Our 50th state is full of people who know how to get things done. I heard the legend of one determined community on our recent vacation. Ferry, Alaska is a remote community, population 32 (11 households). It has the dubious distinction of being located across both banks of the Nenana River. Until recently, only a railroad bridge connected the two
When Was the Last Time You…?
There are lots of ways to end this question: cried at a movie took a trip read a book got angry ate cotton candy But other questions are more thought provoking.
Run Full Tilt
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
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?
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:
Summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime…
CLICK HERE OR ON THE IMAGE TO SING ALONG Summertime brings vacations, sunny distractions and no school. It tends to be a more relaxed and slower time of year for most businesses. However, thinking it has to be that way is a trap! Take advantage of the less hectic schedule to regroup, refocus and re-strategize!
What Limiting Beliefs Do You Haul Around?
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?
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
Look Ahead to See When. Look Back and See Why.
Class reunions make us think about what our hopes and plans were at graduation compared to where we are now. I’ve attended several class reunions over the years – we have one every five years. It has been interesting to watch people move through their careers over time.
Say Goodbye and Move On
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.