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One of the privileges of working with ASAE was contributing to their national publication, Associations Now. Before my speech in May, the editor and I got together to talk about how organizations and associations could foster approachability among members and guests. The piece came out great, even if they did use a picture from when I was 22! (Click on the image to view a larger size.) Also, sorry…

First of all, I didn’t know it was a black tie wedding. I guess those things happen when you don’t read the invitation carefully. Or at all. Woops. Secondly, I arrived 2 hours late. (Thanks a lot, alarm clock that never went off at the Best Western Garden Inn in Santa Rosa, CA.) Anyway, when I arrived I noticed that all the men were wearing tuxes. Damn it. Hope…

One of the first principles I teach in my books and speeches is that approachability is a two-way street. The word comes from the Latin verb apropriare, or “to come nearer to.” This means that in addition to being proactive in approaching customers, prospects and friends; you also must position yourself, your company, your ideas, your value and your services in a way that magnetizes them to YOU. A…

OK, maybe “steal” is a harsh word. But over the years I’ve accumulated quite a collection of commercials, advertisements and promotions from businesses, organizations and people who have used “HELLO, my name is…” (or some sort of nametag) as part of their branding. Like this commercial for Paxil (left) from a few years back. I remember the first time I saw it. I was watching TV with my folks….

A is for ATTITUDE B is for BREAK PATTERNS C is for CONSISTENCY D is for DISCIPLINE At least one audience member in each of my speeches usually asks, “Scott, have you ever missed a day wearing a nametag?” Actually, no. Sure, I’ve come close many times: walking down the street, jumping into the car or getting out the door and then realizing. “Ah damn it! I forgot to…

Quite possibly the best piece of advice I’ve been given in the past year came from my friend, mentor and occasional therapist, Richard Avdoian. “Don’t try to be different. In fact, don’t try to be anything. Just be. Be yourself. Be the same person no matter where you go. As a result, you WILL be unique. And people will notice. Because there’s nothing more approachable than authenticity.” I quoted…

On April 10th I posted about Goodyear’s contest for the world’s largest nametag… …and we have a winner! According to yesterday’s press release from PRNewswire, — In a gala event held at its Wingfoot Lake Airship Hangar today, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company christened its newest airship: Spirit of Innovation. Matthew Harrelson of Uniontown, Ohio submitted the winning name in the company’s “Name the Blimp” contest and is…

You think it’s windy by Lake Michigan? Try coming out to Ellensburg, WA. Man, I almost got blown over during my afternoon jog yesterday! Still, it’s a very cool city. The mountains are glorious and the weather is a heckuva lot better than the 102 heat index we got back in St. Louis! Also, I’m staying at the famous Inn At Goose Creek. As you enter the Inn at…

I’m back in Portland for a few days this week. Hanging out with some old friends, namely my bud Tony Cameron from The Punk Group. Then I’m off to Seattle for a few speeches on Wed/Thur. I’m SO excited/honored to be working with another old friend, Kathy Condon. She and I met on July 23, 2003 at an event in Portland. We’ve stayed close since then, but now FINALLY…

BIN 36 Chicago is open for breakfast lunch and dinner daily and features contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and wine pairing. I ate a quick lunch at BIN 36 last week. At the end of the meal, my client Kerry told me, “Oh, and don’t forget to grab cookies and water when we’re done!” “What?” “Oh yeah, they give you free cookies and a bottle…