[10.22] Building Long-Lasting Business Relationships

• A successful business relationship requires both sides to win; otherwise, it won’t last.
• Lasting relationships are the foundation of decades of great success in business.
• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted business relationships and interactions.
• Face-to-face interactions are still crucial for building trust with clients, even in a post-COVID world.
• Maintaining trust with clients is essential for long-term success and client retention.
• It’s more expensive to acquire new clients than to keep existing ones through strong relationships.
• Lifelong relationships, both personal and professional, are built on trust and mutual respect.
• Consistent, trust-based relationships with clients lead to long-term business success.

[21.04] The Importance of Common Sense and Mentorship in Business

• Treat clients with the same respect and care as you would treat your loved ones.
• Common sense is a critical element of successful business interactions and relationships.
• A business built on simple, common-sense principles is more likely to thrive.
• Mentorship in business involves guiding others to let their common sense lead, without force.
• Successful mentorship leads to the development of better salespeople and stronger teams.
• Long-term client retention is achieved by treating clients how you’d want to be treated.
• A company’s success is built on the staying power of lasting client relationships.
• Mentorship and leadership should aim to help others exceed the success of their mentors.

[32.44] Business Evolution Over 40 Years: A Reflection

• 40 years ago, business was male-dominated, with practices like martini lunches being common.
• HR was run by the “good old boys,” and the industry was vastly different from today.
• Business decisions were made quickly and often over informal meetings, with deals sealed over lunch.
• Competition was fierce, but innovative ideas could lead to rapid success, such as catching “lightning in a bottle.”
• In the past, simplicity and relationships were key to business success, as opposed to the detailed, bid-heavy processes of today.
• Starting a business then was risky, often self-funded, and driven by the passion of its founders.
• The business climate has shifted from a male-dominated industry to one where women play a significant role.
• Business success was built on trust and relationships, with longevity in both personal and professional connections being crucial.

[40.51] Reflections on University Life and Career Shift

• The speaker reflects on their time at Southern Illinois University, where they balanced playing basketball with academic pursuits.
• They share a heartwarming story about a kind woman who would offer them cookies after their games, making their evenings more enjoyable.
• The speaker humorously recalls how the woman’s husband noticed they took a whole plate of cookies home, adding a lighthearted touch to the memory.
• They discuss their career transition from math to graphic design, feeling a deep appreciation for the creative work they accomplished.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognition and appreciation in both personal and professional settings.
• They highlight how simple gestures like saying “thank you” can have a significant impact on relationships and work environments.
• The speaker draws a parallel between the need for appreciation in everyday interactions and its importance in the workplace.
• They conclude by expressing how these experiences shaped their approach to life and work, valuing creativity and human connection.

[52.31] Guiding a Memorable Fishing Experience

• Blake begins his day by preparing sandwiches and heading out to fish in the vast, serene lakes.
• He enjoys taking people, particularly those with less experience, on unique fishing adventures.
• Blake recalls a memorable day when he guided a friend to catch over 100 northern pike using a fly rod.
• Despite the challenge of sight casting to fish barely visible in the silt, Blake guided his friend to success.
• He took pride in handling the fish to ensure his friend could focus on learning, even though it left his hands battered.
• Reflecting on that day, Blake cherishes the memory as one of the best fishing trips his friend ever had.
• Fishing in these remote, quiet locations allows Blake to recharge and appreciate the peacefulness of nature.
• He describes moments of turning off the motor, floating, and even taking naps in the middle of the lake, fully immersed in the beauty around him.

Outstanding athlete in Football, Basketball, Track, most sports except I could not hit a curve ball! Seventeen years with Jostens, started with several partners The Tharpe Co, dba, Engage2Excel Traveled the world from Hawaii to Costa Rica, from far Northern Canada to Scotland, the Caribbean to northern Maine to Mexico and all points between.