Newsletter Blogs

Calculator-itis
February 20, 2017 at 10:55 am

Let’s talk about what I call “calculator-itis.” My definition of “calculator-itis” is when business owners and sales reps continue to charge customers the same margins year after year without any routine, timely reviews. Continuing to charge customers the same margins over time doesn’t make sense because our value to customers grows as our expertise grows,…

Write Your Story: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How?
February 9, 2017 at 12:23 pm

The five “w's”and the “h” were the reminders for aspiring journalists to include in every story: who, what, when, where, why and how. These elements make a story compelling, informative and complete. They are also critically important to you as you write your own life story. 1. Who Are You? How have you defined yourself?…

Are Planned Parenthood Pins the Next Major Fashion Accessory?
February 8, 2017 at 11:09 am

In an effort to protect Planned Parenthood against proposed defunding, companies are stepping in to create promotional products with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. Power and Light created a tote bag that went viral, and these Nasty Women T-shirts helped raise more than $100,000 for Planned Parenthood. Now, it seems the fashion world wants in on…

Celebrate 'No'
February 6, 2017 at 2:24 pm

As business owners and sales reps, we love to hear “yes.” Yes to scheduling new appointments. Yes to earning opportunities for quotes and proposals. Yes to winning new business. We love hearing “yes.” However, business owners and sales reps are going to hear “no” many more times than they hear "yes." So, it’s time to…

9 Valentine's Day Promotion Ideas You'll Love
February 1, 2017 at 11:29 am

We know you're still settling into your post-holiday routine. It seems like just yesterday you were hanging the stockings on the fireplace and singing "Auld Lang Syne." But like it or not, Valentine's Day will be here soon, and there's nothing worse than waiting 'til the last minute to plan for it. If your clients…

'Knowing QuickBooks' Isn't Enough
January 27, 2017 at 2:57 pm

Question: I am interviewing a bookkeeper who is familiar with QuickBooks. Is that all I need to know? Answer: No! Setting aside the issues of the complexity of a bookkeeper's former experience, which is the subject of another blog, you need to know more about which QuickBooks this person has used in the past. QuickBooks…

Should You Be Worried About Amazon's Apparel Takeover?
January 25, 2017 at 10:16 am

With Amazon preparing to dominate the athletic apparel market, many are wondering if it will live up to the hype. Lately, Amazon has been setting its sights on everything from shipping to cashier-less grocery stores, and there are no signs of stopping. But apparel? Certainly the e-commerce giant can't disrupt an already over-saturated market, right? Wrong. Let's…

I Cut Out the Middleman and I Liked It
January 24, 2017 at 1:13 pm

I did it. I went direct. I cut out the distributor. I cut out the supplier. I bought directly from China. It wasn’t bad. In fact, it was quite good. Delivery was three weeks. Product quality was excellent. Service was outstanding. English wasn’t a problem. I’ve already ordered a second time. I bought glasses directly…

The 12 Weirdest Trump Inauguration Day Promotions
January 18, 2017 at 11:28 am

It's hard to believe that Donald Trump's Inauguration Day is almost here. And while many people are focusing on the actual politics, I always have a different angle. Working in this industry, I know one thing is true—it's all about the promotions. During the election, I took a look at some of the weirdest political…

An Attitude of Gratitude, No Matter What Has Happened in Your Life
January 16, 2017 at 11:38 am

For those of you who regularly read my blog, I want to caution you that this article tackles some very real and sensitive topics. But I want to share with you how I have been able to use what I’ve experienced in my personal life as motivation, and how you can use even the most…