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 to Prevent Home Business Burnout

As a home business proprietor, you may already realize why... Read More

Five Tips for First Time Entrepreneurs

It seems so long ago that I started my first... Read More

Small Business Marketing, According to Seinfeld

What could Seinfeld possibly have to do with marketing a... Read More

11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From Punxsutawney Phil

1. Look Over Your Shoulder ? Of course, Punxsutawney Phil... Read More

How Micro Loans Can Mean Macro Success for Your Business

"Inch by inch, row by row...that's the way my garden... Read More

Marketing Your Small Business - The Top 10 Brilliant Ideas

A Brilliant Marketing Idea... sounds great but what is it?... Read More

Buy a Flower Shop: Serious Considerations

You've always liked flowers and you think the idea of... Read More

Small Business Grants - Tips from the Pros

Every business starts with an idea or a dream. To... Read More

7 Tips to Improving Your Cash Flow

Cash is King... That is what everyone tells us and... Read More

The Responsibility Conundrum - Where art Thou?

Mr/Ms, 'not me' is often on holidays in your business.... Read More

Boat Detailers; Add-on Products and Services

As a Boat Detailing Specialist, you may want to offer... Read More

Money Series 1: Who Takes Your Money

Your business is making profits, but where is the cash?... Read More

Shopping For a Franchise

Shopping for a franchise is easy if you know what... Read More

Organizing Tips for Small Business Success

If you discovered the bottom line in your business depended... Read More

Australian Workplace Agreements - How They Work For You

The employer / employee relations environment has been constantly evolving... Read More

Small Businesses You Can Start in Automotive

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

Cleaning Grain Silos, Towers, Containers, and Combines

If you run a pressure washing company in a rural... Read More

Small Business Success - It?s a Matter of Confidence

I was floored! I couldn't believe what they were saying!... Read More

Dealing With a Crooked on the Take Government Worker

Many government department heads are on the take. Oh they'll... Read More

Real World Accounting for Small Business Owners

If you're like me, you love accounting. It's so fascinating... Read More

Small Businesses - Big Obstacles

Everyone is talking about small businesses. In 1993, when it... Read More

Perception: What Are Your Patients REALLY Hearing?

Never underestimate the power of perception! Perception plays a major... Read More

Low Cost or Highly Funded Start Up

Many new ventures are preoccupied with all the money they... Read More

Franchise Sales and Use of Online Franchise Directories

Franchising Directory Sites-Paid Advertising, Lead Generation for FranchisingFranchising Directory Sites... Read More

Are You Ready to Own and Operate a Business?

How often has someone thought of starting a business based... Read More

Grants vs. Contracts

Commonly folks have asked me what the technical difference is... Read More

3 Ways To Make Certain Your Business Fails

Most small businesses incorporated in 2005 will fail by the... Read More

Not Listening Can Hurt Your Small Business

Most small business owners seek advisors who can help them... Read More

Small Business and Branding ? Why and How?

When we speak of branding most of the time people... Read More

Due Dilegence 101 Or What You Do Not Know Can Kill You! - Part 1

Introduction: This article is written as a general discussion on... Read More

Canon City, Colorado - Good for Small Business

Canon City, Colorado is known for it's 6 Prisons; State... Read More

Get Out Of The Rut And Back On the Track

Do you sometimes find yourself just going "through the motions"... Read More

Measuring Your Way to Success

Are you a motivational speaker who consistently gets rave reviews... Read More