Run Full Tilt

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Management, Marketing, SalesLeave a Comment

I was watching Kurt play fetch with his new puppy, Max.  Kurt would throw a ball as far as he could, Max would race after it, never slowing down until he had it in his mouth.  Sprinters call this “running through the tape”. Have you’ve ever watched as some runners near the finish line and slow up in the final

Four Powerful Questions

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Management, SalesLeave a Comment

For several years I did a show called “Talking Business” on a local radio station. (Thank you Neighborhood National Bank for sponsoring it!)  One of the most popular shows was “Four questions business owners should ask themselves every day.”   

When in doubt, do without.

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Management, Marketing, SalesLeave a Comment

JoAnn shared the best advise she ever received from her grandmother; “When in doubt, do without.”  The advice rings in her ears when she shops, when she ponders taking a vacation on a credit card and most recently when she was approached by a friend to get a tattoo. 

Everything can change tomorrow – Can you adapt?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Management, Marketing, SalesLeave a Comment

John Nese’s business was going broke.  His family-owned grocery store was being eaten alive by big chain stores.  So, when a woman called looking for a unique mint soda, he saw an opportunity.  Today John’s store, Galco, sells every imaginable kind of soda from around the world.  Business is good. John Nese was able to adapt, here are other examples:  

Make People Talk About You

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Marketing, SalesLeave a Comment

I walked into a purchasing manager’s office and noticed his wall was peppered with quotes on blue postcards.  There were quotes about quality, pricing and appreciation. I asked about them and he enthusiastically explained that a supplier sends a quote-card every month as a thank you for doing business with them.  He even pointed out his favorite.   

What Limiting Beliefs Do You Haul Around?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Management, MarketingLeave a Comment

Trevor founded a manufacturing company 20 years ago. The business continues to expand; the customer list now includes Fortune 500 companies.  He has been asked to share his wisdom on several occasions, but declined. Despite his success, Trevor secretly feels inferior to other owners, insecure because of his lack of formal education.   

Do You Polish Bricks?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, ManagementLeave a Comment

Darcy has accomplished her life-long dream, she owns a coffee shop in a small town.  She planned and saved, researched all aspects of the business, visited scores of cafes, bistros and coffee shops, and quizzed the owners.  She developed a sound business plan that her banker approved.  Darcy even contacted high school counselors because she wanted to share the entrepreneurial