Do shortcuts really work?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Management, Marketing, SalesLeave a Comment

There’s a story told by funeral directors.  A woman was making funeral arrangements for her husband.  She requested he be buried in a dark blue suit.  “Wouldn’t it be easier to just bury him in the black suit that he’s already wearing?” the funeral director asked.  But the woman insisted that it must be a blue suit and gave the

Preconceived Notions

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Management, Marketing, SalesLeave a Comment

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. Nan-in served tea.  He poured his visitor’s cup full and then kept pouring.  The professor watched the overflow until he could no longer restrain himself.  “It is overfull.  No more will go in!” 

Don’t Over-Sell Don’t Over-Promise

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Management, Marketing, SalesLeave a Comment

My 92-year-old father is deaf – or nearly so.  He is also very social, so not being able to hear well isolates him.  Dad has hearing aids, but being five years old, they were failing and frustrating everyone. The family finally convinced him to go to a hearing specialist.  George was bubbly, thorough and very experienced.  He explained the technological

Don’t let them forget you

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Management, Marketing, SalesLeave a Comment

I had the privilege of spending three days in Washington DC last week with the MREA, educating our legislators on issues important to electric cooperatives. Every legislator expressed appreciation for our visit; one made the comment, “When you don’t come to see us, we forget you’re there.” His statement rings true, not only in politics but in life and business.  

I hope you’re not a hornet?

Linda LaitalaBusiness, Employees, Management, Marketing, SalesLeave a Comment

Leaders inspire accomplishment.  But not all leaders inspire equally; whichever one you are depends on how you engage people. Let’s start with Simon Sinek.  Sinek observes that some leaders inspire action while others do not.  He illustrates his point with the golden circle, that moves us through three concentric circles from what, to how, and finally to why people act.