Below is an archive of every blog post shared through this site since 2010. For posts by topic, check out articles on marketing, leadership, and building new products.
For new posts, check out my Substack newsletter and subscribe:
You’ve made up your mind 90%. But sometimes, right at the end, the remaining 10% veers uncontrollably into a black hole of overthinking. "I just want to tweak it to make it a little better. It's almost ready. I just need a bit more information. Once I have that, I’ll know for sure.”
I've come to the conclusion that spending a lot of time adding incremental polish is not helpful.
Why do we feel the urge to do it in the first place?
Read MoreCan people change? This seems like such a debated age-old question, it might not even be worth asking. But I think it's important to consider. Today is the last day of the altMBA September session, and two days ago, we opened applications for our January 2016 session (Seth's blog post here).
I'll admit, I wasn't sure what to write about in this post.
This is ironic, because we have our students publish their work 3x per week, and because I think about altMBA 24/7. So you would think I could easily find something to write about here.
Read MoreThere's a common ice breaker at conference breakout sessions. It's the dreaded "Let's go around the room and introduce ourselves" question.
Here’s what's supposed to happen: You learn that, in addition to being a sales manager, Tim likes wind-surfing on weekends.
You do too. You find him during the break and talk. You build rapport.
Read MoreClarity of language and intent is important. It is to your benefit to be as clear as possible when you speak or write, because clear communication helps you get what you need. Whether you want to change someone's behavior via feedback, or you want them to agree to your suggestion, it helps to understand how words shape the person who's listening.
One way to do this is to speak in the affirmative, rather than the negative.
Read MoreHave you ever gone to a restaurant and said, "It's our first time here. Everything on the menu looks delicious. What do you recommend?"
When a customer asks that question, it's an opportunity for the waiter to shine, to kick off the next hour together with a positive interaction. The customer is giving you a bid, and you can respond by leaning in. What ensues could lead to a lively exchange and transfer of knowledge about the juicy eats that the restaurant has to offer.
But sometimes, what happens is a frustrating impasse.
Read MoreAt Safeway, there are pricing signs everywhere that allow you to compare exactly how much something costs. Milano cookies are 2/$5, or a package that's $7 is actually 23.5 dollars per ounce if you break it down.
There are coupon inserts in the front of the store. There are bright yellow signs saying peaches are $1.99 per pound this week, hanging over the sign that says that they're normally $2.49.
If you go to a farmer's market, GOOD LUCK trying to find how much that organic kale costs. There's typically little mention of price anywhere.
Read More