The Dakota-isms

The principles we come back to — every day.

Since our founding in 2006, we've established what we call Dakota-isms — the core principles that define how we operate. They're unique to us, and they keep us honest. When someone gets off track, a Dakota-ism gets us back on.

▶ Watch the Story Read the Principles

Our Dakota-isms

Eleven principles. One playbook.

Each Dakota-ism identifies, in our own words, a key principle that defines how we operate. What makes them fun is that by living by them, they keep us honest — and everyone knows when someone's off track.

▶ Watch the Story

Focus On What Matters Most

This is all about creating alignment with upper management and your boss, which leads to proper expectations. At Dakota, we do this by having a plan in place every day — so on any given day you walk in, you already know what you're doing.

Focus On What You Can Control

A lot of things going on we can't control: the market, the weather, the outcome of your team's game. The goal is to focus on what you can control — setting meetings, diligently following up, and becoming a master messenger.

Walk The 8 Feet

This originated back in 2006, in our original office, where everyone was roughly eight feet apart. Walking the 8 feet means tapping into the collective knowledge of the team. Never be afraid to get up and ask questions.

Don't Go Cowboy

At Dakota, we work as a team. Don't keep opportunities to yourself — share them with the team. By not sharing what you're doing, you'll never know who might have key experience to help. Put everything on the table.

Throw Your Hat Over The Wall

Sometimes the most important thing is just to get started. Forcing yourself into action by throwing your hat over the wall. To get the metaphorical hat, you have to climb the wall. Overcome the obstacles in front of you and just do it.

Get To Yes

There are no nos at Dakota. We find a way to come together and get to yes. Solutions exist on the other side of "no" — our job is to keep working until we get there.

Know Who To Call On

At Dakota, our goal is never to be in the convincing business. Our mantra is to call on people who buy what you sell — because it eliminates a lot of wasted time trying to convince the wrong audience.

Know What To Say — Be A Master Messenger

This means knowing how to bring your firm's story to life. You never want to spend an hour with someone and have them leave without having a clue what you do. Bring your story to life with passion and your prospects will feel it too.

Have A Killer Follow Up System

Good sales people can get a lot of meetings. They can even tell a great story. But the follow-up that comes after is really the mark of a great salesperson. Have an organized plan — never leave anything to chance.

Have Fun

Work is where you spend a significant part of your day — often more time than with your own family. That's why we're committed to creating an environment for you to have fun.

Dakota Gives

Dakota Gives Back. We make an impact in our community through a commitment to service and support — Career Exploration Days, charitable matching, and team-led service initiatives every quarter.

Want to see them in action?

The Dakota-isms aren't a poster on the wall — they're how we work.

Meet the team, see how we serve our clients, and learn what makes Dakota different from the inside.

About Dakota Join the Team