11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From The Miracle On Ice

1. Know Where You're Going ? Coach Herb Brooks had a strategic plan for assembling the American team. Take time to determine the direction you want to take your small business, then put in place the action steps and players to accomplish your goals.

2. Rise To The Occasion ? 13 days earlier, Russia beat the Americans 10-3 in an exhibition, but when it counted the Americans claimed victory. Whenever you have the opportunity to take on an incredible challenge, believe you are qualified to accept it.

3. Finish The Job ? After beating Russia, Team USA still had to play Finland two days later for the gold. Enjoy victories along the way, and stay focused on tomorrow.

4. Let Everyone Celebrate ? Captain Mike Eruzione invited every player onto the gold medal platform?a break in Olympic tradition. Be sure to reward your entire team for your successes.

5. Avoid Overreacting ? At least one Russian threw his silver medal into a Lake Placid dumpster. When something doesn't go as planned, pause, then get to work fixing it.

6. Never Give Up ? The Americans trailed in six of their seven Olympic wins. As a small business owner, there will be tough times; always believe you will make it through them.

7. Rally Around A Cause ? Team USA brought together an America that was dealing with difficult political issues around the world. Focus your team on the big picture, so everyday distractions don't interrupt the plan for achieving your goals.

8. Put Yourself On The Map ? Lake Placid has a current population of 2,638?but it will always be remembered in sports lore. Create lasting moments, whether world famous or simply in the immediate vicinity of your small business.

9. Check Your Ego ? Brooks said, "The players had big egos, but they didn't have ego problems." Be confident, while keeping in mind that to be a leader you need followers.

10. Develop Overachievers ? The young Americans blended together to be the best team in the world. Inspire your team to seek heights they can't imagine are possible.

11. Be Memorable ? Al Michaels' call of the game's final seconds is one of the greatest in sports broadcasting history. Aim high! Make your small business the best it can possibly be.

Copyright © 2005 by Success Handler, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Coach, David Handler, is the founder of Success Handler, (http://www.successhandler.com), and specializes in helping small business leaders find clarity and take action. He understands the challenges of running a business, because he's been there ? as a small business owner, franchisee, franchisor, corporate leader and trainer. Much like sports coaches, his coaching will show you how to compete on a level playing field in your industry.

---

Your Small Business Suggestion Box

A suggestion box is a really good idea for your... Read More

11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From The Supreme Court

1. Have A Strong Constitution ? Justices deliver decisions by... Read More

Building Your Business for Success in 2005

It's a strange anomaly.Most people who set out to start... Read More

7 Cash Flow Secrets Your Accountant Never Told You

Looking for ways to boost your cash flow? As a... Read More

Are You Running Your Business or Is Your Business Running You?

Being a small or home-based business owner can be loads... Read More

Excuses Franchisees Make; When They Violate Exclusive Territory Agreements

One of the biggest excuses franchisees of home based and... Read More

Quality Controls for Franchising Companies Sample Outline

Quality control in franchising companies is paramount and all franchising... Read More

Politics, Environmental Rules, and Mobile Car Washes

During the California Recall Election, I was very interested. Without... Read More

Small Does Not Mean Invisible!

Running a business on the net these days can be... Read More

Overcoming Your Biggest Competitor

Before you read any further in this article, I'd like... Read More

City Wide Garage Sales: Hidden Riches!

Most of us remember going to at least one garage... Read More

Youll See It When You Believe It - Growing Your Business from the Inside Out

What unspoken message are you sending your clients and customers?... Read More

SBIR vs STTR

SBIR vs. STTR: If you are participating in the SBIR... Read More

Take a Break - Have a Pity Party

Pity parties are nothing new. In fact, we do it... Read More

The End -- Fireworks or Fizzle?

Seems as though there are a lot of business closings... Read More

Starting is the Hardest Part

You can't imagine how many people ask me how I... Read More

How to Create an Employee Manual

Large corporations use employee manuals to both educate employees about... Read More

Starting A Concrete Cleaning Pressure Washer Business

Concrete cleaning can be a lucrative business to start. Here... Read More

Implementing an Internship Program

CONSIDERING COMPANY NEEDS: In identifying your needs for the internship,... Read More

Small Business Publicity -- Worth It?

You bet it's worth it. Publicity via news releases, along... Read More

Starting Your Small Business

Where do you find more customers?How do you compete with... Read More

Small Business Strategies - Four Critical Success Factors

Scenario OneDuring a recent presentation, a business owner was given... Read More

Yeah, It IS Lonely At the Top

Sometimes when you run a business you feel as lonely... Read More

Small Home Business: Ad Copy Secrets

So it's time to invest some finances into advertising your... Read More

Small Businesses With Work Trucks; A Warning

If you are a non-operator owner of many work trucks,... Read More

What Help is there for Veterans Starting a Business?

Some of the very qualities that attract people to the... Read More

Tell Me The Reasons Why I Should Believe You?

Have you ever heard the phrase, 'PREPONDERANCE OF PROOF'?I recently... Read More

Business Pain Defined

Every company has business pain, but the pain does not... Read More

Concrete Cleaning Discussed at World of Concrete Expo 03

If you are in the pressure washing business and are... Read More

The Types of Skip Trace Accounts

First, we need to define the different kinds of skip... Read More

Professional House Cleaning - The Dirty Little Secret

Are you tired yet of all the books out there... Read More

How To Start A Blind Cleaning Business Quickly And Easily

Starting the blind cleaning business is one of the best... Read More

Truck Wash Business Case Study

Often smart entrepreneurs look for out of the way businesses,... Read More