Leading in Difficult Times

Linda LaitalaLeadershipLeave a Comment

The nation is going through a tough time; everyone is being affected by this pandemic. While trying to deal with uncertain finances and an uncertain future, it is also important for you as leader to take care of yourself and your employees.   While you are leading your team and business through this uncharted territory, it’s essential that you maintain

Unexpected Lessons

Linda LaitalaLeadership, ManagementLeave a Comment

Brenda and her family were finally able to take their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alaska.  They flew to Anchorage, spent a few days in Denali and boarded a bus headed toward the cruise that would complete their adventure. The first few days of the trip exceeded their expectations, but as is sometimes the case, unforeseen events upset their well-planned trip.

Build A Bridge To Tomorrow

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Leadership, Management, MarketingLeave a Comment

This pandemic has many of us remembering the shock and response to 9/11: both unforeseen events have changed the way things happen in our world. Barbara Corcoran, millionaire real estate broker and Shark Tank star learned a few lessons after nearly going broke after 9/11.  “When things go south, they often come back like gangbusters.”

MARCH 2020 ANSWER TO THE QUESTION OF THE MONTH: If there was a downturn in the economy, what 3 things in your business could be eliminated and your company would still run effectively?

Linda LaitalaAround The TableLeave a Comment

problem

If there was a downturn in the economy, what 3 things in your business could be eliminated and your company would still run effectively? I’ve started the process already. Walk-ins and phone calls have gone down dramatically.  No need for a receptionist, laid her off last Friday. Stopped all non-essential purchases. May need to cut back hours. Consider eliminating someone

Be Steady

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Leadership, ManagementLeave a Comment

My nephew Charlie is 28, smart as a whip and autistic.  He lives with his brother James.  When life throws him a curve-ball and his schedule is disrupted, he becomes agitated, out of sorts and hard to communicate with.  Last week, the family returned from a long-anticipated vacation.  They have had to self-quarantine.  Charlie is consumed with worry about the

Are You On A Knife Edge?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Leadership, ManagementLeave a Comment

Recently, I heard an entrepreneur use a term I had not heard before: She said she felt like she was on a knife-edge as she was growing her business. A knife edge is a situation where nobody knows whether something good or bad is going to happen next.  The company could fail at any moment.

Spend Your Time On Things That Matter Most

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, ManagementLeave a Comment

In Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey tells the story of his wife chairing an important hospital fundraiser.  Combining a busy family and chairing the committee were overwhelming her.  She started calling her friends to help.  Her best friend listened to her request and replied, “I’d love to help you out, but I promised my family that I wouldn’t take

FEBRUARY 2020 ANSWER TO THE QUESTION OF THE MONTH: Describe your most successful technique for getting customers.

Linda LaitalaAround The Table, BusinessLeave a Comment

problem

Describe your most successful technique for getting customers. We used to do a lot of advertising.  Now we focus on social media.  I think it’s word of mouth and being consistent in the work we do.  We’ve worked a long time on the sympathy business – people who come in say they can always tell which flowers came from our