The Bully
I received a book order for about $80 from New Zealand. The credit card was rejected. When I wrote to the purchaser about this he responded with invective, claiming my processing system was "from the 80s," even though it was
Doom Loop
The doom loop traps you when: you need cash, you're nervous about the meeting with the prospect because you need cash, you're ineffective in the meeting because you're nervous, you don't get the business because you were ineffective, and now
Multiple Choice Test
What's your immediate response when you hear a new idea from a stranger? A) Determine why it won't work for you. B) Critique the source. C) Try to figure out if you can use it to your benefit. You don't really need an answer
Outside the Circle
Villanova beat Kansas last night in the NCAA Final Four because they kept making three-point baskets while Kansas made two-point baskets or one-point foul shots. If I make three points and you make two points on equal shooting, I will
Proportion
One of the problems with success is that we begin to feel that everything should be perfect. I remember George Lucas saying once that the problem with wealth is that "When the battery dies in your Chevy, it's no big
Grabbing Attention
The first 90 seconds of a speech or first paragraph of an article don't necessarily determine whether people will listen more or read on, but they will influence how attentively they will listen and how carefully they will read. And that applies
Look Me in the Eye
Eye contact is important not only for speakers, but for influence. If someone asks you a tough question, or you want to ask a touch question, look the other person in the eye. Don't listen to someone else's point while
Trodding the Boards
We went to the GAMM theater in Rhode Island last night, a very intimate place (130 seats) and we have front row seats. The acting is always outstanding and I'm often more fascinated by it than the play (last night
This Food for the Brontosaurus Is No Longer Needed
I bought a new computer. I received a new credit card processing machine. And the phone guy had to repair my office phone lines. So all the connections underneath my desk and credenza had to be examined. They turned out to
Driving
I've driven a lot of exotic cars and I own three at the moment. What I've learned along the way is that once you drive them a couple of times, they are simply your cars. There's always a pleasure for