If I mention the word “psycho,” there’s a good chance a certain image will spring to mind. An image in black and white: water trickling into a shower drain, slowly being supplanted by a darker fluid, all punctuated by ear-piercing shrieks. There’s also a good chance that you just shuddered a little. Assuming that image … Read more
When people ask me whether they should create an email newsletter, run radio commercials, step up their social media, or use billboards, my answer is always the same: yes. It’s not a matter of being indecisive. It’s just that the expectations of consumers (and by “consumer,” I also mean those who buy business-to-business services and … Read more
I have a confession to make, and I freely admit that it’s a symptom of being male: whenever I’m at the home improvement store, I find an excuse to wander through the power tool section and dream of adding the latest gizmo to my crowded workbench. Of course, when I bring that shiny new toy … Read more
You’ve seen them in your industry and your community: the names you recognize instantly, sharing their knowledge. We call them thought leaders, and joining their ranks may be easier than you expect. You may have sat in the audience at conferences or other industry meetings, listening to people whose backgrounds were similar to yours. But … Read more
Much of what we learn from politicians teaches us how not to do things. But there’s something that the folks on the national political scene do exceedingly well, and that’s speak with a common language and a common voice on key issues. There’s a valuable lesson in that for companies and other organizations. The lesson … Read more
Rapidly tap your wrist in front of an AARP member, and she’ll assume that you’re worried about running late. Do the same thing in front of a 23-year-old co-worker, and you’ll get a blank stare. As times and technologies change, expressions based on those technologies change right along with them — and an experience that’s … Read more
What is it that makes you and your company the very best at what you do? How well do your prospects and current customers understand your expertise and capabilities? Do they seem to grasp just how good you are and what separates you from the rest? Most organizations try to convince customers and prospects of … Read more
There might be oil under your office. For all we know, a massive deposit of oil may be waiting a couple thousand feet below your chair mat. Just think of what that could mean to your company’s bottom line. Can you arrange for a drilling rig to drop by Thursday so you can punch a … Read more
Mark Twain’s take on prevarication remains as accurate today as when he penned it: “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” We live in an age in which we’re overwhelmed by information, and a large share of what we consume is in the form of statistics. A key reason for that … Read more
I’ve stated many opinions in this space, but few are as likely to trigger as intense a reaction as the headline of this article. Among many executives, mission statements are a sacrosanct cornerstone of corporate governance. But I’ll stand by my statement. Now, I’m not saying that your mission statement is unimportant. After all, a … Read more