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Last week I briefly talked about growing bigger ears. Since then I’ve received tons of awesome feedback on the topic of listening. (If you still have tips and ideas, email [email protected]) So, here’s my ever-growing list of Ways to Grow Bigger Ears: 1) Be less worried about what you’re planning to say next. 2) As soon as your follow-up question or rebuttal is formed, jot down just the major…

WARNING: This article does not encourage readers to actually punch their customers in the face. Here’s what I mean… In the process of breaking the silence, making the mundane memorable, turning strangers into friends, and turning friends into fans, you must IMMEDIATELY inform people of your credibility. Get their attention quickly and blatantly. Like punching them in the face. Here’s WHY I mean this. We live in an untrusting…

Potential customers, fans, friends, family members, audience members, readers of your material, website visitors, and pretty much anyone else that comes into contact with your business needs to know three things. This is what I call “The Triple D Factor.” (And no, it has nothing to do with Dolly Parton.) PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU: i. DO – for a living, as a professional, for companies, for customers….

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that the art of listening is essential for making a name for yourself. Still, here are my four cents: 1) Listening is not waiting to talk. 2) You have one mouth and two ears. Listen and talk accordingly. 3) “You can’t learn if you’re speaking.” –Alan Weiss 4) A great way to show someone you’re listening is to say, “Wait,…

If you haven’t read my first post in this three part series, probably do that first. During that wonderful period after college, or as I like to call it, “The Two Years When My Business Wasn’t Making Money So I Lived in My Parents’ Basement and Worked a Part Time Job,” I took a nights/weekends position as a valet parker at a local hotel. (Read how I got hired…

Five down, one to go. I was so close to getting the job I could taste it! All I had to do was ace this last interview and I was a shoe-in for my new position at the Ritz Carlton. “OK Scott, this last question is kind of a tough one. Most applicants usually have trouble with it, so just take your time: Do you have any weaknesses?” Damn….

I recently sat down to dinner with my girlfirend at the famous Forest Park Boathouse. As usual, we checked out the design of the sugar packets on the table.

Last month I released a free ebook about speaking. It was downloaded a few thousand times, which ain’t bad. Because I got so many positive emails, calls and comments about it, I decided to write a companion ebook for authors and self publishers. Here she is: 203 Things I’ve Learned about Writing, Selling and Marketing Books Three of my favorite tips are: #37: I would recommend you give away…

Picture this: you’re standing in a room full of strangers, not talking to a soul. You’re hoping to make at least one connection, but can’t seem to get the ball rolling. Eventually you think, “This is ridiculous. Why can’t I start a conversation with anyone?” The answer to that question runs deeper than you might think. Starting conversations not only depends on your communication skills; it’s also a function…

A is for ATTITUDE B is for BREAK PATTERNS C is for CONSISTENCY D is for DISCIPLINE E QTis for EVOLUTION F is for FRIENDLINESS G is for GOOD WITH NAMES H is for HAPPINESS I is for IDEAS J is for JOY K is for KNOWLEDGE L is for LAUGHTER M is for MUNDANE N is for NAMETAGS I need to apologize. See, sometimes I get so wrapped…