Newsletter Blogs

Good News: Miss Teen USA Swaps Bikinis for Athleisure
July 6, 2016 at 5:51 pm

Without beauty pageants, we wouldn’t have “Miss Congeniality.” So, I do give them credit for that—but not much more. That is, until last week when the Miss Universe Organization announced that the Miss Teen USA competition would eliminate the swimwear competition and integrate an athletic wear competition. Among other things, do you know what that decision signals? Athleisure continues to soar in popularity, and it's here to stay...

The Rolling Stones Were Wrong
July 5, 2016 at 4:03 pm

In the Rolling Stones’ famous song, they say, “You can’t always get what you want, but ... you get what you need.” We all know that’s wrong. We don’t always get what we need. I believe we get what we see. Getting what you see is the practice of visualization—creating vivid pictures in your mind…

Using 'Leading Periods' to Organize Sales Orders
July 1, 2016 at 2:39 pm

Question: I use QuickBooks Premier. I have orders where copy or instructions are frequently the same. When I create these sales orders, is there a way to get these words onto the order without retyping them every time? Answer: Yes. You can save and reuse words or phrases that you use often by creating a…

What Experience Do You Deliver?
June 30, 2016 at 5:43 pm

How would your clients describe the experience of meeting with you? How do they feel as you walk out of their offices? How do they feel about your impending appointments to see them? Here's the toughest question for you to ponder. I want you to think this through thoroughly. If you are part of a…

5 Management Lessons from My Favorite Sudoku App
June 28, 2016 at 6:59 pm

A few years ago, I downloaded a free Sudoku app called Sudoku Joy. I had not played Sudoku before this app and I was not sure I would like Sudoku. In fact, I was pretty sure I would not like Sudoku. Turns out, I was wrong. I like Sudoku quite a bit, and this app…

Thoughts on PPAI L.E.A.D. in Washington, D.C.
June 27, 2016 at 3:08 pm

Last month I had the privilege of joining a select group of promotional products professionals in Washington, D.C., for Promotional Product Association International’s (PPAI) Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.). Influential industry members from across the country volunteered their time to head to our nation’s capitol, to raise awareness about our industry and the legislation…

How to Help Orlando a T-shirt at a Time
June 22, 2016 at 4:59 pm

In this industry, we know the power of a T-shirt. We know how many impressions they provide—and how effective those impressions can be. A shirt donning a slogan in support of Orlando combats the hate that caused this tragedy and unites us all in support of our fellow man...

How Important Is the Bag?
June 21, 2016 at 6:20 pm

I walk to work every day with all of my stuff in a backpack. On this walk to work, I pass other working professionals with leather messenger bags and nice briefcases. The majority of backpack-users I see are heading to the school up the street. Every morning, I think, "Man, maybe it's time I actually…

The Law of Attraction: Learn How to Talk to Yourself
June 20, 2016 at 5:42 pm

In my last article, I discussed the importance of using “I am” statements. Today, I would like to discuss another powerful communication tool: questions. Specifically, I want to talk about the questions you ask yourself. The fact is, we ask ourselves at least several hundred, and up to as many as several thousand, questions a…