Have You Ordered Your Tesla?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Marketing, SalesLeave a Comment

The Quartz Daily Brief (www.qz.com) is one of the first things I read every morning! This article by Steve LeVine made me think about visionaries, the people who draw us into their dreams and make us believe the impossible is possible.   

I Think I Need A “Think Week”!

Linda LaitalaBusiness, EmployeesLeave a Comment

Twice a year, for the past twelve years, Bill Gates has gone into seclusion for a “Think Week”, retreat where employees, friends and even family are banned.  The insights gleaned from “Think Week” help determine Microsoft’s future.

Can You Leap Tall Buildings In A Single Bound?

Linda LaitalaBusinessLeave a Comment

Your phenomenal brain is capable of amazing feats, but sometimes it’s the simplest ones that do you in. It was 2:15.  I was sitting in a coffee shop wondering where my 2:00 was when my phone rang.  “Where are you,” Donna asked.  “In the coffee shop by the Holiday Inn”, I replied.  Where are you?”  She was at a coffee

Could You Be A Helicopter Boss?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, EmployeesLeave a Comment

We’ve all heard the term “helicopter parent,” a reference to moms and dads who constantly hover over their children, never giving them the opportunity to make their own decisions or mistakes, swooping in to save the day when things get the least bit challenging.

Do You Need A Reverse Mentor?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, EmployeesLeave a Comment

Jack Welch, former GE Chairman popularized “reverse mentoring” over a decade ago.  He ordered his top 600 managers to find Internet junkies among their ranks and become their students. With the ever-increasing role of technology in business, the concept is now even more relevant.

Play Your Way To Solutions!

Linda LaitalaBusiness, EmployeesLeave a Comment

It isn’t easy staying ahead of the curve.  It’s even harder to engage employees in creative problem solving. They may have innovative ideas but are so busy with their day to day activities, they don’t have time to ponder “What could make this better, faster, cheaper or unnecessary?”

Do You Speak In A “Love Language”?

Linda LaitalaBusinessLeave a Comment

Balance is an important topic in my roundtables.  Many business owners spend years building successful companies only to discover a disconnect when they finally feel they have the time to enjoy the fruits of their labor with the people they love.   

You Can’t Buy Loyalty!

Linda LaitalaBusiness, EmployeesLeave a Comment

Coupons won’t do it.  Reducing your prices won’t do it; there’s always someone willing to make less money than you.  Inspiring loyalty means you have to build value into the very fabric of your business – excellent products supported by dedicated and friendly people. Make (and keep) your big promises What you do after making the sale may be more

Where Do You Keep The Ketchup?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, EmployeesLeave a Comment

When we consider diversity in the workplace, we often react negatively, thinking of being required to hire xx% of employees representing different races and ethnic backgrounds.Scott Page, Professor of Complex Systems at the University of Michigan, takes a different approach.  Instead of pondering moral questions like, “Why can’t we all get along?” he asks; “How can we all be more