Something a little different this week. I’ve featured Ray Stevens before. I just love him. And I just found out Marty Robbins put him on his show in 1977. The whole thing is on Facebook here. My mom saw Marty Robbins in concert and said he was a nut. So I suppose they were two nuts in a shell, so …
How to become an aspirational brand
“No soup for you!” The Soup Nazi got away with saying that in the classic Seinfeld episode because the soup was just that good. Customers were fawning and falling over themselves to obey the rules and buy soup. I have seen a Soup Nazi approach tried in the real world … but it turns out customers do not fawn over …
The dichotomy of culture vs. innovation: Why not both?
From the mail bag: A listener asks an extremely important question for any organization that plans on a long-term future. Which is more important to an organization, culture or innovation? Mike and Mark find answers in a Toyota factory and a bunch of monkeys. Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark. Listen here … subscribe on Spotify, …
How do you deal with a customer who is a fool?
I’m going to submit this with very little commentary. Maybe it’s the approach of Easter, but I think there is some real wisdom in the Bible for customer situations. A bit of background to help make sense of the verses I’m sharing: The book of Proverbs is full of “aphorisms,” short sayings that make sweeping statements about how the world …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Dancing in the Street
Such a happy song. And because I am of a certain vintage, I always associate it with an episode of Growing Pains: At a dance, Kirk Cameron’s character was opposed to his little sister dancing with his best friend Boner. It ended, as I recall, with this tune and the focus on just having fun. Which is certainly what this …
Is what you are chasing worth it?
What if you had to stare at dust, constantly, for years on end? What if that is what you are doing right now? In Dante’s Divine Comedy, the poet (c.1265-1321) portrays himself as the narrator on a tour of Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. Set aside your theological issues: The epic is one of the world’s most important works. Dante’s story …
Conversation: the art every leader must perfect
What do elementary school kids, some barbers, a Canadian pastor and our clients have in common? They are all noticing the crucial, crucial need for conversation in leadership. Good news: There are practical ways to hone your conversational skills. Resources referenced in this episode: “Why All Future Leaders Will Be Great Conversationalists” “The Coaching Habit“ “The Storyteller’s Secret” “Conversation: Even …
Hey manager: Please don’t be nice.
If there is one phrase clients have said to me over the years (besides “help me” and “thank you”), it’s this: “Mark, I know you’d tell me to be nice, but. …“ There are variations. “I didn’t do that the Hip Socket way.” Or, “I wasn’t very nice.” My goal in this post is to share one basic fact with …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Vehicle
We’re apparently sticking with the ’70s right now.
Please argue with your customers
I have observed a lot of sales professionals over the years. There are three kinds: If you want to know if you are dealing with a thriving sales professional, look to the long-term outcome. Some salespeople are charming, some are not. Hot spells and cold spells come and go. Many have long careers. But over time, the thriving sales professional …