The July issue of Consumer Reports includes the results of a nationwide survey listing the most annoying customer service problems. Among the top 5 problems are rude and pushy salespeople. Think about the last time you shopped for a new car. Or maybe a new appliance. What was your experience like? What is it thatRead… Read more »
If it wasn’t for the Internet, we would never be able to enjoy interesting little treasures from around the world. Where else can find pictures of people, many legends of our time having dinner, laughing, hanging out, and performing? “Awesome People Hanging Out Together” has well over a hundred photographs (and growing by the day)Read… Read more »
I recently became a fan of Das Auto, a phrase Volkswagen aptly uses to describe the attitude of its brand. Das Auto is all those little things that go into making a Volkswagen. In its English language translation, it simply means the car. For me, Das Auto is a Volkswagen Jetta and it’s more thanRead… Read more »
Leonardo da Vinci once said, “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” When you’re looking to drive improved business results, one of the greatest joys can be truly understanding your target audience – their wants, their needs, and their motivations. In conjunction with the national effort by the same name, I recently organized aRead… Read more »
Over the weekend the family went to one of our favorie restaurants. As we were leaving, I noticed the van and how busy it was in regard to the various messaging elements (over 20). The “Cool prices … Warm Service!” phrase stood out–it was memorable, short, and playful. It prompted to find them on theRead… Read more »
I had an extraordinary customer experience this past Saturday at my local Home Depot. I walked in with a small list of materials I needed for the day’s home improvement projects around the house. As I walked around the store, I encountered Home Depot associates at every turn. Without exception, every one of them greetedRead… Read more »
Imagine you’re organizing an event and you’re asking people to participate. You’re trying to persuade them to join you. The story you tell them should include one or more personal benefits each of them may realize by participating. In his latest post on business storytelling, Ira shared three tips for inspiring others to action throughRead… Read more »
Article Summary: Everyone is a storyteller. You are a storyteller. You tell personal and professional stories every day. Whether you direct an international association, manage a government program, run a small business, or serve as the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, consider every written, verbal, and social media communication as a business story. YouRead… Read more »
I went for a trail run the other day. The air was warm and the sun was shining so I opted for an outdoor experience. I brought along everything I would need – my Vibram FiveFingers® shoes, Nike Dri-Fit running apparel, Oakley sunglasses, Coppertone sunscreen and Apple iPod. Although I had purchased these products fromRead… Read more »
I met Colin, the CEO of E Group at a regional government contractors conference. After a great conversation, we exchanged business cards. As per my norm, I looked at the card front and then back. Lo and behold, I was compelled to read the back. I discovered Colin’s personal statement (see images below). I excitedlyRead… Read more »