In our world of technology, it is easy for folks to feel isolated. Yes, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn can help, but nothing takes the place of personal touch-points.

Many of us are only scratching the surface of our true potential, and I hope to help deliver that spark for others to unleash it! We can never afford to settle comfortably into cruise control and rest on our laurels.

Always be kind to the front line, whether in person or a call center. Often their hands are tied and they are doing their jobs with the tools they have been given. Show them empathy.

What magical moments are you creating for your customers that differentiates you from your competitors?

When asked, can your buyers describe the moments and articulate your differences?

Can your staffers articulate them? Your supply partners?

Instead of trying to ignore or change the thing that makes you different: Feature it!

Growing up on a farm there were expectations to work hard and be grateful. It’s amazing how many times I’ve leaned on these two traits to push through barriers and times of challenge. Get back out there and get your boots muddy and do it with a smile.

That’s very interesting, isn’t it? The same holiday season and yet two opposite responses to it-pure joy, and all the enthusiasm of getting a root canal.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Innovators are often disruptors with ideas that challenge the status quo. By the very nature of those ideas, you will receive lots of feedback. Listen to it all, evaluate whether it makes sense to you, use what helps and forget the rest.