Customer Focused Strategies

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s starts his day with a powerful yet simple habit: two phone calls to fellow CEOs. This daily ritual isn’t about small talk; it’s about expanding his network, spotting industry trends, and keeping a pulse on emerging opportunities and threats. Incorporating networking into your daily routine—even with just a couple of calls or emails—can open doors to new ideas and connections. Whether you’re a CEO or an aspiring leader, you can adapt this approach to broaden your own network and stay ahead. #Networking #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Microsoft #ProfessionalDevelopment https://ow.ly/qxuZ50UcLsi

The hotel empire we know now started off as a root beer stand. Marriott International's journey began in 1927 when J. Willard Marriott and his wife, Alice, opened a nine-seat A&W root beer franchise in Washington, D.C. What started as a small business later evolved into a successful chain of Hot Shoppes restaurants. In 1957, Marriott ventured into the hotel industry, opening the first Marriott hotel, the Twin Bridges Motor Hotel, in Arlington, Virginia. Under the leadership of J. Willard’s son, Bill Marriott, the company expanded rapidly, acquiring several hotel brands and transforming into a global hospitality leader. Marriott is now the largest hotel chain in the world. From a small root beer stand to a global empire, Marriott’s story is one of innovation, growth, and dedication to serving its customers. #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Innovation #SuccessStory #Marriott

This was a great article, and we really enjoyed exploring the “Disconnect Principle” as outlined by the author. The Disconnect Principle highlights the importance of aligning what we think with what we say. If our minds are filled with frustration, it shows, no matter how carefully we choose our words. When giving feedback or facing disappointment, instead of jumping to conclusions, step back and recognize you might not have the full story. Use the phrase “I think we have a disconnect” to foster open, constructive dialogue. It’s a simple, non-judgmental way to level the playing field and lead with empathy. #Leadership #CommunicationSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #Feedback #Connection https://lnkd.in/eHEQh7K6

Many business travelers frequent Ruth's Chris Steak House when entertaining clients but did you ever wonder how it got its atypical name? In 1965, 38-year-old single mother Ruth Fertel purchased local restaurant, Chris Steak House, despite skepticism from her banker, lawyer, and loved ones. In 1967, Ruth realized a 500° plate with a pat of butter would keep steaks sizzling hot. Using her background in chemistry, she later took her idea further and designed a proprietary 1800-degree broiler. A 1976 fire forced a move of the steakhouse and a change to the restaurant's name. Per her contract, Ruth couldn’t keep the original name of the restaurant, so she rebranded as Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The first franchise opened the same year, marking the start of global expansion. Ruth’s Chris went public in 2005, and now operates in 21 countries. Ruth’s bold vision and commitment to excellence are a shining example of an entrepreneurial success story. #Entrepreneurship #FemaleLeaders #Innovation #SuccessStory #RuthsChrisSteakHouse

Steve Jobs was known for his intense drive, high expectations, and sometimes difficult personality. But those who worked closest to him, like Pixar Animation Studios co-founder Ed Catmull, saw a different side—one that evolved over time. According to Catmull, Jobs’s biggest transformation was learning empathy. Early in his career, Jobs was a demanding leader, but his experience of being ousted from Apple changed him. He later returned to Apple with a new perspective, treating employees with greater understanding and care while still maintaining his perfectionist standards. This growth in empathy also extended to understanding what his customers wanted, and not only shaped his leadership but also influenced the innovative success of Apple. His journey is a reminder that empathy isn’t just a “soft” skill—it’s a powerful driver of business success, and you don’t have to be born with the gift of empathy, you can hone it over time. #Leadership #Empathy #SteveJobs #Innovation #GrowthMindset #Apple https://ow.ly/oW9e50TlvIk

Some of the biggest companies come from humble beginnings. The now global electronics powerhouse, Samsung Electronics, was founded by Lee Byung-chul in 1938 as a small grocery store in Seoul, South Korea. Facing fierce competition and nearly going bankrupt during the Korean War, Lee pivoted to selling sugar and textiles. By the early 1960s, he foresaw the rise of electronics and shifted focus to manufacturing and selling electronic goods. This strategic move set Samsung on a path to dominate the global market and clinch its spot among the tech giants of today. Lee Byung-chul’s ability to switch directions from a struggling grocery store to a thriving electronics powerhouse (including Samsung Networks Group) illustrates how crucial it is for businesses to anticipate and respond effectively to changing market opportunities. #BusinessTransformation #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #SuccessStory #Growth #Samsung

Branding isn’t just for companies and products. Personal branding, your unique combination of skills, values, and experiences, can set you apart in a competitive workplace. This was an interesting look at the importance of building and nurturing your own personal branding to help shape your professional identity. To effectively build your brand, start with self-reflection, highlight your strengths authentically, and ensure consistency in how you present yourself both online and offline. Visibility is crucial, so take on high-profile projects, network across the organization, and use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your achievements. Your brand isn’t static; it grows with you, so stay intentional and adapt as needed. Own your story, make your mark, and let your personal brand drive your career forward! #PersonalBranding #Career #Growth #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership

The iconic tree-shaped air freshener found in countless cars was invented in 1952 by German-Canadian chemist Julius S?mann. Inspired by a milk truck driver’s complaints about lingering odors, S?mann soaked absorbent cardboard in fragrant oils extracted from Canadian Alpine trees, creating a simple yet effective solution. Today, the CAR-FRESHNER Corporation has sold over a billion Little Trees units, proving that sometimes, small everyday frustrations—like spilled milk—can inspire million-dollar inventions. #Innovation #ProblemSolving #SuccessStory #Entrepreneurship #Inspiration

26 years and counting! Thank you to our incredible team and our amazing customers who have been part of this journey. Your trust and collaboration are the heart of our success, and we couldn't have reached this milestone without you. #PamLopez #SuzanneBeisner #Anniversary #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenOwnedBusiness

L.L.Bean’s story began when founder Leon L. Bean returned from a hunting trip with wet feet. Determined to solve the problem, he sewed leather tops onto rubber boots, creating the iconic “Bean Boot.” In 1912, Bean promoted his creation with a clever flyer, resulting in 100 orders—90 of which were returned due to defects. Unfazed, Bean refunded his customers and refined his product, demonstrating the resilience and dedication that built the beloved brand. Today, L.L. Bean is known worldwide for its commitment to quality and functionality. #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #SuccessStory #Quality #Innovation #LLBean