Spain's World Cup Win: A Business Blueprint
This summer, the 2026 FIFA World Cup reminded the world "that loyalty doesn't have to be bound by borders."
I watched the finale from a sailboat in Sweden on a spotty data connection, cheering alongside people from various countries. For a few weeks, we set aside divisive political rhetoric to cheer for the same teams and unexpected cultural connections.
As summer winds down, the World Cup's cohesive effect offers small business owners lessons on building engaged teams and thriving organizations.
NEW ON THE BLOG
Small Business Lessons From Spain's World Cup Win
Spain won the 2026 World Cup because collective intelligence outperformed individual brilliance. Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, described his philosophy:
"Individual talent must always be at the service of the collective, because the collective will make you better, not the other way around."
Recent Gallup studies have found that only 20% of employees globally are engaged at work and that managers account for 70% of the variance in team engagement. But engaged teams built on collective strategy, shared goals, and diverse strengths achieve 23% higher profitability and 18% higher sales productivity.
Spain's final 1-0 win against Argentina distilled the elements of Spain's winning strategy that small business owners can adopt: team values, collective intelligence, and hard work. Learn more in our latest article.
IN CONVERSATION
With Conexión Media Group
Elevate Next founder Christie Solomon recently joined David Triana and Kismeth Melendez on Conexión Media Group's "Making Connections" show to discuss small-business marketing in a tight economy.
The full conversation covers business resilience, AI's impact on marketing and website SEO, and low-cost tools for small business strategy.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Frame Gallery Gifts & Art
In July, artists of all ages transformed reclaimed cardboard into Picasso-inspired faces at Frame Gallery. Owner and art educator Harriet Runkle believes the best creative experiences happen when the focus is on making art fun. In addition to offering hands-on workshops for individuals and groups, aspiring artists can browse Frame Gallery's Makers Market and order art kits made with reclaimed custom framing materials.
Don't miss your chance to shop Frame Gallery's "To Sit With a Flower: Paintings by Lendon Noe" exhibit, which has been extended online and in the gallery through Saturday, August 8.
The Dental Associate Edge: Building Toward Ownership
Thinking about acquiring a dental practice? In their latest podcast episode, hosts Sandy Baird, MBA, and Dr. Dave Striegel reveal the questions to ask before acquiring a dental practice and the difference between a thriving practice and costly regrets.
Listen and learn more by visiting the website, which provides a set of questions to ask yourself and the seller before starting the acquisition process.
Renee Broxson Fine Art
The Allison Wickey Gallery celebrated Renee Broxson as the featured artist-in-residence in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., on July 10.
Visit the gallery through September 15 to view Renee's abstract, layered mixed-media paintings, which are both figurative and abstract reflections of characters, animals, and everyday scenes.
Renee's art portfolio is also viewable for sale online, and you can stay up to date with her latest works on Instagram.
Robin's Bikes & Fitness Launches Limited-Edition Giordana Hero Kit
Robin's Bikes & Fitness is taking preorders for its new limited-edition Giordana Hero Kit.
Choose between a Hero Performance fit (Scatto Performance jersey) or a Hero Comfort fit (Vero Club-Fit jersey), both paired with the same FR-C Bib Shorts.
Robin's distinctive 2026 yellow-and-black color kit theme means you'll be visible anywhere you ride your bicycle. Contact the shop today to place your order.
JC’s Gourmet
While the special Tuesday farmers markets in Seaside, Fla., have concluded this summer, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. are still the go-to spot for your seasonal Gulf Coast gourmet specials, like JC's shrimp Chillin' Ceviche, which is only available through Labor Day weekend.
Follow JC's Gourmet on Instagram for the weekly farmers market menu updates, or visit JC's partner locations for a mid-week pick-me-up on the Emerald Coast.
Dog-Harmony Expands R.E.A.D.ing Paws Literacy Program in the Florida Panhandle
Dog-Harmony's R.E.A.D.ing Paws therapy dog teams have been visiting libraries throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties on rotating schedules this summer, offering children a supportive space to build reading confidence with trained, non-judgmental canine listeners. R.E.A.D. stands for Reading Education Assistance Dogs, a program designed to reduce stress and anxiety while building self-efficacy and motivation in young readers.
One Okaloosa County public school teacher reported that a student's state testing score improved after reading with a therapy dog, crediting the program with helping build a solid reading foundation. Families can learn more about Dog-Harmony's library literacy program here and register for individual reading time slots directly with their local library.
Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation Achieves Milestone: Three Scholarships Awarded in 2026
From L to R: Sherry Harlow, APR, Naomi Roberts, & Laura Coale
The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation (ECPRF) awarded $1,000 scholarships to three Okaloosa County, Florida, high school graduates this July, marking the first time in the Foundation's history that three students received awards in a single year. Each student essay addressed ethics in PR and related fields (i.e., accuracy in journalism, AI transparency, and responsible AI use), reflecting the Foundation's commitment to developing the next generation of ethical communicators.
The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties based on academic merit, service work, and original essays. Become an ECPRO member or donate to ECPRF, a 501(c)3, to help shape the future of public relations on the Emerald Coast.
THE ELEVATED EXPERIENCE
A curated collection of upcoming events with our talented clients, partners, and friends
Looking further ahead in September, Frame Gallery is offering "The Art of Abstraction," a workshop with accomplished artist Lendon Noe on September 12 in Sewanee, Tenn., and the Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) is hosting its 2026 conference in Tuscaloosa, Ala., from September 20-22. To learn more about these upcoming events and more, visit our Elevated Experience calendar.
Congratulations to Spain on its well-deserved 2026 World Cup win, and for the reminder that the collective performance is ultimately more important than individual brilliance.
