- February 27, 2018 -

A few weeks ago while I was in Philly visiting my dad, our family went out to dinner after leaving the hospital.

Nerves were already raw and none of us were in the best frame of mind knowing we'd lose him soon. My mom was especially exhausted.

After waiting longer than usual (it was a favorite place we've gone to many times) I was just about to ask the waiter about the wait...

And before I could...he showed up with a couple of plates of artichoke dip, vegetables, and pita chips on the house along with an apology about [...]

- February 26, 2018 -

Who doesn't love a good story?

I've always been a fan of John Grisham's books. Suspense. Intrigue. Legal thrillers.

He just tells a damn good story.

I'm certainly not John Grisham by a long shot - but it's no surprise that I tend to gravitate to telling stories in our emails.

Stories that teach a business or marketing lesson.

Why?

Mostly because I think there's plenty of article-based content already available on the Internet to satisfy anyone willing to search.

And because I never get tired of hearing a good success story.

Take the Ritz Carlton, for example.

They go the extra mile for their [...]

- February 23, 2018 -

I have to be honest...it's been a hell of a week.

Between going back and forth to Philly to spend time with my dad before he passes...I've found it very difficult to focus.

(And why I'm getting this out  a bit later and shorter than normal so I apologize.)

Focus has never been an issue for this guy.

Blinders on...nose to the grindstone...get 'er done.

Yeah, losing my dad sucks...but I've enjoyed spending time with my nephew who attends University of Pitt and has kept me company on some of the trips.

So I'd like to think I'm the cool uncle LOL

But [...]

- February 22, 2018 -

Never let 'em see you sweat...

Remember those oldie but goodie Dry Idea commercials?

Yeah, this will date some of us LOL

In 1984, the Gillette Company launched a new series of TV commercials for its Dry Idea antiperspirants that introduced what eventually became one of the most famous ad slogans of all time.

The TV commercials featured celebrities who each mentioned three “never's” for their profession — ending with “never let them see you sweat.”

The commercials were memorable not only for their tagline, but also because they were witty and well-performed by the celebrities.

Here's one...

Lauren Hutton (Actress): There are [...]

- February 21, 2018 -

I was a one-call close salesman.

We were taught to...

Think like a closer.

Act like a closer.

Walk like a closer.

Believe you were a closer.

Weeks one and two of every month were spent cold-calling anyone listed in the county directory...one after another, making our pitch.

Typical example back then? Here's one...

So I have John on the phone and he wants to submit an order...but needs to talk it over with his wife first.

My response goes like this: "Hey, John. We're buying stock, not curtains!"

Pretty cringe-worthy, isn't it?

I'm [...]

- February 20, 2018 -

Well, well...it's a small world lol

Seems yesterday's email took a few of you who were brokers in the '80's back in time a bit, eh?

Evidently there are still a few of us relics with some unwritten Wall Street books waiting to be penned 🙂

In those days, we investment brokers followed a code, a formula...and never broke from it.

"Art, brokers with beards make money. Brokers without beards make more money" my initiation into a world where you stuck to a script had started.

And when you did, the money flowed like buttah...we were knuckleheads straight out of college and [...]

- February 19, 2018 -

For years I worked with a journalist documenting all the facts for a tell-all book about what I witnessed during my stockbroker days in the 80's.

But while covering a story out of the country, she was tragically killed.

I followed up with her family to try to recover all the notes we had compiled...but no luck.

So I let it all go, moved on.

Besides Wall Street had already been produced.

You remember Bud Fox, the young broker who's desperate to get to the top...and obsessed with having ruthless corporate raider Gordan Gekko mentor him.

That was my world.

The stories have [...]

- February 16, 2018 -

I'm driving to Philly as Cheryl types this post for me.

My dad is suffering from congestive heart failure, and I'd like to get there one last time before he passes.

He's had a good, long life and it is what it is...but if you've lost a parent, you understand the feeling of helplessness.

It also puts into perspective how important it is to treat our family, employees, and colleagues with respect and kindness.

You don't get do-overs when you treat people badly.

Here's a perfect example of what I mean...

Wanna sniff out a bad business partner before they self-destruct and [...]

- February 15, 2018 -

I love the concept of Good - Better - BEST.

Good (version 1.0) just gets something out the door.

+ A new product or service.

+ A new internal process for your office manager or a virtual team that you're trying to document.

+ A new website that showcases your snazzy new branding and services.

+ A basic campaign to collect new leads.

The idea of "good is good enough" is a perfectionist's nightmare.

A perfectionist will literally break out in a cold sweat at the thought of shipping something that isn't perfect.

I'm not talking about attention to detail...that's critical in certain scenarios.

- February 14, 2018 -

So we all know what day it is!

It's the day when we men typically mess up big time or hit it out of the park.

Guys, the pressure is on 🙂

There's one question that invariably comes up during the course of the day...and we need to answer it right.

Otherwise, it'll be a long day. And that is...

"Honey, why do you love me?"

And this is where our go-to reply of "I don't know...I just do!" doesn't cut it. lol

So good luck, gentlemen! And ladies, don't be too hard on us...we really do try 🙂

But...it's a good question!

As business [...]