Did You Kill Vermin, Flip Burgers Or Supervise Children?

Linda LaitalaBusinessLeave a Comment

Linda here. I am having a lot of fun with my intern.  This is Emma’s first job and her enthusiasm and energy – especially on payday remind me a lot of myself.  (Emma’s first paycheck picture on the right)As first jobs go, this is a pretty nice gig: office work, writing blogs for Rusty the dragon,entering data, and being an

Get The Most Out Of The Time You Have Left

Linda LaitalaBusiness, ManagementLeave a Comment

Linda here. It’s almost Labor Day – that inevitable divide between summer and fall. Children are starting school, refocusing on friends and homework, while parents get back into the groove at work. In 118 short days it will be 2017.  Are you on track with your plan for 2016?   

What Are Your Strategic Questions?

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In the world of competitive advantage, strategic thinkers win the war while tactics win battles. Joe runs a profitable company, providing value to his customers and providing him of the lifestyle he wants to live.    He did not make it to this level solely by luck and hard work.  He intentionally and strategically designed his success.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, EmployeesLeave a Comment

Linda here. On a trip to the Rocky Mountains I learned first-hand about the “echo effect” when shouting at a mountain.  My voice sounded incredible, as I listened to it bounce against the peaks and valleys. The masters of communication often make good use of the echo effect.

Open Mouth, Insert Foot!

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, ManagementLeave a Comment

Linda here. We’ve all done it; said something we shouldn’t have: thoughtless, unkind words you wish you could take back. The moment the words slip through your lips you want to unsay them, but unfortunately, it’s too late.  The damage is done.   

Are You Industrious?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, EmployeesLeave a Comment

My father is having an auction in a couple weeks.  My siblings and I have been helping him sift through a lifetime to determine what he wants to save and what he wants to sell.      (Check out the auction items here.)

Don’t Fall Into The All Work And No Play Trap!

Linda LaitalaBusinessLeave a Comment

Growing up on a farm in central Wisconsin, we prided ourselves on how hard we worked.  Some task, big or small, was always waiting to get done.I carried that same tough approach into my career.  I believed the longer I worked, the more successful I would be.

Yikes – Six Months Down! How’s It Stacking Up?

Linda LaitalaBusinessLeave a Comment

Each year about this time, I encourage you to assess where you are and what it will take to accomplish your annual goals by year end. Look back: What great things have you completed in the past six months?  What are you proud of? Did you develop new relationships?  Did you strengthen existing ones?  Have you overlooked relationships that should

That Wasn’t One Of My Better Ideas

Linda LaitalaBusinessLeave a Comment

I love County Fair season in Minnesota:  the smells of cotton candy, popcorn and 4-H animals waft through the air. A few years ago I took my nephews, Charlie and Josh to the local fair.  We had a grand time taking in the sights as we ambled toward our ultimate goal, the Midway.  When we arrived at the giant slide,