The Dirty Secret of Screw-Ups
Here’s something I discovered shortly after launching my business in 2001: Up to a point, customers don’t really mind when something goes wrong. What drives them batty is when they complain and nobody cares. And when you make it clear to everyone in your organization that listening to customers is…
READ MOREHow to Instantly Grab a New Contact’s Attention
One of the first questions you get when you meet someone at a networking event is “What do you do?” You need to answer this question not only at networking events but on job applications… on your website or blog… in promotional materials… and that’s just the half of it!…
READ MOREIf You’re Trying to Impress Me, Don’t Do This
He had been strongly recommended for the job. And so, when I got on the phone with him, I was expecting a sharp, take-charge guy. Instead, I got this: “I’ve been involved in strategically important roles with communications companies for 25 years. Throughout, I’ve focused on my core competencies, building…
READ MOREThe Language Perfectionist: More Misuses in the News
Here is more proof, if any is needed, that proofreaders and copy editors don’t always catch every error. I found all the following examples recently in major national publications. “But worse, it always gets my shackles up when someone tells me I can’t do something.” The word shackles refers to…
READ MOREHow to Monitor One of the Most Important Factors in Your Health
Because blood sugar is one of the most important factors in your overall health, you might think getting tests is a good way to keep it in check. You’d be right on that count. But you might be surprised to know that the best test may not be one you’re…
READ MOREHow to Make Room for What’s Important With a Simple 5-Second Exercise
It’s easier to accomplish any goal when you make it your top priority. That often means focusing less on something else in your life – or eliminating it altogether – to make room for what now has to be done. Let’s say you and your spouse are planning for the…
READ MORECould This Be The Worst Ad Ever?
Over the past few years I’ve made a lot of good friends at the local running store here in Delray Beach. It’s where I buy my Brooks Beast running shoes… I enjoy the training runs and races they sponsor… and I get tons of good advice from them practically every…
READ MOREHow to Eat Rice and Pasta on a Weight-Loss Diet
Almost everyone loves rice and pasta, but it’s tough to enjoy them when you’re on a diet trying to lose weight. Fortunately, it’s possible. Here’s how. First, you need to avoid the processed, “white bread” versions of rice and pasta. The whole-grain, unrefined versions take a little longer to cook,…
READ MOREThe Simple Secret of… Complexity?
Usually, the writer’s mantra is “K.I.S.S.” (Keep It Simple Stupid.) And most of the time, this rule works just fine. Yet, we also know that writing – especially the kind of writing we do in sales letters and editorially – is more and more about building relationships. And aren’t relationships…
READ MOREA Little-Known Secret of the Truly Wealthy
Carlos, one of my Jiu Jitsu instructors, is living the American dream. He came to this country to compete in mixed martial arts and earn his fortune as a champion fighter. While building a stellar win-loss record, he lived on club sponsorship and fees for giving lessons. For the first…
READ MOREDoing This After You Exercise Kills the Benefits
A friend of mine spends hours in the gym each week, but hasn’t been able to get a single pound or inch to budge. Despite her clean diet (I’ve checked her cupboards) and doing the “right” kind of exercise, she can’t seem to reach her fitness goals. Why not? Looking…
READ MORESplitting Tasks Between Your Right and Left Brain
Every copywriting or marketing project requires copious amounts of creative, right-brain skull sweat, plus plenty of detail-oriented, left-brain elbow grease. So when I’m fresh and full of mental energy, I focus on the creative tasks associated with the project. And when I’m running a bit low on creative juices, I…
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