The Zoom Potato
Do you know what a “Zoom potato” is, as opposed to the old “couch potato”? It’s someone who only attends remote meetings, who uses a placeholder photo, rudely not showing…
Walk Away from Irrational Anger
When you find someone overreacting to a disagreement or minor inconvenience or political belief, remember two things: Such anger is usually self-anger, redirected outwards to preserve that person’s psychological well-being.…
A Minute with Alan® — Jumping
August 27th, 2024 Endure the pain and get rid of the long-term fears.
I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better….
I happily watch a squirrel acrobatically defeat my “squirrel-resistant” bird feeders (after all, he has to eat, too), and I know it’s the same squirrel every day. Just because others…
Gloomy Gus
My late handyman—he was older than I—frequented the same coffee shop that I take the dogs to in the morning. The owner runs a nice place, but he’s always complaining.…
I Don’t Talk to People in Elevators
Every time I hear about an “elevator pitch” I think of pitching someone out of an elevator. This is a relationship business, not a con game. Sales are not adversarial,…
Adding Some Facts
Does anyone realize that the minimum wage laws in the US were created to provide people with some income while they sought better work, or education, or brief departures from…
Little Things Mean A Lot
The woman at the hotel desk printed up our boarding passes and sent a hand-written note with them, “Have a great flight!” It doesn’t take much to make a great…
Consider the Source
Here’s how I would break down the claims and “news reports” on social media: 50%: pure opinion without factual basis (“89% of people….”) 30%: deliberate manipulation (partial quotes, embarrassing portions…
Negative Leverage
People come to me weekly wanting to “collaborate,” which means using my contacts and brand to promote their business. They will provide a “piece of the action.” I’d be stupid…