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.”   

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:  

What Limiting Beliefs Do You Haul Around?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Management, MarketingLeave a Comment

Trevor founded a manufacturing company 20 years ago. The business continues to expand; the customer list now includes Fortune 500 companies.  He has been asked to share his wisdom on several occasions, but declined. Despite his success, Trevor secretly feels inferior to other owners, insecure because of his lack of formal education.   

Do You Polish Bricks?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, ManagementLeave a Comment

Darcy has accomplished her life-long dream, she owns a coffee shop in a small town.  She planned and saved, researched all aspects of the business, visited scores of cafes, bistros and coffee shops, and quizzed the owners.  She developed a sound business plan that her banker approved.  Darcy even contacted high school counselors because she wanted to share the entrepreneurial

Say Goodbye and Move On

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, MarketingLeave a Comment

I build and facilitate roundtables for business owners.  In a recent meeting a member shared, “A long-term employee just quit.”  A chorus of sympathetic groans rose from around the table.  Good employees are hard to find and losing a valued, long-term staff member can be hard.