1. Know Where Youre Going Coach Herb Brooks had a strategic plan for assembling the American team. Take time to determine the direction you want to take your small business, then put in place the action steps and players to accomplish your goals.

2. Rise To The Occasion 13 days earlier, Russia beat the Americans 10-3 in an exhibition, but when it counted the Americans claimed victory. Whenever you have the opportunity to take on an incredible challenge, believe you are qualified to accept it.

3. Finish The Job After beating Russia, Team USA still had to play Finland two days later for the gold. Enjoy victories along the way, and stay focused on tomorrow.

4. Let Everyone Celebrate Captain Mike Eruzione invited every player onto the gold medal platforma break in Olympic tradition. Be sure to reward your entire team for your successes.

5. Avoid Overreacting At least one Russian threw his silver medal into a Lake Placid dumpster. When something doesnt go as planned, pause, then get to work fixing it.

6. Never Give Up The Americans trailed in six of their seven Olympic wins. As a small business owner, there will be tough times; always believe you will make it through them.

7. Rally Around A Cause Team USA brought together an America that was dealing with difficult political issues around the world. Focus your team on the big picture, so everyday distractions dont interrupt the plan for achieving your goals.

8. Put Yourself On The Map Lake Placid has a current population of 2,638but it will always be remembered in sports lore. Create lasting moments, whether world famous or simply in the immediate vicinity of your small business.

9. Check Your Ego Brooks said, The players had big egos, but they didnt have ego problems. Be confident, while keeping in mind that to be a leader you need followers.

10. Develop Overachievers The young Americans blended together to be the best team in the world. Inspire your team to seek heights they cant imagine are possible.

11. Be Memorable Al Michaels call of the games final seconds is one of the greatest in sports broadcasting history. Aim high! Make your small business the best it can possibly be.

Copyright 2005 by Success Handler, LLC. All rights reserved.

David Handler

The Coach, David Handler, is the founder of Success Handler, LLC, and specializes in helping franchisees, franchisors and business leaders find clarity and take action. He understands the challenges of running a business, because he’s been there – as a franchisee, franchisor, business owner, corporate leader and trainer. Much like sports coaches, his coaching will show you how to compete on a level playing field in your industry.

There are two “I’s” in accountability – You and Me! Together we will achieve your destiny.©

David worked with ABC Sports, ESPN and regional sports programmers HSE (now Fox Sports Southwest) and Raycom. He produced more than 700 live events, including NFL football, NCAA football and basketball, and Major League Baseball. Career highlights were broadcasting Nolan Ryan's 5,000th career strikeout and two of the 15 perfect games in MLB history (Mike Witt-1984 and Kenny Rogers-1994). The second earned a national Telly Award for best sports production and was nominated for an ESPY.

In 1988, David awoke in the middle of the night from a dream and wrote down four words: "Notre Dame, football, travel." Partnering with two lifelong friends, David helped Anthony Travel become the Official Travel Service of the University of Notre Dame, Disney's Wide World of Sports¨ complex and several other universities. Over one five-year period, Anthony Travel was named one of the 100 fastest growing privately held companies in Dallas on three occasions.

After selling his interest in the travel company in 1998, David joined the International Center for Entrepreneurial Development (ICED) - a family of franchises with nine brands and more than 1,000 locations around the world. As senior VP in charge of marketing, he developed creative programs that franchisees used to gain new customers and increase profits.

David founded Success Handler to utilize the skills gained during his 23-year business career in a coaching capacity with franchisees, franchisors and business owners.