Actioncoach ExcelEdge East Division

09/02/2026

Transformational leadership is about inspiring people to become better than they thought they could be, while creating a shared vision that moves the entire organization forward.

A transformational leader doesn’t simply ask, “How do we get the job done?” They ask, “How can we make things better?”

The goal isn’t simply to have employees who complete their jobs. It’s to build a team of people who are engaged, empowered, accountable, and excited about what they’re building together.

A Powerful Leadership Question

Ask yourself:

“Are the people I lead better because I lead them?”

If the answer is yes, you’re not just managing a team. You’re transforming one. 🌟

09/01/2026

Happening next week! There’s still time to reserve your spot!

Join us on September 8 for Built to Last: Strategies for Business Growth and a Stronger Partnership.

Whether your business partner is your spouse, family member, or friend, this event will offer practical strategies to help you communicate more effectively, grow with greater clarity, and build something sustainable together.

Click here to register: https://exceledge.actioncoach.com/workshops-eastern-iowa/?fbclid=IwRlRTSAUEQPRwZG9mAWZkaWQWUNn4LZIPS_dQF85BKExdySgpr2UXwGV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR41Yx3B9bzeFDIFAbOFiDIBWrwTUf56h5I6uWcQ1fTF_m1FbOVZWthZj2Hnsg_aem_8vPOpZ4XmDoRtlHanZ7c8A

09/01/2026

🎙️ A new episode of the Business Spotlight Series is now available!

Marcia Erickson sits down with Greg Holmquist, owner of PSS INC.Promotion Support Services, to discuss his journey from an entry-level employee to business owner—and how strategic acquisitions helped shape the company’s continued growth.

Greg shares valuable insights on:

• Growing a business through acquisitions
• Developing and empowering a strong team
• Building lasting customer relationships
• Using marketing, SEO, and new technology
• Adapting as your customers’ needs evolve
• Lessons for current and aspiring business owners

Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader, this conversation is filled with practical advice about embracing change, strengthening your team, and building a business that continues to grow.

Watch the full episode below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiKNUf_HcM4

08/31/2026

A strategic plan isn’t just a document you create once a year and tuck away in a drawer.

It’s your roadmap for moving your business from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow.

A strong strategic plan helps you answer three important questions:

📍 Where are we going?
🎯 What are we trying to achieve?
📈 What does success look like?

When you have clarity around your direction, goals, and definition of success, it becomes easier to make decisions, prioritize opportunities, align your team, and stay focused when distractions come knocking.

Sometimes, the biggest challenge isn’t knowing that you need a plan. It’s knowing where to start.

That’s where coaching can help.

I’m offering a complimentary Strategic Planning Session to help you step back from the day-to-day, look at the bigger picture, and start building a clear path forward.

Your business deserves a strategy, not a guessing game.

📩 Click here to schedule your complimentary session.

https://exceledge.actioncoach.com/exceledge-east/?fbclid=IwRlRTSATrNRRwZG9mAWZkaWQWUMZzmZ5J-hH0-_JzJ0blga5jp-SqWmV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5cwwfPipGGIVBYAaUZ8ZQaJYyGzPW41LC8FFSJqNNOz3ovF13W0H0QEDWxcw_aem_2gknp5mHRyQyeCwcmWoGaw

08/28/2026

The full episode is here!

In this episode of the Business Spotlight Series, Marcia Erickson sits down with David O’Brien, Commercial and Fleet Sales Manager at Kunes Ford Of East Moline Ford , to discuss his impressive 32-year career in the automotive industry and his vision for growing commercial and fleet sales in the Quad Cities.

David shares how his experience has shaped his customer-first approach to helping business owners navigate commercial vehicles, financing, leasing, fleet management, and vehicle upfitting. He also offers valuable insight into building a new commercial sales division, developing trust through transparency, and creating lasting customer relationships.

Whether you’re a business owner managing a fleet, considering a new commercial vehicle, or looking for inspiration as you grow your company, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFKYs9ojkY4&t=2s

08/27/2026

What does it really take to build a business that lasts? David O'Brien of Kunes Ford Of East Moline shares his journey!

This week’s Business Spotlight guest shares valuable insights every business owner can learn from. Here’s a quick preview of our conversation—stay tuned for the full episode!

08/27/2026

Sales obstacles are often signs that your customer needs more information, more confidence, or more clarity. When you approach objections with curiosity instead of pressure, you build stronger relationships and increase the likelihood of earning both the sale and a loyal customer.

08/26/2026

This is a free webinar, this Thursday!

Losing a large employer in the region will have a ripple effect for years. For businesses partnered with these organizations, it can be chaotic and sometimes even devastating. If you’re a business that’s been impacted, this is for you. What business leaders do in the first few days/weeks is critical. Does your business have a plan to respond?

Join Executive Business Coach Marcia Erickson for Crisis Averted: 11 Actions to Strengthen Your Business Now, a free, one-hour webinar designed to help business owners navigate uncertainty and take purposeful action.

You’ll learn practical ways to protect cash flow, respond to changing conditions, strengthen your team, communicate with customers, and position your business to move forward.

Thursday, August 27, 2026
Noon–1:00 PM
Live on Zoom
Free to attend

Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11YsZfDRONvnR3bQD-HYAuXtAvnO8UZPd_68-lfAtUJU/viewform

We hope you’ll join us!

08/25/2026

The Five Ps of Branding provide a practical framework for building a memorable and trusted brand. While there are several versions used in marketing, this model is widely applicable for businesses of any size.

1. Purpose

Why does your business exist beyond making money?

Your purpose is the mission that drives your company and gives customers a reason to connect with your brand.

Ask yourself: What problem are we solving, and why does it matter?

2. Promise

What can customers consistently expect from you?

Your brand promise is the commitment you make every time someone interacts with your business. Consistency builds trust.

Ask yourself: What experience do we guarantee every customer?

3. Personality

How does your brand sound, look, and feel?

Your personality shapes your voice, messaging, visuals, and customer interactions. Whether you’re professional, playful, innovative, or compassionate, consistency helps people recognize your brand.

Ask yourself: If our brand were a person, how would it behave?

4. Positioning

What makes your business different?

Positioning defines where your brand fits in the market and why customers should choose you over competitors.

Ask yourself: What unique value do we offer that others don’t?

5. Perception

How do customers actually see your brand?

Your brand isn’t just what you say it is. It’s what customers believe based on their experiences, reviews, and interactions.

Ask yourself: Does our customers’ perception match the brand we intend to create?