1. Everyone Makes A Difference Despite not letting him play in their games, the other reindeer came to understand Rudolphs importance. Look for the talents in each of your employees.

2. Have Courage And Confidence At first Rudolph ran from his problems, then he came back to face them. When things are tough, keep working hard and believing in yourself.

3. Dont Always Listen To Experts Hermey went against the wishes of the elves and became a dentist. Be receptive to others advice, but remember, in the end you know whats best.

4. Know Who You Are Donner covered up Rudolphs nose, but eventually everyone found out. Customers will discover if youre not really who you say you are, so train your employees well.

5. Keep Learning Yukon Cornelius knew Bumbles bounce. Seek new information often about your small business, your industry, your competition and your customers/clients.

6. Tell Your Story Burl Ives narration in Rudolph ties it all together. Let customers/clients and prospects know the benefits they receive to distinguish your business from competitors.

7. Be Innovative Yukon had Hermey oink like a pig to distract the Abominable Snowman. Look for opportunities to improve your operations by doing things differently than you always have.

8. Be Creative The elves drop toys by umbrellas, which is must faster than Santa going down chimneys. Find ways to make your employees more productive, and make you more profitable.

9. Recognize The Obvious Santa was ready to cancel Christmas, then he realized Rudolphs nose was the answer. Next time you have a problem, see if the answer is right under your nose.

10. Recycling Is Good Santa found homes for everyone on the island of misfit toys. Review your marketing materials and determine which ones need to find a home in the recycling bin.

11. Capitalize On Milestones The 40th anniversary of Rudolph proves there is opportunity in longevity. Celebrate and publicize your next significant anniversary all year long.

Copyright 2004 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.