During a period when more pressure than usual is on us to cross-sell products, the temptation to pile on the marketing is natural. But in some situations, saying "less is more" has real merit.

In our current business environment, it is understandable that many of our teams are having a bit harder time keeping a positive outlook. Remind them that setbacks and frustrations are normal.

Take a minute this week to make sure your branch managers remember that, in our increasingly demanding branch environments, coaching shouldn't be a spectator sport.

It's often the basic and simple good will gestures that generate the kind of awareness and positive personal impressions that "marketing campaigns" can seldom deliver.