How to Get Lucky took my daughters on a cruise to Alaska 10 years ago. On board, we decided to play bingo. My youngest daughter, Madeline, is the luckiest person I’ve ever met. If we were playing board games and she needed double sixes to win, boom, they would appear. So, it was not a surprise
Aug 4: When a Compliment Is Not a Compliment
When a Compliment Is Not a Compliment My iPhone vibrated, announcing the arrival of a new email. I glanced down at the screen and read the first line: “I’ve enjoyed your podcast for some time and I wanted to write to thank you and tell you to keep up the good work.” A compliment! It’s rare to
July 28: How Darth Vader Impresses New Customers
How Darth Vader Impresses New Customers “Let’s talk about the dark side.” If a tall, lurking figure spoke those words, you might reach for your lightsaber. But if you were the one saying it, I bet you would get a different reaction. The “dark side” referring to is what happens when there is a
July 21: Are You Even Listening to Yourself?
Are You Even Listening to Yourself? I was out for a walk some time ago and, as is my custom when walking alone, was listening to Planet Money, a podcast from NPR. This particular episode ended early and the hosts started talking about some of the feedback they get via mail and email. One point of
July 14: Everything is a Sales Call
Everything is a Sales Call My daughter: “I think we should spend some time together, just you and me.” Me: “That would be great.” Daughter: “No cell phones. No distractions.” Me: “Wow. That sounds fantastic.” Daughter: “Great. I need to practice driving. I have my learner’s permit. Let’s
July 7: Don’t Be That Sales Guy. Or Do. That’s Fine, Too
Don’t Be That Sales Guy. Or Do. That’s Fine, Too When does persistence cross into annoying? That line is different for all of us. Personally, I love me a good follow up call to check in, so long as it is accompanied by good listening skills. It demonstrates sales professionalism and I’m all for
June 30: Impolite But Effective Sales Advice
Impolite But Effective Sales Advice I have been taking guitar lessons via Zoom, connecting with a teacher several towns away as well as daughters Emma and Jillian. None of us are beginners. Myself, I’ve been playing since the seventh grade but I never really learned the basics, like reading music
June 23: Don’t Put it in Writing
Don’t Put it in Writing Have you noticed there’s been an unusually high number of celebrities speaking out on social media and then immediately following up with an apology? Often times, if you read what they wrote, you wonder what was so offensive. Taken on its own, perhaps nothing. However, there