Let’s Split this Scene
A contentious issue among language enthusiasts is the use of the split infinitive. Before reviewing the arguments of the two sides, let’s look at a few examples:
READ MOREWhat’s Your Constraint?
The starting point of great success has always been the same. It is to dream big dreams. There is nothing more important than to begin by fantasizing about what you can become, have, and do. But there are obstacles along the way to achieving those dreams.
READ MOREWhat It Really Takes To Become Wealthy
“I don’t have your attitude,” Jeff said to me. “I just don’t have the mindset of someone who can make a lot of money.” “Do you want to make a lot of money?” I asked him. “That’s the sad thing,” he said, smiling wryly. “I do.”
READ MOREThinking of Moving Back Into Stocks? Be Careful
At the beginning of the year, The New York Times profiled several investors. Their stories were similar. As a result of the market plunge in 2008, Cindy and Eric Canup had to put off their dream of “buying land in Northern California or Oregon.” Joe Mancini had to put off…
READ MOREAre Marketing Sea Changes Killing Your Response?
I’m so old, I’ll betcha my tie has gone in and out of style at least five times. Not that I pay much attention to such things, mind you. My professional life revolves around marketing trends. And there again, my advanced age means I’ve seen many promotional styles over the…
READ MORETryingTo Be All Things to All People
It takes courage to turn away a paying customer. But sometimes that is what you should do. Let’s say you have a business that repairs car brakes. You have three mechanics who work for you. One of them is a master mechanic. He can do just about anything. Someone comes…
READ MOREDon’t Let Anyone Tell You What You Can — or Can’t — Do
“I’d love to be in the communications business,” Sarah, an accountant, told me. “But I’m an introvert. Plus, I’m boring. So I studied accounting in college. And though I’m doing something I’m good at, I hate my job.”
READ MOREThe Only Thing That Really Matters
Why do some folks look back on their lives and say they wouldn’t change much? Or anything? Is there a formula? Some mix of love, work, habits, or attitudes that offers the best chance of a well-lived life? Researchers at Harvard have been examining this question for 72 years by…
READ MORENow or Later?
When you have an unpleasant job to do, do it right away. The natural tendency is to put it off and hope it disappears. And there are situations for which this kind of head-in-the-sand approach works best. Dealing with conflicts between subordinates, for example. My partner almost always ignores such…
READ MOREThe Best Way to Rise to the Top of Any Business
What’s the best way to surpass your peers and outdo your competitors? Work harder than they do. If that sounds daunting, consider this: Most people don’t work very hard. Some spend their workdays doing as little as they possibly can. Lots more stay busy, but achieve very little. They write…
READ MOREAs Swine Flu Increases, Smart Investors Take Advantage
When the swine flu scare first hit the newspapers, people were nervous. Then the government jumped in. They told us that swine flu was not very contagious. And they said it wasn’t even serious. “Don’t worry about it,” we were told. I was skeptical. And I was right. Now cases…
READ MOREThe 3 Essential Functions of Every Successful Business
What I am about to tell you is the most important thing you will ever hear about starting a business. (I have probably started more businesses than anyone I’ve ever met, so please forgive me for sounding like a know-it-all.) Ready? To start a business — any business — successfully,…
READ MORE