On a recent afternoon of listening to sports talk in the car, I heard another recounting of the pedigree of a coach based upon their “coaching tree.” This time it was the Dallas Cowboys‘ hiring of Monte Kiffen and the where-he-came-from-and-who-he-knew history that justified his hiring. It got me to thinking that we can create […]
Seeing the Network for the Trees Read More »
It doesn’t take much. A simple gesture or phrase, one that can brighten someone’s day. All it takes are a few minutes and some genuine words. Sometimes the simplest of gestures and a few words can go along way. In changing a job recently, a friend experienced just that: after a few weeks on the
Over the past month or so I have had projects that have required me to speak on the phone to people. While this may seem a novel thing to do in this age of email, texting, IM’ing, LinkedIn and other social media, when it came to getting an honest direct answer to my questions: It
So, who are you, really? Are you the person you think you are in your own head? Or are you the person people think you are? Or are you the person that you are when you are just being yourself? This past week I heard Kenny Rogers (the singer not the pitcher) on NPR’s Fresh
The Three Yous: Being Who You Really Are Read More »
We all have a tendency to look for our next client by casting a wide net, when in reality we may already know them. Take a look through your current contacts list and evaluate if someone you already know could be your next customer. Seriously, it can happen. In my own experience, I can cite
You Already Know Your Next Client Read More »
It can happen to any of us and probably has happened to many business owners: somebody steals from your company, you get involved in a lawsuit, a product fails or your company is subject to takeover. When something like that happens, timing and urgency become major factors when a company chooses how to respond. So,
Handling a Crisis Involving Your Business Read More »
Just about the time you think you are important or more important than something or somebody, an event or person comes along and proves otherwise. Whatever makes this point to you, step back and consider if something is really all that important for you to take it so seriously. In other words, know your role
“Hi, I’m here for the networking event.” “Sure. Are you a member of non-member? Non-members are $15.” “Ok. Here’s my credit card.” “Sorry. We only take cash or a check.” This last line was followed by silence. A long silence. In this day and age of Square and PayPal and other mobile POS solutions, they
Lessons from the line at a networking event Read More »
So just why do you recommend someone? Is it because they recommended you? Do they owe you a favor? Do you owe them? Or do you genuinely value their work ethic and skills? Whatever the case, a recommendation really needs to be honest and sincere and be for an ethical reason. Seriously, would you recommend
Writing Recommendations Read More »
How many times do you have to present yourself to your clients and prospects before it really sinks in who you are and what you do? some say three times, others say six times. I had a friend in the PR business tell me one time it nine times (the “novena,” my Catholic friend would
Repetition and Being Recognized Read More »
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