Brian Smith

How the loyalty of my customers saved me on more than one occasion when I had supply problems—even when my major manufacturer abandoned me for a new distributor, threatening to put me out of business completely. I talk extensively on how although customer service has changed with the advent of the Internet and “click” purchasing, the same principles of reaching out to customers is still a priority.

How my four mantras—FEAST UPON UNCERTAINTY—FATTEN UPON DISAPPOINTMENT—ENTHUSE OVER APPARENT DEFEAT—INVIGORATE IN THE PRESENCE OF DIFFICULTIES—are positive affirmations that ring true in life situations, as well as in business.

I tell stories of how companies such as Nike, Reebok, and UGG have all shared the same evolution proving that THE QUICKEST WAY FOR A TADPOLE TO BECOME A FROG … IS TO LIVE EVERY DAY HAPPILY AS A TADPOLE. I have people come up to me years after having heard my talk, saying; “You’re the tadpole guy … that was the greatest piece of advice I ever received.”