Dealing with problem customers
We’ve all had difficult customers: demanding, obnoxious, late-paying folk who tempt you to pull out a baseball bat. Admittedly, their money’s as good as anyone...
Rob Weinberg
Big mouths are probably losing business
Let’s begin with a few assumptions: You shouldn’t discuss politics in business settings We live in a fractured society LinkedIn has over 1.1 billion members...
Working for your breakfast
Today is the 20th anniversary of my writing this column, and folks regularly ask how I come up with new material every week. Simply put,...
Why listen to your customers?
In late 1985, I wrote to Ben Cohen, president of Ben & Jerry’s, complaining about their Pralines & Cream ice cream. I’d had bad luck...
What successful businesses have in common
You’ve probably heard that marketing is the lifeblood of commerce. So why do so many companies that miss their sales goals see their marketing budgets...
Happy 35th anniversary, Holly Bishop!
Some businesses survive by being big. Others are the lowest-cost providers. The best ones survive because people trust them. Take Bishop Insurance Service, for example,...
How I almost got scammed
I like to think I’m an intelligent guy. I read everything I can, earned a couple of college degrees, and pay attention to the world...
The importance of bracketing domain names
In photography, bracketing means taking multiple shots of the same scene from slightly different angles, ensuring one turns out correctly. Sometimes you’ll also get a...
You’ve been warned!
Over the years I’ve watched more than my share of television and movies, and have observed countless warnings of flashing lights, tobacco use, rude language,...
To this year’s graduating class
My invitation to address Wee Pals Nursery School’s graduating class must have gotten lost in the mail. It’s the only logical conclusion I can come...
The great AI FAQ
“I’m thinking of having ChatGPT write my book.” It’s a comment I hear every few weeks, and if you’re seriously considering the option, I wish...
Does anyone care what you think?
We recently needed to get our carpets cleaned and turned to Yelp for guidance. We called Better Call Tony, who was incredibly responsive, professional and...
The moment that changed your kid
Your favorite teenagers probably don’t bother reading newspapers, so do them a favor and forward this column to them. Because once again, Write Away Books...
Pay attention to the lipstick effect
During times of economic downturn or uncertainty, people tend to spend less on big-ticket items, while still buying small, affordable indulgences. The term “lipstick effect”...
Does your book have business cards?
After 45 years in the marketing business, I switched careers to helping people write books. This combination of perspectives showed me most authors don’t know...