Growing up, my dad was very much like Clark Griswold in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series. He’d let the work and home and life stress build up for a full year and let it all out in a hail of going and doing and seeing: The Family Vacation. I used to think that he just […]
Read MoreIt’s that time of year again. You know, the time when the kids go back to school, and you’re supposed to go back to work. Not that you weren’t working all summer, but odds are you slacked off a bit because the weather was too tempting and your kids too demanding. So what’s your plan? […]
Read MoreWith college and NFL football seasons upon us [Go, CATS –Go, Pack, Go], it also brings the start of fantasy football leagues. You probably have a team already drafted as you read this. Or at the very least, your spouse/brother/coworker/neighbor has been talking to you about theirs. So, you know what a process it […]
Read MoreThere was a time in the not-so-distant past when the sales team had more tools than a night out in Wrigleyville (hey-ooo). We had a tool to ask and answer questions. We had a tool to store documents. We had a tool that acted as an intranet site. We had a tool to manage customer information. We […]
Read MoreWhen was the last time you made an excuse? Personally, I really hate hearing them. And yes I make them, too. But it isn’t without being fully aware once one escapes my lips – and trying like hell to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Excuses are like quicksand. The more frequently you make them, […]
Read MoreWould it be any fun if you were constantly working with people who were exactly like you? Probably not. It is essential for a productive team to be made of multiple different parts that, when put together, function as one well oiled machine. Bonding as a team is something that is a continuous work in […]
Read MorePop Quiz: What’s your business’ best asset? It’s OK. Take a minute to think about it. I’ll wait here. Got it? Is your best asset your state-of-the-art facility? Nope. How about that super-impressive-sounding equipment you just bought? Still no. Obviously, it’s your envy-inducing client list, right? Strike three, buddy. It’s engaged employees. Now, engaged employees […]
Read MoreI recently sold to a customer who hadn’t purchased from us before. I’m sure this happens daily at your business or shop, and, believe me, it does here, too, but this sale was different. Way Back in March… A shop owner hopped on our website and started an Olark chat (read as: one of those […]
Read MoreEvery business wants loyal customers – few understand how to earn them. Most businesses think loyalty comes from issuing a “frequent flyer” card and giving something away for free. That’s not loyalty. That’s buying repeat business from customers who are loyal to the prize, or to the price. Eliminate the freebies, and you eliminate the […]
Read MoreYesterday marked the first day of Summerfest. Yesterday also marked the first time I’ve left a concert before the end. For the uninitiated, Summerfest is an 11-day outdoor music festival held on the shores of Lake Michigan right here in Milwaukee. With pop, rock, hip-hop, and country acts, it draws quite the eclectic crowd (read […]
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