Retaining Top Employees Should Be Your #1 Priority

Linda LaitalaBusiness, EmployeesLeave a Comment

One of the most frustrating aspects of owning a business is having valuable team members quit.  Good employees are worth their weight in gold, especially in today’s market where there is strong demand to fill key roles in high growth companies.  Not only is it challenging to find a new employee who meshes with your company culture, a recent SHRM

Have You Watered Your Customers Lately?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, MarketingLeave a Comment

My husband is engaged in a serious conversation with the United States Postal Service about why it takes a package 8 days to travel 400 miles.  To their credit, USPS is doing a commendable job of keeping him informed of their activity on his behalf.  That positive activity doesn’t however get the product to his customer any faster, and the

Technology Is A Relentless Tyrant

Linda LaitalaBusinessLeave a Comment

“We are creating and encouraging a culture of distraction where we are increasingly disconnected from people and events around us, and increasingly unable to engage in long-form thinking.  People now feel anxious when their brains are unstimulated.”   

Motive, Means & Marketing

Linda LaitalaBusiness, MarketingLeave a Comment

A friend of mine is a big fan of TV police shows.  She delves into every story as investigators determine motive, means and opportunity.  What was the reason behind the crime?  Was a weapon used?  Did anyone have cause? Scientific rigor is used in ferreting out all the information, checking alibis, access and witnesses.  Adhering to a strict process is critical

Who Owns Who?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, ManagementLeave a Comment

“How would you like to own this business?”  It wasn’t a new thought for Phil; he had managed operations for several years and now the owner wanted to sell.  Phil had lots of ideas and often offered suggestions for new products that would increase sales, but the owner disagreed and nothing had been done.  This was his opportunity.  He said

Without Processes What Can You Expect?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, ManagementLeave a Comment

Jim began his business as owner and only employee.  With persistence and good fortune, he expanded from his kitchen table to his basement, to his garage and on to a large rented building. As his client list increased, he added employees, expanded shipping and implemented new innovations to grow his business.