June 2012
1 post
2 tags
The Lucky One, Why I Am Looking Forward to Summer... →
People Report Summer Brand Camp Article Post Posted via Sarah Atkinson (@TexiCaliGal) on www.summerbrandcamp.com
Next week, will be the 3rd annual Summer Brand Camp. This is not your typical conference, and trust me, you’ve never experienced a conference like this. I could go on for days about all the reasons I am looking forward to it but for now, I’ll give you my top 5.
Find out...
May 2012
6 posts
4 tags
7 Reasons Networking Can Be a Professional... →
“How many times do you say to yourself that you need to meet more people? That your circle of influence needs to be strengthened? That your skills and talents have yet to be discovered? Your career requires you to network and in today’s marketplace you must be more active than ever. But networking requires planning. An approach that is strategic and measurable; that you can learn from...
6 tags
Memorial Day Remembrance
This past week NATO Summit was held in my hometown of Chicago. What was interesting about all the NATO Summit preparation was what people knew and didn’t know about the purpose and meaning of NATO. There was a lot of commitment to insuring everyone understood the significance of this meeting of global leaders. That its mission was greater than being a magnet for individuals to exercise their...
4 tags
Innovation = People Report Summer Camp #PRSCamp
Have you been searching for breakthrough ideas?
Are you looking formula for connecting Operations, Marketing and Human Resources in profound and meaningful ways?
Do you really want to know what the next generation of leaders is really talking about?
Are you ready to finally commit to the “I” word – yes Innovation!
There is only one place to be to embrace and engage your inner “I” and more...
The Six Enemies of Greatness (and Happiness) →
“These six factors can erode the grandest of plans and the noblest of intentions. They can turn visionaries into paper-pushers and wide-eyed dreamers into shivering, weeping balls of regret. Beware!”
via Forbes.com
How To Think Differently (And Why!) →
What I've Learned at Microsoft →
via Bruno Aziza, Forbes.com
As I am now getting ready to leave Microsoft for a Silicon Valley Start-up, I look back on my time in Seattle and I’m thankful for the things I’ve learned at the number one software company in the world. Below is a reflection of my personal views. While I realize others might have had different experiences, readers should know there is a lot to learn from this...
April 2012
4 posts
3 tags
Leadership 2.0: The Entrepreneurial Society →
Tomorrow’s leaders create the institutions in which they thrive.
The norms, ethos, and expectations around leadership are changing. If stability, the pension, and the gold watch were the hallmarks of successful fortitude for Baby Boomers, today it’s the ability to create and thrive within your own institution. There was a time when “kissing up, and kicking down,” could get people to the...
7 tags
The Time is Now to Aspire Higher!
This week this was the rallying cry and theme of the Women’s Foodservice Forum Annual Leadership conference (#WFFConf12). Fritzi Woods, CEO and President of the WFF declared this during her opening comments on Sunday night and the rest is history. The WFF conference set new standards of success in world-class content, amazing connections and the channels for managers, directors and executives to...
15 tags
Ode to Change Agents
The most recent Fortune Magazine featured The 12 Greatest Entrepreneurs of Our Time. What an amazing article and truly gave great insights to the Entrepreneurs who have changed business.
That truly got me thinking about who are those entrepreneurs – social entrepreneurs and business leaders that are changing our industry. Who are those individuals working tirelessly to take part of our industry,...
6 tags
Spring – An Industry Action Season
Spring is such a great time in our industry. It marks the beginning of al fresco dining, beer gardens and ballparks across the United States firing up to serve a combination of classic and amazing stadium food.
It also represents an amazing time for gathering to share, learn and discuss the issues and opportunities in our industry. It is that rare time of the year where there are so many ways...
May 2010
8 posts
Planning Start up Stories
Today we’d like to feature a blog post from Tim Berry’s blog, “Planning Start up Stories-Tim Berry on business planning, starting and growing your business, and having a life in the meantime”. Read more about Tim here.
10 Lessons From A 25-Year-Old Who Made It
by Tim Berry on April 23, 2009
(Ed note: I’ve been asked to hide the identity of the entrepreneur here,...
Lessons from Legends: Norman Brinker
Restaurateur, Industry Icon and Founder, Brinker International
Norman Brinker was an innovative restaurateur who helped bridge the gap between fast food and fine dining with his casual, full-service chains-among them, Chili’s, Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale. Chief to Brinker’s new concepts for eateries was the salad bar, which he popularized at Steak & Ale starting in the...
Comfort Zone Plateaus - Barriers to Success
Every once in awhile I find myself on what I call the “comfort zone plateau.” I recently just jumped out of a comfort zone plateau. Basically, I was working hard, extremely customer focused and maximizing results. Many people would applaud this type of work effort because it does produce amazing results, creates forward progress and delivers high levels of customer satisfaction. At the same...
Random Acts of Inspiration
Here is an inspiring thought from the book, “One-How many people does it take to make a difference?”. It’s called “The Nudge”.
Everyday we all have chance encounters with strangers, passing conversations with neighbors and routine contacts with our friends, colleagues or customers. If you think they don’t matter consider this:
A ball placed at the crest of a...
Service Shout Out: Sweet Sally's Bakery
Hi everyone- Joanne Tarzian Kathleen’s colleague and VP of Business Development here at Kathleen Wood Partners. I am stepping in for another amazing customer service shout out. This goes out to Sally Saltzbart Minier of Sweet Sally’s in New York City.
I have never met Sally in person (not yet anyway!) and have heard some wonderful things about her and her products, mostly that they...
Lessons from Legends:Conrad Hilton
Conrad Hilton founded the international chain of business hotels which bear his name. He bought his first hotel in 1919, and founded the first so-named Hilton Hotel in 1925 in Dallas, Texas. Hilton Hotels grew into the first coast-to-coast hotel chain, placing a special emphasis on the business traveler, and Hilton became one of the world’s wealthiest men.
He also purchased other...
Lessons from Legends:Kemmons Wilson
Kemmons Wilson – Founder of Holiday Inn
A true pioneer in the hospitality industry and a consummate entrepreneur, Kemmons Wilson left an indelible stamp on the culture of American commerce. As the founder of Holiday Inn, he used his vision and determination to build a company that revolutionized an industry and – in the process – changed the way we travel, the way we live and the way we do...
Priority Management - Achieving More by Doing...
What is the biggest secret about time management? It’s that time management is really not about managing; it’s about managing priorities. Priority management is the secret weapon of successful managers and leaders.
A restaurant manager knows the importance of focusing on priorities every shift. Priorities on a shift can include making sure the prep is done before lunch, hitting service times,...
April 2010
6 posts
Service Shout Out: Enterprise Rent-A-Car
It is another service shout out for Enterprise Rent-A-Car! Ok, this company is doing something right-the employees tell me it’s their amazing training program. I have rented cars several times in the past few weeks at various Enterprise locations. No matter what time of the day or night, no matter what location-the agent will introduce him or herself, offer a bottle of water and escort you...
Lessons from Legends: Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson founder of Famous Dave’s of America is a visionary, entrepreneur, author and speaker. With over 180 restaurants and growing, Famous Dave’s has received unprecedented recognition as one of the “Hottest Concepts in America” by Nation’s Restaurant News reaching over $480 Million in sales. He has helped found several publicly traded companies on Wall Street creating over 20,000...
The Power of Connectivity
I have the great pleasure of guest blogging on FohBoh, The Restaurant Community’s blog and want to share my post from today:
I had the most amazing experience recently – I did a keynote presentation at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Operational Development Meeting. It was a fantastic meeting; trust me when I tell you the Caniac Nation is alive and well. For me, it was like a homecoming...
Lessons from Legends: Steve Jobs
In celebration of the official IPad launch this week here are some more great insights from Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs:
A lot of companies have chosen to downsize, and maybe that was the right thing for them. We chose a different path. Our belief was that if we kept putting great products in front of customers, they would continue to open their wallets.
Be a yardstick of quality. Some people...
"Just Repeat After Me..."
Everyone has their own relationship with change. Some fear it while others get very excited about it. Whatever you may have felt about change in the past, here are some thoughts that will make you think a little differently and open up to the changes that will come your way in your life.
This is Ariane de Bonvoison’s Change Manifesto:
Change is a good thing.
Change is part of life and...
March 2010
16 posts
Lessons from Legends: Dave Thomas
Dave Thomas – Founder Wendy’s Hamburgers
1) What do you need to start a business? Three simple things: know your product better than anyone. Know your customer, and have a burning desire to succeed. Take care of your business and your business will take care of you.
2) It all comes back to the basic. Serve customers the best-tasting food at a good value in a clean, comfortable restaurant,...
Checking Into Your Reality!
Thank you to everyone for your kind words, insights and most importantly your purchases of my new book, The BEST Shift of Your Life – The Restaurant Manager’s Guide for Success Outside the Restaurant. I am so appreciative of all of the support and positive feedback. I have gotten so much positive feedback. I have also gotten very interesting feedback too. Probably the most consistent feedback...
Random Act of Habits
I am constant companion.
I am your greatest asset or heaviest burden.
I will push you up to success or down to disappointment.
I am at your command.
Half the things you do might just as well be turned over to me,
For I can do them quickly, correctly and profitably.
I am easily managed, just be firm with me.
Those who are great, I have made great.
Those who are failures, I have made...
Lessons from Legends: John Wooden
In the spirit of March Madness we take this week’s lessons from the legendary basketball coach John Wooden. The following 12 quotes from John Wooden will inspire leadership success, no matter what game you play:
1. Never mistake activity for achievement.
2. A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.
3. Ability is a poor man’s wealth.
4. Adversity is the state in...
SPRING CLEANING – Get Growing NOW!
Spring has officially started and in my new home of Chicago that means 60 degrees on a Friday, snow on a Saturday and back to sunny by Sunday. The winds of change in the weather also make me think about changes in business right now. Just like Spring brings us a lot of mixed results in the weather, we are also continuing to see mixed results in business. Some businesses are having sunny...
Lessons from Legends: Truett Cathy
Some wise words from Truett Cathy, Founder of Chik-fil-A: Learn to love your work and you’ll never have to ‘work’ again.
You don’t have to make the headlines to make a difference.
Success in any relationship or endeavor begins with trust.
Courtesy is cheap to provide, and it pays great dividends.
No goal is too high if we climb with care and confidence. Nearly every...
Test Your Toughness
This past week end we all “sprung” ahead. Wouldn’t it be great if we could do that with our businesses too. Just spring ahead to a new or better place in time. I am finding that leaders and businesses that want to continue to be successful are finding that they have to start to “spring” ahead a lot faster.
Over the past few months, I have been working with...
“In motivating people, you’ve got to engage their minds and their hearts. I motivate people, I hope, by example - and perhaps by excitement, by having productive ideas to make others feel involved.”- Rupert Murdoch
Random Acts of Inspiration
You’ve failed many times, although you may not remember. You fell down the first time you tried to walk. You almost drowned the first time you tried to swim, didn’t you? Did you hit the ball the first time you swung a bat? Heavy hitters, the ones who hit the most home runs, also strike out a lot.
R.H. Macy failed seven times before his store in New York caught on.
English novelist...
Up in The Air
I want to share a customer service story with you that happened to me recently at 35,000 feet no less!
Believe it or not, the first flight attendant at American Airlines that I have met in a 1,000,000,000 miles of flying was actually nice to everyone on the flight! She was truly amazing and to top it all off, even offered me 2 free snacks. She equally managed not to hit one person with her...
Lessons from Legends: Julia Child
Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.
You must have discipline to have fun.
I think the inner person is the most important…. I would like to see an invention that keeps the mind alert. That’s what is important.
Drama is very important in life: You have to come on with a bang. You never want to go out with a whimper.
Dining with...
A DREAM Finally becomes a REALITY!
The BEST Shift of Your Life! – The Restaurant Manager’s Guide to Success Outside the Restaurant!
Several years ago I started on a journey to write the first personal development book specifically for restaurant managers. I had never written a book before and had no idea what the process was– who knew! Who knew the many shifts one goes through to write a book – I went from liking it, to wanting...
How Restaurants Can Get Their Sales Groove Back –...
If you are a restaurant operator trying to build sales right now here are my seven steps to immediately help you get your sales groove back. These seven steps cost little to nothing to do. However to execute them effectively they need your passion, time and attention. If you don’t have time to focus on building sales then I have to ask what are you focused on? So, just so we are on the same...
Leadership Lessons from Legends
Leadership Lessons from Legends
Ray Kroc – Founder and Builder of McDonald’s
Are you green and growing or ripe and rotting? If you work just for money, you’ll never make it, but if you love what you’re doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours. If you’re not a risk taker, you should get the hell out of business. Its easy to have principles when...
February 2010
3 posts
Lessons in Leadership
As we celebrate President’s Day this week it is a great time to celebrate with some lessons in leadership.
A Quick Fun Fact - President’s Day is a Federal holiday that recognizes George Washington’s birthday. In 1968, legislation was enacted that declared the third Monday of February the official observation of Washington’s birthday. Many have believed for a long time it was a joint of...
The Power of One - A New Way to Win
The Power of One: Creating a Championship Company
First there were two – the Colts and Saints – and soon there will only be one. Both of these teams have their own brands, their own cultures and their own styles of play. Which will ultimately win? The championship team that has internalized and actualized the Power of One will win. The Power of One is that championship team or company that...
January 2010
2 posts
Old School Goes New School: Learning the Language...
My New Year’s resolution this year was to learn a new language – the language of social media. Now, I tend to think of myself as a well educated, well respected, well traveled, somewhat worldly business leader. I have conquered many complex problems, situations and circumstances in my life and in my business. But when I cast myself into the unfamiliar vastness of the social media landscape, I...
Be Completely F'd Up in 2010!
That’s right. Be 100 percent F’d up in 2010! I think it’s safe to assume that, for the most part, we are all good to say goodbye to 2009. Perhaps we could use a few “F” words to send it off in style too! Being F’d up is about creating a new perspective by using the power of “F” words so you can have an amazingly successful year.
Here are my F words for 2010
Focus – What are you focused on? Is it...