Let’s Talk
The best way to address a business audience is as if you're having a conversation with someone. Don't "present." Don't be theatrical. Use humor, stories, and solid examples to support your points. Don't stand in one place, move around. Smile. Take
Hunger
Let me overturn a myth about performing at your best when you're "hungry." When I'm hungry (need food) I'm distracted and don't perform at my best. When you have financial "hunger" you may perform desperately but certainly not at your best. So please
Refusing Bad Treatment
I've never seen a business, ethical, or religious directive stating that we should allow ourselves to accept abuse. "Turn the other cheek" doesn't suggest that you allow yourself to continue to be hit. Many people who suffered abuse themselves—psychological, emotional, physical—try
Imperfect (But Successful) Alan
One of the major reasons that I was able to begin my solo practice with no brand whatsoever and build it into one where corporate giants were calling me was that I was very fast in resolving problems and exploiting
A Tale of Two Airlines
I fly American out of Boston to LA and United out of Boston to San Francisco. American has a far better lounge, with a free breakfast and even more elaborate food that can be purchased. United's club has a desultory food
In Pursuit of the Dream
A guy from Verizon came to fix our phones. It took him 90 minutes and he refused an easy fix which wasn't cosmetic, and took his time to do it "as if this were my own house." He heard me
The Motivational Power of Dunkin’ Donuts
The dogs and I usually roll into Dunkin' Donuts at about 6:15, order at the mike, then drive over to the window to pay and get my coffee and their treats. This is ritual. About 99% of the time, the staff
Best Bottle First
Here's the thing about wine: Always have the best bottle of the evening first. Unless you are a true connoisseur, or have a mighty metabolism, the second bottle is always good and the third bottle is always great. Saving the best of different
A True Visionary
High tech, high touch: I've set up my new iMac in very short order, and tomorrow morning I have a 30-minute phone call with Apple experts who will show me some of the new features and answer my questions. They
Why Did This Happen to Me?
You can't blame your bad luck. You can't blame God. Or the Fates. Because it's usually your fault, and even if it isn't, you're still stuck with making it better or right. Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who brought