I’ve always been a fan of basketball. It’s the perfect sport. It doesn’t take a lot of fancy equipment or training to play. It’s fast-paced and the rules are fairly simple to understand. It requires a combination of strategy, teamwork, and individual skill. Though I’ve cheered for a number of specific teams over the years, … Continue reading What’s Your Free Throw Percentage?
3 Steps to Take After Receiving a Referral
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. A teller with a leading community bank (a former employer of mine) had sent me an email, saying she wanted to speak with me for a few minutes. She was looking for referral advice. Naturally, I expected her to ask for tips on making referrals. Perhaps she wanted … Continue reading 3 Steps to Take After Receiving a Referral
Searching for Clues: Hone Your Powers of Observation
He can tell where you are from just looking at your shoes. He can guess your occupation after a brief examination of your hands. He can determine your next steps based solely on clues you’ve already left behind. I’m talking, of course, about Sherlock Holmes. The world’s greatest detective has been solving mysteries since his … Continue reading Searching for Clues: Hone Your Powers of Observation
Lend Me Your Ears: How Listening Yields Additional Business
I was just about to nod off when I heard the noise. Instantly awake, I sat up in bed and strained my ears for any sound. As my mind settled, I became aware of every creek and pop. I could hear the even breathing of my dog, Spencer, at the foot of the bed. I … Continue reading Lend Me Your Ears: How Listening Yields Additional Business
Creating Fanatical Fans
My, how time flies. Where have the months gone? It seems like just yesterday we were singing Auld Lang Syne and here we are in December; just a few days away from the biggest event of the year. I’m talking, of course, about the premier of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Friday. I was … Continue reading Creating Fanatical Fans
Thank the Customer for Their Business
The following is a true story. Only the names have been changed. Some years ago, I was shopping at a major retailer – you know, the ones with 50 checkout lanes only three of which are ever open. I had quite an armload of items. As is often the case, I walked in seeking to … Continue reading Thank the Customer for Their Business
What’s In a Name?
Back in 2008, 19-year old George Garratt had his name legally changed to “Captain Fantastic.” Well, technically his full name is now “Captain Fantastic Faster than Superman Spiderman Batman Wolverine the Hulk and the Flash Combined.” I’m not sure what the current longest name on record is; but, at the time, Captain Fantastic was thought … Continue reading What’s In a Name?