I keep clippings from the business press about lessons learned that I can apply. I came across an interesting article on the iconic jeweler Tiffany & Co. in the Biz Money Matters commentary of Tony Johnston. Tiffany’s started almost 200 years ago with a $1,000 loan extended by a family member to two entrepreneurs, Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young. When Charles Lewis Tiffany died in 1902, his son, Louis Comfort Tiffany, became Tiffany’s first director of design, establishing Tiffany Studios as his atelier for craftsmanship. Throughout Tiffany’s history, the United States and foreign governments, as well as business and professional associations, have called it upon to create special commissions. One of its most famous commissions is the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the National Football League Superbowl Championship. I am placing my order for Tiffany’s commemorative items for the Super Bowl victory of the New Orleans Saints. The article is a great primer on clarity of the brand promise and relentless discipline in business strategy. It is a must-read for any small business owner. One of my weaknesses as an entrepreneur is that I have a tendency to spin out activities in different directions. Tiffany’s is a testament to the power of understatement and focus.