Do you have an assistant? One or more employees? If I asked them what you are like to work for, what do you think they’d say?

This morning, I stopped at a business where I do some consulting to speak briefly to Amy, an assistant in the sales office. From what I’ve seen she knows her stuff and is a very hard worker. I was there for no more than five minutes to run something by her. While we were checking the schedule on her computer,  (read more…)

Popularity: 10%

At  Christmas time, I blogged about calling your clients to wish them a happy holiday instead of pushing against the emotions of the season and trying to meet with clients who are not inclined to do so at that time of year. 

Let’s take this a step further. In your business, do you send Christmas cards and birthday cards to all your clients?  Or even to your clients’ children? I remember every single year when I was a kid I received a birthday card from my parents’ insurance agent. I had never met the guy and wouldn’t know him on the street. I thought this was stupid then and I still do.

There are people in this industry and maybe in others too, who still follow this old tradition and send, or probably have their assistant send, birthday and holiday cards to all their clients. I truly think this is largely ineffective and a waste of time. (read more…)

Popularity: 21%

As I tweeted yesterday, “We see and often judge others by their behavior while we know nothing about the motivation behind that behavior”.

When you go about your business without communicating with the people around you, whether it’s your boss, co-workers or family, what are some of the assumptions they might make about you? (read more…)

Popularity: 16%

Someone made the comment today that “trust is earned“.  I guess to some people this is an unquestionable belief. If they don’t know you, how would they know if you are worthy of their trust?

Trust is earned. You mean you have a relationship with a friend or lover and you don’t trust this person? How long does it take for he or she to earn your trust? (read more…)

Popularity: 34%

Tuesday, April 8th, 2009, the Vermont legislature overrode by one vote Governor Jim Douglas’ veto and approved same sex marriage.

I am proud to be a Vermonter. I believe in love. I believe in tolerance. I believe in acceptance. I believe in appreciating our differences. I believe in equal rights. I believe in treating others as I would have them treat me. I believe in change. I believe in the power of the people.

I truly do not understand another opponents’ position.

What is so threatening about gay couples having the right to marry?

What makes gays undeserving of the same rights you enjoy?

What effect will their right to marry have on you personally?

What evidence do you have that children will be harmed by being raised with two parents of the same sex?

What if your own child was gay? Would you support a prejudiced world then?

What values do you want to instill in your children?

How would this world be different if we practiced tolerance and acceptance of others no matter their differences or beliefs?

What would acceptance feel like?

Will you try it?

Popularity: 62%

Have you ever been hurt, disappointed or let-down in some way by a someone you care about? Okay, dumb question, we all have been at some point in our lives. It happens all the time. One of the things that’s really bugging me lately is people thinking, “I didn’t mean to” is a valid defense.

Somehow, many people believe that if they didn’t intentionally set out to hurt another person, then they did nothing wrong. I disagree. Ever heard the word “negligence“? (read more…)

Popularity: 78%

Is this a good time? Do you have a few minutes? Am I interrupting anything? All very polite intros when you are calling someone to discuss a particular matter, to lament or just to chat. So why do so many people not bother to ask? (read more…)

Popularity: 61%