of hindsight, it may not have been that bad (of course some industry sectors were hit harder than others). GEOINT 2009 Symposium had record attendance. Venture capital money is flowing a bit more freely now. And, overall, people are feeling cautiously optimistic about 2010. So, we say 2010, here we come!

How Not To Behave At Your Office Holiday Party
For your viewing pleasure, check out this video on how not to behave at the holiday office party. And, remember, lay off the egg nog, try not to hook up with co-workers and always say ‘thank you.’ Hope you enjoy and happy Friday!!