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.

---

How Is the LEGAL SYSTEM Dishing Out JUSTICE in Your Town?

Thankfully, most of us will never find out. That is... Read More

Power Tools for Business

How do we keep track of our business deals?If you... Read More

Franchising 101- What You Absolutely Need to Know

Franchising has made the world look really small. The well... Read More

Seven Common Mistakes Made By Small Business Owners

Most new small businesses won't be in business this time... Read More

Retail Customer Opportunities for Pressure Washing Companies

Pressure washing companies must look for customers in the retail... Read More

You Dont Yet Know What You Dont Know

Someone new to business ownership recently told me, "Before I... Read More

Private Investigator Tactics

A Private Investigator is a professional trained in the art... Read More

Small Business Security No Passing Fad

How careful are you with the data you collect from... Read More

The Virtual Assistant

As a small business owner, outsourcing work to Virtual Assistants... Read More

Do You Own Your Business Or Does It Own You?

What was your aim when you went into business for... Read More

Cashing In Your Chips & Pastures New

No, I'm not talking about gambling or dairy cows ?... Read More

How to Define Business Objectives

Why does a good business relationship rely on having some... Read More

Why Does a Business Fail and What Can You Do to Stop It?

I believe the number one reason why a business will... Read More

Attributes Of Companies You Don?t Want To Buy!

There are no "rules of thumb" in the pursuit of... Read More

Auto Detailers and Competitive Aspects of Automobile Detailing

There are both fixed and mobile detailers. Consumers often will... Read More

Become The Squeaky Wheel and Watch Your Business Skyrocket!

Providing high quality customer service is a must for any... Read More

How Disabled Veterans Can Win Government Contracts

The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) is a program that... Read More

Small Business Debt Collection Laws

In your small business debt collection laws will eventually become... Read More

Passion Is Key To A Successful Business

Passion. Passion alone can make your business successful. As an... Read More

How to Find Success in the Import Export Business

Take advantage of world politics today and start your own... Read More

How To Select a Franchise

Here are some useful tips on how to select a... Read More

Packing Material Thats Cheap!

Shipping materials can be expensive! Even the styrofoam "peanuts" can... Read More

Small Businesses You Can Start in Automotive

There are many choices when thinking about a small business... Read More

Top 10 Lessons for Small Business Success - As learned From My Twin 3 Year Olds

Small business success is very similar to learning to walk,... Read More

Direct Mail - For Small Businesses

We hear a lot of talk about junk mail nowadays.... Read More

Awning Cleaning Business Case Study: Entrepreneurship 101

It is most fascinating to study how entrepreneurs spot opportunity... Read More

How to Promote Your Business by Entering Contests

You are probably hard at work promoting your business (and... Read More

Avoiding the Small Business Cash Flow Roller Coaster

A solopreneur I know disappears from my radar screen for... Read More

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Joining a Professional Association

I'll be the first to admit that I went a... Read More

Cabinet Refacing Business Opportunities

With all the cabinet refacing business opportunities out there, you... Read More

SBAs 8(a) Program Can Help Some Companies Compete

Q: A friend told me that as a woman of... 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

Home Based Franchise Case Study

Here is an interesting case study of a company, which... Read More