2010 Best Practices Series
April 15
Using Technology to Drive Revenue & Profits
June 18
What is My Business Worth & How Will I Be Able to Sell It when I Want To?
September 9
The Art & Science of Changing Your Business
October 28
How Do You Create Great Employees?
December 3
“Hello, Mr. Johnson? Your Building Is On Fire.”
Testimonials
Amdahl Hearing
Erica Amdahl of Amdahl Hearing believes that joining Linda Laitala’s Inner Circle has played a central role in her company’s growth. Since joining one year ago, Amdahl Hearing has already added one location and is preparing further expansions.
After visiting the group Erica was intrigued by the variety of members, each in a different stage of business growth. Once a member, Erica realized that Inner Circle solves the “You don’t know what you don’t know” paradigm. As members freely discuss their situations in complete confidentiality, Erica realizes what she doesn’t know, as well as how to approach the issues.
“Our Inner Circle is like working with nine different business coaches for the price of one,” says Erica. “Regardless of where I’m at, another circle member has been there.” Items span the gamut of running a business. Whether employee issues, insurance, technology, family-run businesses, day-to-day operations or moving from “hands-on” owner to the visionary, Inner Circle has deliberated the topic.
She credits Linda Laitala for her skillful moderation and her amazing network of resources. “Linda asks great leading questions…ones that force you to think and re-think. In addition, her network of people and industries always provide amazing connections for our members. She’s remarkable.”
Perhaps what Erica likes best is that the business solutions Inner Circle provides allow her to focus less on business concerns and more on her mission: to help people hear better.
Erica Amdahl, Owner
Amdahl Hearing | www.amdahlhearing.com
API Plastics
Dave Foss is a business owner who prefers setting trends to following them. As president of API Plastics in Rogers, Minn., Dave closely monitors competitors’ paths and then tacks in a different direction—all with great results. Admittedly, he needs in-depth industry knowledge. But he also needs an understanding of other industries as well. His secret weapon? Linda Laitala’s Inner Circle of Central Minnesota.
Dave joined Inner Circle three years ago. He wanted fresh ideas, new perspectives, tremendous contacts and supportive members. Dave got all that and much more.
It’s Inner Circle’s diversity that helps guide Dave. “There’s a whole bunch of stuff going on out there that I learn about in our circle. This variety is something a business coach can’t offer,” Dave says. With members in retail, -----, ----, ---- and much more, Dave says, “I get new insights at every meeting from other fields that may apply to my business—and that’s exactly what I need.”
Dave hasn’t found industry trade groups as helpful. “There are all kinds of industry meetings, but within my discipline everyone’s really the same. There are no new ideas,” he adds. He also emphasizes that those trade group discussions are too general because members are also competitors.
Inner Circle solves that. There are no people in competing fields and everything is completely confidential. “Inner Circle is like an ‘all-in-one school,’ Dave says. I can get plenty of ideas from my group. I don’t need the classes and seminars. It’s all right here in my Inner Circle.”
Dave also values the open and honest atmosphere including business and personal issues. “You learn that people are the same as you,” Dave says. “The issues are the same. Inner Circle allows you to learn from each other and we all support one another.”
Admittedly, Dave questioned working with, “a little gal from small-town Mora.” But he learned quickly that her background and business-owner experience make her a powerhouse of expertise. She’s well known across Minnesota and beyond. Her background and experience have contributed extensively. Dave adds, “She’s also well connected. If I bring something up chances are Linda’s familiar with the industry and knows someone who can help. She’s amazing. And her leadership brings out the best in each of our circle members.”
Dave Foss, President
Action Plastics | www.actionplastics.com
Creative Memories
Beth Gibson Lilja joined Inner Circle, a peer advisory group for executives and business owners, in 2006. The direct-sales businesswoman is a photo and memory celebration coach and a unit leader with Creative Memories, a business she’s grown for 13 years.
Beth freely admits she was skeptical about joining Inner Circle. She wasn’t sure that being in direct sales could offer the diverse—yet all-women—group assistance or that the members could help her.
Now Beth freely admits she was wrong. “The diversity is actually a tremendous strength because of the various perspectives offered,” Beth says. The seven-member Ham Lake circle includes business owners, executives and entrepreneurs in fields ranging from manufacturing to public relations to a day-care resource executive. Beth believes these women are especially supportive and the strict confidentiality creates an open, honest atmosphere.
“What Inner Circle has taught me is that I need assistance from others with an objective, honest viewpoint—something you can’t always get from other direct-sales peers and from friends. With Inner Circle, I get the feedback I need—not necessarily the feedback I want.”
That feedback comes from monthly meetings. But it also comes throughout the month from members—another benefit of Inner Circle. “Our circle’s members are truly a part of my life now,” Beth says.
Another key to success is accountability. Each month goals are set. Knowing that the following month goals are reviewed and progress is measured is a great motivator. In fact, the greatest improvement Beth sees in her business is the efficiency that circle members insisted she adapt from computer programs Beth previously ignored. Beth’s subsequent goals and actions ensured she followed through, and now she reaps “enormous” benefits.
Another element that sets her Inner Circle apart from other professional associations, Beth says, is Linda Laitala, her Circle’s founder and moderator. “Linda helps us see things from new angles because she can elicit information from us that we haven’t realized or considered.” Linda follows those realizations with support, encouragement and appreciation to help ensure members act on their new-found insights. “Linda gives us strength. She’s a fantastic moderator—and motivator,” Beth emphasizes.
On both a personal and professional level Beth values Inner Circle, the individuals and the advice. “I don’t want to miss a meeting,” Beth adds.
Beth Gibson Lilja, Celebration & Memory Coach
Creative Memories | www.mycmsite.com/bethlilja