Stop Worrying About the Damn Box
We had dinner with a couple the other night, and the woman expressed some discomfort now that she had "retired." She had closed her long-time clothing shop, which was upscale and hugely successful. She is a great talent in fashion
Recency Bias
The "recency effect" simply describes the fact that most people will best remember what they've heard last. If you're asked to remember a group of addresses or phone numbers, the latter ones will be easiest to recall. Hence, make sure your
Alone Again, Naturally
Someone I know asks if we can have a discussion, and I know that he wants to get some help from me for his business. But that's okay, I agree to a Zoom call in my email reply. Next thing I
What’s Your Question?
You know how people talk about "background noise"? Well most "background" is just noise to other people. "I have to give you some background before I ask my question" is like nails on a blackboard. Start with the question, cut down
How Much Is “Enough”?
This question usually generates monetary estimates (guesses). I asked one group of successful consultants what they would do with $600,000 they didn't expect. Their responses ranged from purchases to philanthropy, from paying off debt to trust funds. One person vehemently
You’re Back? Why?
Revivals and "returns" are almost always inferior to the original event or art. I think they're usually launched because of a dearth of originality and an inability to develop something original. Jon Stewart, who was one funny and thought-provoking guy—and who
Better Practices
There is a default mindset that promotes "best practices," both external to the organization and within it. After all, why not try to find the best and then replicate it? That's the wrong search, because "best" becomes ossified and remains the
Doing the Right Thing
When a conflict about a project arises, I always ask, "What's in the best interests of the client?" That usually solves it.
Wait A Minute. Sorry, I Can’t.
I can always make another dollar, but I can't make another minute. Some of you are paying way too much attention to your investments (which you can always replenish) and not enough attention to your time, which you cannot replace. I
Stop “Selling”
If you can't enthusiastically convince a prospective client that your points are important to consider and worth pursuing, then: • You're not communicating well • You're scared or intimidated • Your value isn't sufficient • You're not prepared If you think your job is to