Build Cooperation or Expect Resistance
I read a book awhile back called Solutions Focus by Mark MerKergow and Paul Z Jackson, and it really struck a chord with me.I ran across some of my notes from the book yesterday as I was organiz...
Networking Faux Pas
Most people I meet while networking think they're great networkers, but a lot of them are still making some of the biggest networking no-nos in the book. I went to a local networking event th...
Achieving Excellence in a Networking Group
During a recent interview, I was asked what my thoughts are on why my networking organization, BNI, has become so successful. Well, I'll be the first to admit that success didn't happen overnigh...
Twilight Zone Management
Someone recently asked me about some of my more unusual moments in business, and that took me back to a short stint I did working as the general manager of a light-manufacturing plant in Los Ang...
Six Essentials for Networking
Recently, I was handed a copy of a book called Rules for Renegades: How to Make More Money, Rock Your Career, and Revel in Your Individuality by Christine Comaford-Lynch. In the book, she names...
I ‘Absolutely’ Refuse to Participate in a Recession!
Last month I wrote a blog article headlined: "I Refuse to Particpate in a Recession." It clearly resonated with many entrepreneurs. A lot of people posted responses to this blog with a clear und...
Entrepreneurial Excellence
A good friend of mine, Frank De Raffele Jr., recently launched a radio program called "Entrepreneurial Excellence." I wanted to take a minute to let everybody know about it because not only is...
Why Make Mistakes When We Can Learn From Others?
This week, I was having a conversation with one of my employees about a guy who was exposed as a total con artist on national television, yet somehow he still manages to get people to send him m...
Are You ‘Really’ in Business?
I was speaking at a conference for small business owners last year where the following list was given to all the businesspeople in attendance. The speaker said; "If you don't have all these thin...
Customer Service Alone Won’t Ensure Referrals
This past weekend I found myself explaining BNI to the father of one of my son Trey's friends. After I gave him the basic rundown, he said, "That sounds like a great concept. But I’m known for g...