What Do Romney and Obama Have in Common?

“Dare to risk public criticism.” ~ Mary Kay Ash If you want to change the government, become a community organizer.  Run for office.  Solicit money and votes.  I have to hand it to anyone who will file the form, attend the meeting and throw his or her hat in the political ring.  Whatever you think about our government, if you want to change [read more]

Winning ‘More Than Your Fair Share’ of Publicity and Media Exposure

Each of us, according to the experts, has a measurable intelligence quotient, or IQ.  Our IQs set a benchmark of what we should be able to achieve intellectually in life.  Many of us overachieve, while others under-perform. Like intelligence, each business and professional practice has an inherent publicity quotient, or PQ.  It is a benchmark of [read more]

Circulate Among the Troops - The Ride Along

What can you learn by Riding Along? You don’t even have to do the Undercover part. Just GO. Hop in the truck (or the assembly line or the phone bank) and say, "Show me what you do. I am here to learn." One of my best biz buddies is a master of the Ride Along. I wrote about him…and how to make the most of your time in the field. If you don’t [read more]

Do Business Owners Know What Their Customers Want?

Research Shows 90% Do Not... What customers value most changes constantly, and the pace of change has increased exponentially with the economic recession. The businesses who become relevant by addressing what customers really value at any given time will be the first ones out of the recession.  That's is what is discussed in my latest book, Relevant [read more]

Lessons From the Shark Tank

Are you obsessed with The Shark Tank? I am! I tune in Friday nights, or catch up on the recorded shows when I miss the new episode. I love Shark Daymond's suits. I love Barbara Corcoran and her tough-mutha-ly advice. And, don't you wish you were Mark Cuban? I do! The Sharks give some pretty solid advice, too. Especially if you are considering an [read more]

Once a Marine, Always a Marine

My son, Max, is a pretty savvy businessman.  He knows what it takes to be successful:  A dream, powerful intention and a solid, yet flexible, plan.  Max has embraced the opportunity to work for a terrific company in Colorado.  (Shout out to Shamrock Sales, Inc.!)  And he is happy to report in on a good business when he discovers one.  Recently, [read more]

How an Ex-Con Will Survive on the "Outside"

When I first visited CCA Davis Correctional, what struck me is how much the guys “inside” look like everyone else “outside.” For some, being incarcerated is the only way to keep society safe. For others, once they’ve served their sentence, they should be free and welcome to reenter society. But…would you hire an ex-con? Probably not. And if [read more]

Ditch the Pitch

You’re at a networking event. One by one everyone stands up and gives their elevator pitch. They’re going around the room, table by table. Pretty soon it’s your turn. Your heart starts beating fast. You break out in a sweat. You have one shot to let everyone in the room hear your pitch. What are you going to say? You’ve learned the formula for [read more]

In A Pinch, Try Customer Service

Crisis shouldn’t be the spur, but better late than never. A Wall Street Journal article from a couple of summers ago caught my eye. Titled “Customer Service as a Growth Engine,” the article described efforts by large organizations such as Walgreen’s, Comcast, American Express and others to pay “more attention to customer service in an [read more]

How Do I Win the Mega Millions?

Dear Ellen, Winning the lottery would be the answer to my money problems.  Got any tips?  Thanks, Feel N. Lucky Dear Ms. Lucky, Wow!  It’s mind boggling to consider.   The last Mega Millions jackpot was the largest in history.  Three winners are over $200 million richer!  Did you buy a ticket?  Are you enticed by the [read more]