I grew up in retailing, which is closely related to the hospitality business. Little things matter. “The devil is in the details.” This is why small percentages of improvement can garner big differences in performance. It’s the 80/20 rule or maybe better yet the 95/5 rule. There seems to be statistical evidence behind the 80/20 [...]

Be different. We mean, “Be different in a good way.” One of the very first marketing and advertising lessons I learned was the power of zigging when everybody else was zagging. The point was simple, but not easy. You have to stand out from the crowd. Separating yourself from the competition may be easier in [...]

I watch just enough baseball to be dangerous. When Pudge Rodriguez was catching for the Texas Rangers I remember going to a few games. His arm at throwing out runners attempting to steal a base was spectacular. Much more so in person than on TV. Since I was young I was probably more fascinated at [...]

“Failure is not an option.” Another platitude that sounds good, but is colossally wrong. Failure is possible in everything. And probable, too. That’s just the truth. Fact. Does that mean you should fear it? Not necessarily. More importantly, you should likely prepare for it. Not by bracing for it, but by planning worst-case-scenario. So often [...]

Oklahoma Sooner’s head football coach Lincoln Riley has a reputation as a quarterback whisperer. His two previous QB’s are Heisman Trophy winners. Part of his claim to fame is the ability to simplify the position. He installs game plans and plays that QB’s can more easily execute. It’s what he should do as a head [...]

“The central economic imperative of the network economy is to amplify relationships.” That’s what Kevin Kelly wrote in New Rules For The New Economy. Self-awareness is hard. VERY hard. Schools don’t help. I know better than to do what I did, but I did it anyway. Because sometimes I’m a ninnie. My 12-year-old grandson is [...]