Picky, picky, picky

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

Mark saw his bosses’ reaction to his project and knew he was in trouble.  “She’s so picky.  Why does everything have to be done exactly her way?”  Karen, Mark’s boss had the opposite reaction, “Why can’t he just do exactly what I tell him?  Why does e have to improvise?” Bosses are usually good at what they do, that’s why

Don’t Labor on September 4th

Linda LaitalaBusiness, EmployeesLeave a Comment

Labor Day 2017 is celebrated in the United States on September 4th.  Having a day off is a nice way to celebrate the end of summer. But what is the day intended to commemorate? Labor Day was created to highlight the miserable working conditions in the late 19th century.  According to History.com, the average American worked 12-hour days, seven days

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.