Armed with Scissors and an Idea a Billionaire is Born. The Spanx Story.
Sara Blakely was getting ready for a party when she realized she didn't have the right undergarment to provide a smooth look. Like all revolutions: it was not easy.
Business lessons from a pro athlete
Most owners aren't "superstars." But they have a hidden superpower. Discover your superpower amidst the lessons from my friend Jean Hebert, a pro athlete and NHL referee.
What delivering newspapers taught me about pizza – The story of Domino’s.
How an orphan who was swindled out of his life savings grew the largest independent restaurant business on the planet.
Fish when the fish are runnin’
Morris was Vice President of Marketing of a $50 million business and his favourite saying was, "We go fishin' when the fish are runnin'." But Morris was wrong.
By definition, an entrepreneur solves problems
Business ownership is not a career path. It’s a lifestyle choice. It’s not for everyone. There are sacrifices to be made.
Shortest distance between two points
Anyone worth their salt can tell you the steps you need to take to get “Where you want to be.” The problem isn’t identifying the steps. The issue is what to do when a mountain gets in your way.
Pat Weaver Changed the Face of Advertising Forever
You have not heard of him, but if you've ever run an ad on TV or Radio then you have him to thank. Learn the key to controlling eyeballs (and your own destiny).
Mom was right, your so-called friends are using you.
Just like the friends that go to your neighbor’s party when the freebies are gone, Transactional Customers mooch from you until there’s nothing left to give.
A Trip to Italy Changes Everything for Starbucks
How a sip of espresso at a piazza in Italy transformed the coffee industry in North America. It seems obvious now. But trust me. This idea was crazy.
Growth, Blindspots and FOAG
When a customer answered with FOAG (Fine, Ok, Alright, Good), our staff challenged them. “Really, it was just ok?”
Seabiscuits and Monstars
I coach baseball for the same reasons I work as an ad guy. I dream for my kids to understand the underdog doesn’t need to have the most points to be the winner.
Relational Employees
My phone buzzed with a text message that changed my life for the next two years. The assistant manager texted that he quit his job. He followed with a second bomb that everyone quits. No notice, no negotiations. Just quit.
What’s The Most Powerful Asset That Every Business Possesses?
The things that don’t seem to be about money usually produce the most money. A lot of times they require little to no ad dollars.
Your Competitors Are Bastards
Business is like writing. You have to find your own style and stick to it. Stop worrying about what the competition is doing. They're all bastards. Get inspired by things they don't understand.