Each year I like to create a gift for my round table members. I take the answers to all of the year’s questions and have a book created. Here is 2017 Around The Table Questions and Answers. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD PDF OF 2017 AROUND THE TABLE BOOKLET
The Most Important Question You Can Ask Yourself
Once upon a time we were our past selves. The decisions we made are reflected in our lives today. As the new year approaches, you may be thinking about making resolutions and setting goals.
The Best Presence
In 1998, a friend and I took an amazing trip to China. One of the most fascinating moments was when we walked out of the airport terminal and saw all the people on cell phones. Cell phones were just taking off in the United States. I don’t think any of us realized just how much they would invade our lives.
Pleasantly surprised
When I went to pick up my car after having the oil changed, it was washed inside and out. (Thank you, Tinker & Larson!) We hired a contractor to paint several rooms in our house; he fit the job in between elk hunting and a busy work and family schedule. Yet, he was there as promised, did excellent work and
Boldness, audacity, chutzpah, sisu
No matter what you call it, it implies a person willing to take risks, try the untried, improve on the unproven. Bold people are open to new ideas, willing to try new things and imagine possibilities. Chutzpah is the quality of audacity, for good or for bad. The Yiddish word has been “Americanized” to describe courage, determination and passion in
Differentiate: Find Your Secret Sauce
When I owned a machine shop, it was a challenge to market the company. There were thousands of small job shops just like mine in Minnesota; to “differentiate” the company was difficult. Buyers knew shops had different capabilities. They machined round parts or square; aluminum or steel; big parts or small. Some shops specialized in government contracts, while others preferred
I am Thankful for…
Today is Thanksgiving; a day to count your blessings and be grateful for: 1. A roof over your head 2. A family that loves you
How Do You React In A Crisis?
Bad things happen to good people. You could be enjoying a concert (Las Vegas), taking an afternoon bike ride (New York), sitting in a college class (Virginia Tech), waiting out a tornado in your basement, fleeing wild fires or driving down the road in your car. When disaster strikes, you have a crisis to deal with.
Should volunteering be part of your corporate culture?
Giving makes you feel good and it can be good for your business, especially if you encourage your employees to volunteer for causes they support. Some people are wired to be generous even to strangers, they jump at the chance to lend a hand. Others take a little more convincing, then there are those who would love to do more
“Why’d He Bring That Chicken Hawk?”
My husband’s grandparents emigrated from Finland to a small farm near Chisholm. Northern Minnesota was rugged country in those days. Timber wolves and bears were plentiful; they found domestic livestock easy prey. To protect their animals, everyone carried a rifle when they left the house. My husband’s five uncles were skilled shooters; they passed that ability on to their young