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PICTURE THIS: you’re chatting with someone you just met. During a conversational lull, you ask the default question, “So Mike, what do YOU do?” And all of the sudden, his posture weakens. His eyes avert. And his smile fades. “Actually, um, I’ve been out of work for the past 8 months, so…” “Oh.” Well, good thing I brought THAT up! you think. A few minutes later on your way…

It doesn’t matter what you sell. It doesn’t matter what you create. It doesn’t matter what your job title says. It doesn’t matter what service you provide. You work in the People Business. As such, it’s important to remember several things: 1. People buy people first. 2. People like to do business with their friends. 3. People don’t trust companies; they trust people. 4. People aren’t loyal to companies,…

It doesn’t matter how young you are. It doesn’t matter how inexperienced you are. You can still learn a LOT at a young age. Because, as Indiana Jones said, “It’s not the years; it’s the mileage.” If you want to rack up your “Melon Mileage,” consider these 23 ideas. I’ve been living and working by them for years: 1. Read lots of books. Highlight, underline, take notes and annotate….

Usually, Hertz is great. But not yesterday. I approached the counter, said hello, and asked for a car. “Do you have a reservation?” asked the desk agent. “Actually, this is totally last minute. So, no,” I replied. She checked her computer. And with a Bill Murray-like deadpan, she said, “We don’t have any cars.” Say what? “You … don’t have ANY cars?” I asked. “No. I’m sorry Sir.” I…

Remember little league? Of course you do. Remember the on-deck circle? Of course you do. Remember the On-Deck Donut? Wait. The what? The On-Deck Donut was created in the 1950’s. This piece of heavy rubber-like material usually weighs a few pounds. Batters swing with it during warm-up in the on-deck circle. Its original purpose was for a hitter to swing it to loosen and strengthen up. He would then…

You’re self-employed. You work out of your living room. You have no boss, no staff and no rules. How the heck are you supposed to stay focused? HERE’S A HINT: start mentally. Every single morning, take between 15-60 minutes for a “Daily Appointment with Yourself.” Read, write, relax, breathe, meditate, recite affirmations, and review your goals. Flood your mind with creative, nurturing thoughts and images that will tap into…

Deliver ADDITIONAL value. Because it exceeds customers’ expectations. Deliver BUZZ-WORTHY value. Because people who get talked about get business. Deliver CONSISTENT value. Because consistency is far better than rare moments of greatness. Deliver DAILY value. Because nobody wants to read a newspaper (or a website) that’s two years old. Deliver DOWNLOADABLE value. Because customers need to be able to take you with them. Deliver UNEXPECTED value. Because the most…

Creative professionals MUST exist in a creative environment. Here’s why: 1. A creative environment provides stimulation. 2. Stimulation creates, expands and refines ideas. 3. Ideas are your major source of income. Not to mention, the place where you spend the majority of your time needs to be enjoyable! If you’re looking to motivate your melon, here are 10 Critical Components of Creative Environments: 1. Appeal to your eyes. Multi-sensory…

Be UN avoidable. So customers can’t (not) take a picture of your store. So customers can’t (not) walk into your store. Be UN competable. So you’re the only one who does what you do. So you’re not only ON your customer’s list, you ARE your customer’s list. Be UN confusable. So you’re a category of one. So you’re the origin, not the echo. Be UN defeatable. So you keep…

CustomInk is the web’s most advanced virtual store for custom decorated merchandise. Customers are empowered to design and order customized apparel, drink ware and novelties for their businesses, teams, groups and events with greater ease, speed and value than ever before. BUT WAIT, IT GETS BETTER: they understand Approachability 2.0 better than most Fortune 500 companies. For example: On their Ink of the Week Blog, each week they award…