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...
Ask Mr. Marketing
This gift keeps on giving
This column started in 2006 when my bride had the idea of me providing free marketing advice. “Like free samples at Costco in hopes you’ll...
Vote for a conflict of interest
If elected, I’ll lower taxes and increase ice cream subsidies. Sorry. I forgot I dropped out of the gubernatorial race. Instead, let’s talk about the...
Fulfilling a promise to Robert Yehling
Shortly before Bob Yehling died in October, 2024, I promised him that Write Away Books would establish a scholarship at Carlsbad High School to encourage...
In business, a simple typo can send the wrong message
The Catholic Church teaches us that sloth is one of the seven deadly sins. Yet laziness is part of human nature. Perhaps that’s why Americans...
Why your TV isn’t showing the same ads as mine
I’ve oftentimes considered making my computer password IF**KINGHATETECHNOLOGY!!!!. I’m admittedly not a big fan, though I recognize I couldn’t run my business without it. Tonight...
Tips for writing a column
When asked how to get a column like this, I report that editors require category experts who write well, present their knowledge in an interesting...
Frank and the three shoeshines
My marketing career started in a New York-based sales promotion agency. There, a man named Frank — beaten down by life and lacking formal education...
Putting a target on its back
Donald Trump’s return to office brought with it a war against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These efforts sought to promote fair treatment and...
Piecing together memorable customer experiences
Regular readers know I help people write books. Previously, I spent decades in marketing. These careers have given me a unique set of skills that...
Why your business needs a soundtrack
Years ago, I ran in-house marketing operations for a balloon delivery service. Computers were fairly rudimentary in those days. Email and websites didn’t exist, and...
Road rage can drive customers away
Perhaps you’ve noticed there’s a lot of anger in society today. Various factors (information overload, politics, lack of trust, social media algorithms, economic pressure, blame-seeking,...
When a sign sends two messages
I recently took my car in for a tune-up. At the check-in line, a sign said, “We want to buy your car” and invited inquiries....
Does this meeting make me look fat?
To do well in business, it helps to know not only what you sell, but also why you sell it. Having this knowledge makes it...
Talk fast. You’re losing my attention.
Volunteers typically run nonprofits and forget their organization is a business. Whether selling causes or candidates, they need money to cover rent, lights and salaries....