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Oscar Wilde once remarked, “The only thing worse than being talked about is NOT being talked about.” So, if your customers are not ACTIVELY telling their friends about your business… 1. That means you’re probably selling a dead brand. 2. That means you’re probably different, not unique. 3. That means you’re probably doing something wrong. 4. That means you’re probably perceived as a commodity. 5. That means you’re probably…

Let’s say you publish one article. And someone reads and enjoys it. Odds are, that person will think, “Wow, that was a great article!” Cool. OK. Now, let’s say you publish a couple HUNDRED articles. And someone reads and enjoys them. Odds are, that person will think, “Wow, this guy is brilliant!” Very cool. See, they’re no longer complimenting the PIECE. They’re complimenting the CREATOR. LESSON LEARNED: more content…

The other day I saw an advertisement for this intense, three-day Wealth-Building Seminar. The headline read, “Become a millionaire in ONE WEEKEND!” And my initial reaction was: Wow, are people really THAT impatient? But I guess it’s not entirely surprising. After all, that’s our world: a hyperspeed, A.D.D., instant gratification culture. So, here’s my counterintuitive thought of the week: Get rich slowly. I first heard someone say these three…

1. Are customers asking to buy a product you don’t presently sell? And if so, what does that tell you? And what are you going to do about it? Listen closely. 2. Are you making people WANT to stand in line and pay higher prices than they know they should? Think Nintendo Wii. Not customers; fans. And not satisfied or even loyal — insistent. Who loves YOUR stuff? 3….

Man, has it really been SEVEN years already? Wow. Can’t say I ever could have imagined all of this. 2,557 days straight. That’s how long I’ve been wearing a nametag. Good lord. Well, here’s to seven more years! -Scott

A common barrier to putting the pen to the page is: “…yeah, but I don’t really LIKE writing.” That’s cool. I still suggest you get started. And here’s why… 1. The more you write, the more you will like writing. 2. The more you like writing, the more you will want to write. 3. The more you want to write, the more thought, time and effort you will put…

1. Listening earns you the right to speak. 2. Listening earns you the right to be right. 3. Listening earns you the right to clarify goals. 4. Listening earns you the right to offer advice. 5. Listening earns you the right to be respected. 6. Listening earns you the right to be listened to. 7. Listening earns you the right to voice your opinions. 8. Listening earns you the…

Whatever kind of art you create, remember this: That art was created by something much bigger than you. Call it God. Call it The Muse. The Higher Powers. The Spirit. Whatever. It’s not you. WHICH MEANS: every artist, at some point, needs to redefine her role. Because sure — you’re an artist. A painter, songwriter, craftsman or a writer. But think about what you’re REALLY doing when you get…

I’ve been reading Joe Meyers’ new book, Organic Community. And here’s what I’ve learned: You have (some) control over the environment. Some. But you have little or no control over the people IN the environment. SO, HERE’S THE SECRET: let things organically and naturally occur. Don’t sell. Create and manage an environment in which customers are enabled to buy. Don’t network. Create and manage an environment in which strangers…

Morning guys! I’m in Raleigh, NC this week, working with a group of Child Nutrition Administrators. Great people. So, several of them have been asking me: “Hey Scott, why do you choose to wear the simple, hand-written nametags? Why not get something more customized and permanent?” I get this question a lot. And while there are many answers I could offer, here’s the one that matters MOST to you:…