11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From Punxsutawney Phil

1. Look Over Your Shoulder ? Of course, Punxsutawney Phil has to look over his to search for his shadow. You should, too, every so often, to check out your competition?and see whether they're gaining on (or leading) you.

2. Be Unique ? While groundhogs normally live six to eight years, legend says there is only one Phil, and he's been making predictions for more than 118 years. Think about why your small business stands out, and let the world know your special (and truthful) story.

3. Create An Event ? Folks gathering in Punxsutawney on Groundhog Day also enjoy the 2nd Annual Phil's "Anything Goes" Chili and Wings Cook-off, 7th Annual Woodchuck Whittle and Crowning of Little Mr. and Miss Groundhog. Find opportunities to celebrate with your customers and community.

4. Expand Your Offerings ? As you might guess, there are plenty of Phil collectibles for sale, including a Ty Beanie Red Tie version. Think of ways to capture more of your customers'/clients' business by providing more high-value products/services for them.

5. Be Resourceful ? The majority of "Groundhog Day" was shot 600 miles away in Woodstock, Illinois, because Punxsutawney didn't have an appropriate town square. Look for creative ways to find answers to your business challenges.

6. Think Small ? Punxsutawney is a community that maintains its small-town lifestyle. Remember to always treat your clients/customers like you live in their neighborhoods.

7. Act Big ? Over the years, Phil met President Reagan, appeared on Oprah and gave his prediction on the big screen in Times Square. Just because you're a small business doesn't mean you have to act like one.

8. Spread The Word ? In 1887, the editor of the local paper proclaimed Phil the one and only official weather prognosticating groundhog, and newspapers from around the globe soon began reporting his predictions. Be sure to let the media know what exciting things you're doing.

9. Involve Your Whole Team ? The Groundhog Club Inner Circle, which carries on the tradition of Phil ? including taking care of him and planning events ? consists of local dignitaries. Invite all of your employees to share with you in setting and achieving goals for your small business.

10. Have Fun ? Think about it?all these people paying attention to a groundhog? Remember to find moments to celebrate, laugh and enjoy the good things in your life.

11. Get Plenty Of Rest ? While hibernating in winter isn't an option, take advantage of opportunities to rejuvenate. It will make you more effective in the long run.

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.

shuttle to Midway Beardstown .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

The FBI has issued a warning that scammers are impersonating doctors, police and banks using spoofed numbers as "smishing" texts surge nationwide.
Communities with unreliable internet service stand to gain after Amazon's Project Kuiper launched its first full batch of satellites into orbit April 28.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says unsubscribing from spam might actually backfire. Learn when to avoid it and stop junk effectively.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how the first nonstop beating heart transplant, called zero ischemic time, at Taiwan hospital changes surgery.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson: FBI warns of "time-traveling" hackers.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about a soft, vine-like robot called SPROUT that aids safe survivor rescues in collapsed buildings.
Health insurance giant Blue Shield of California confirmed it had been sharing private health data of 4.7 million users with Google for three years without even realizing it.
Delta and JetZero’s blended wing body aircraft marks a meaningful step toward a cleaner, quieter and more efficient future for air travel.
Recent reports show many common passwords can be cracked in literally seconds. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how to strengthen your passwords.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Iron, a robot that stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 154 pounds, combines advanced artificial intelligence with human-like movement and exceptional vision.
Hertz, the rental car giant, recently confirmed that customer information was exposed through a cyberattack on one of its software vendors.
There are a number of features with AirPods you may or may not know about to take your listening experience to the next level. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.
These 35 Chrome extensions have privacy and security concerns. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says to delete them now.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says 329,000 mph fusion rocket promises to be fast, disruptive and enable deep-space missions.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says a new autonomous AI is a game changer that also raises privacy risks. Is your data safe?
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says robots and drones are revolutionizing fruit farming with faster picking and smarter handling.
Landmark Admin revises May 2024 cyberattack scope to show twice as many people were affected. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives tips to help stay safe from an insurance data breach.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how Yamaha’s hydrogen outboard motor could revolutionize boating with zero emissions.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how to memorialize or remove a deceased loved one’s Facebook account and protect their digital legacy from misuse or scams.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says an Apple Watch saved psychiatrist Amanda Faulkner by detecting deadly leukemia early.
Scammers and fraudsters are increasingly targeting the most vulnerable, especially nursing homes and the personal data of their residents. Kurt the CyberGuy has safety tips.
Infected USB flash drives can spread malware among multiple organizations in ways that can easily bypass traditional security systems.
With a fully automated warehouse system and AI-powered robots, Ocado's Hive picks, packs and delivers grocery store orders in just a few minutes.

Advertising - For Small Businesses (Part 1)

Is it right for you?If you decide to advertise your... Read More

But This Is Just My Opinion

Hi, Charles...here, Your Cap and t-shirt guy From Texas. How... Read More

Are You Making These Mistakes In Your Business?

You've probably heard the statistic that 95% of small businesses... Read More

Dealing With a Crooked on the Take Government Worker

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

Public Relations: Antidote for Small Business Failure

When small businesses fail, the wreckage is often assigned to... Read More

Collaborative Negotiating: A Win-Win Strategy

COLLABORATIVE NEGOTIATING:Collaborative negotiating is a win-win strategy that can focus... Read More

The Joy and Hazards Of Finding Your First Office

Q: I have outgrown my home office and need to... Read More

How to Get Maximum Results With Minimum Effort

Get maximum results with minimum effort. Sounds great doesn't it?... Read More

Small Business Owners - They Owe You The Money Why Dont They Pay?

Doesn't it frustrate you when you've given good service, sometimes... Read More

11 Benefits of Starting a House Cleaning Business

One of the biggest fears people have about starting a... Read More

Start a Technical Writing Service

Technical writing services are employed to explain the details of... Read More

Business Owners - Do You Actually Own a Job?

How many hours do you work a week? When was... Read More

Debit and ATM Card Advice for Small Businesses

Your business account comes with an ATM, Debit card. Pick... Read More

Auto Detailers and Competitive Aspects of Automobile Detailing

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

Mission Statements: More Important Than You Thought

If an organization lacks a mission statement, it is worthwhile... Read More

Small Business Strategies - Four Critical Success Factors

Scenario OneDuring a recent presentation, a business owner was given... Read More

Setting Prices - Pricing Your Consulting Services

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PRICINGIn case you hadn't noticed, people can... Read More

Tips on Setting Up Your Small Business Bank Account

One of the first things you will need to set... Read More

Are You Making the Most of Your Intern?

KEEPING INTEREST HIGH: Supervision is key to the success of... Read More

Starting a New Business in a Small Town

Q. I am a former pastor who left the ministry... Read More

Be Prepared When Business Investors Look Beyond Your Business Plan

You have spent considerable time pulling your business plan together,... Read More

6 Steps to a Successful Medical Spa Expansion

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, since... Read More

Lawyers Everywhere Telling Regulators What Laws to Make

The Federal Trade Commission decided to sit down and revamp... Read More

Getting City Contracts; Local Government Contracting

All cities have a purchasing office and/or a procurement officer.... Read More

Forming a Corporation ? Investors

You've come up with the best idea since sliced bread,... Read More

Green Bay Hummer H2 SUV rentals ..