Posts by Mark Morgan Ford
Notes From Michael Masterson’s Journal: When It’s Okay to Be Corny
In the morning, I write in my studio, facing an open window that gives me fresh air and an oblique view of the ocean. Sometimes neighbors walk by and shout up hellos and how-are-yous to me. Bob, who makes a living as a professional speaker, often comes by after he’s done his morning run. He’s…
Read MoreWhat to Do After Your Next Seminar
When my friend Harry throws a party, he does it right. Great food, a kicking band, good whiskey, and hand-rolled cigars. Several days after the party, he sends out a thank-you note, along with a few photos to remind you what a good time you had. It’s good manners to send follow-up notes to guests,…
Read MoreTwo Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying or Selling
Here’s an important thing to know. (And if you can remember this for the rest of your life, it will always help you make good financial decisions.) When you buy something, you are almost always immediately poorer. When you buy a new BMW, for example, it depreciates (loses value) the moment you drive it out…
Read MoreA Classic Struggle Between Head and Heart
In a recent issue of The New Yorker, I came across an essay by Elizabeth Kolbert called “Chilling.” Antarctica, she says, is losing ice. The evidence comes from the University of Colorado, where researches are interpreting data from Tom and Jerry, two orbiting satellites sent into space in March of 2002. The rate of loss,…
Read MoreThe Diet Killer
My regular diet is fairly healthy. I try to eat lots of protein and fresh vegetables, and limit myself when it comes to sugar and carbs. But the big problem for me – and the thing that’s keeping me about 5-10 pounds heavier than I’d like – is that I snack after dinner. It’s almost…
Read MoreLeadership Technique: Get Your Best Employees to Welcome Change
Every growing business can stimulate and reward new ideas by sponsoring brainstorming retreats away from the office. Finding a tranquil, neutral location where a half-dozen of your best people can interact with thinkers and prodders from other industries is a good way to start. Don’t try to run these meetings yourself. Get a professional –…
Read MoreHow to Sell to the Small-Business Owner
Small-business owners are busy people.They may need your product or service, but they don’t have the time to think about it. Here’s how to sell to them.
Read MoreSetting Standards: Part 2
On Monday, I wrote about the importance of applying standards for both speed and excellence to any job you do. I explained why both are necessary, and why I generally favor speed over excellence in business – especially when you’re testing a new idea. (My “Ready. Fire. Aim.” approach.) But when it comes to my…
Read MoreThe Elements of a Healthy Diet
According to government guidelines, the average 180-pound man should consume about 2,160 calories daily, comprised of about: 125 to 160 grams of protein less than 60 grams of fat less than 2,400 milligrams of sodium 250 to 270 grams of carbohydrates My health coach, Dr. Al Sears, recommends more protein and fewer carbs. For me,…
Read MoreSetting Standards: Speed vs. Excellence, Part 1
“Out of the past come the standards for judging the present.” – George P. Baker After graduating from high school, two friends and I started a business installing aboveground pools. After a shaky start, the business took off. To finish the nine or 10 jobs that we were selling per day, we each headed up…
Read MoreA Too Typical American Story
A Drug Enforcement Agency officer, attempting to demonstrate gun safety to a class of grammar school children, shoots himself in the thigh. The videotape makes its way to the Internet, where it appears as a “top 20 video” on a website called Dumb Cop. Claiming the release of the video clip has damaged his career,…
Read MoreYou Need More Than a Big Income
It’s amazing how many young people (and lots of older people) equate making mucho dinero with being rich. But you need more than a big income. A good example: the cable show Entourage . In Entourage , the main character is a fictionalized version of Mark Walberg after he became famous as a Hollywood actor.…
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