Fernando (And Why Being Is Not Becoming)
I’m at the National Speakers Association convention in San Diego. After arriving four hours late last night, I decided I’d better be there this morning for the opening general session. As the lights dimmed, we were greeted by a woman who
The Anti-Consultant
One day I’m sitting in a large manufacturing organization—Fortune 100—waiting to see a colleague about some work we’re doing for a non-profit board. I was sitting in an area of open cubicles, where you could readily see what was going
The Sorry State of the Airlines
I’m flying to San Diego, first class, on USAir. Except it’s not USAir, it’s a United airplane, because they are “code sharing.” That means that two airlines are working to fill one plane to the brim, which they have. (It
Wildlife
Our pond here is about two acres, fed by a small river, with an outlet over a waterfall that leads to the bay a half-mile away. Today, alone, aside from the usual geese and ducks, we had a double-breasted cormorant,
Alan Coaches Miss Rhode Island
Some of you may recall that, among my diversified coaching work, I’ve coached Miss America and Miss Rhode Island candidates in interviewing, the most important part of the scoring system. I’m pleased to report that one of them, Ashley Bickford,
Small Business and Small Thinking
If you consult with small business owners, good luck. Usually, you won’t have to leave the owner’s office. Small business owners are their own worst enemy, because they understand the CONTENT of their endeavor, but not the PROCESS of acquiring business. There
Happy Fourth of July!
These are two of the Tall Ships sailing around an island in Newport, as seen from a friend’s house. Nineteen ships total.
The Thieves Amongst Us
A woman named “Mary Leo” has been writing me for two weeks trying to order 200 copies of Million Dollar Consulting. She used no signature file, poor English, and didn’t respond to rudimentary requests from me. I told her that
Cape Cod Journal: June 29
Friday: June 29 Last full day, hard to believe. We drove to The Regatta Restaurant in Cotuit last night. (“Cotuit” is an Indian work meaning, “Build narrow roads with many lights to halt all traffic.”) Worth the hour’s drive, outstanding food, great
Cape Cod Journal: June 28
Thursday: June 28 The fog wraps itself around the inlet some mornings, like this one, then dissipates as the sun grows stronger. Everything here is forever moist. Leave a towel out to dry and it’s likely to be wetter an hour