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This comment tends to make people feel uncomfortable. Or curious. Or suspicious. Because when you’re introduced to someone new and he or she says, “Oh I’ve heard a lot about you…” you’re probably thinking to yourself: What does this stranger know about me? Is she just saying that to be polite? If not, how did she find these things out? Did Steve tell her? And if he did, was…

Today I read the following advice column in the Miami Herald by Dr. Andrea Corn called 30-something guy chases women – away: Q: I don’t have a problem interacting with the opposite sex where I work. However, in social settings my friends tell me women think I’m unapproachable. What advice can you offer this 30-something male? A: Smiling, making eye contact and sounding warm and engaging all demonstrate interest…

What pieces of advice would you impart on the next generation of business people? Just ask my good friend Chris, aka “Mr. Drury.” He teaches at the Clyde C. Miller Career Academy in St. Louis. After downloading a copy of my latest free ebook, 66 Priceless Pieces of Business Advice I Couldn’t Live Without, he decided to get creative with the images and post them all around his classroom!…

His name was Steffan. He was a 55 year old recovering-alcoholic-mechanic who had an abusive childhood and suffered from Social Anxiety Disorder. I only know these things about Steffan because he was a complete stranger who called my cell phone in the middle of the night on December 30th, 2002 and TOLD ME. And that’s how he became my first stalker. “Um…yeah…I read that article from the Portland Tribue…

Ever eat lunch alone? I know, it sounds contrary to the entire concept of networking and approachability. Especially if you’ve read Keith Ferrazzi’s best selling book, Never Eat Alone. But hear me out on this one. Because eating alone (every once in a while) gives you an opportunity to do something you often forget to do while dining out with a client or coworker: observe. Now, don’t think of…

OK. I’ll give props to MySpace: it’s great for giving people a voice, connecting new and old friends, even helping upcoming bands/comedians/artists promote their work. On the other hand, most people who use it will admit: “Yeah, but it DOES get really addicting.” Wouldn’t know. I don’t have a MySpace page. Although I have considered getting one. But for now I think I’ll just stick with good ol’ Blogger…AND…

John Moore of Brand Autopsy posted a great article by Rick Nobles called Congratulations – Someone Hates Your Brand! A few excerpts: “Having someone hate you lets you know you’re doing a good job of branding.” “When you put a stake in the ground and say ‘this is who I am,’ you are also saying ‘this is who I’m not.’ Identity is all about creating parameters, drawing lines among…

“Don’t tell ’em what you did, tell ’em what you learned.” Ok then. Here’s what I learned in 2005: * * * * BE the change you want to see in the world. Be brilliant at the basics. Be the first one. Be the only one. Be unforgettable. Be interesting. Be a sleeper. Be that guy. Be the world’s experton yourself. Be better than yesterday, but not as good…

I stayed at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center last weekend for a wedding. As soon as I checked in, I noticed the employee nametags had something noticeably different on them: another name. (Sorry the pic is tough to see…not an easy shot) “Why does your nametag say ‘The Boss’ on it?” I asked Jonathan. “Oh, Bruce is my favorite! See, we all have a different musician underneath…

It’s been a long, exciting, stressful, fun, memorable, interesting and exhausting year. And when I look back at everything from the new book to speaking in Switzerland to the nametag tattoo, it’s sure been a productive one too! Last night I spent a few hours on one last project for 2005. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for quite a while now, so I’m glad I finally got around…