February, 2010

Bode Miller’s Comeback »

Last night I watched the Olympics on TV. And I saw U.S. downhill skier Bode Miller win a gold medal. I had some faint recollection of Miller from the 2006 Olympics. I did some homework: although he entered those Olympics as America's great male hope, he had a very poor week: no medals, two DNF's (did not finish) and one disqualification.

The Disconnect Between Promise and Delivery »

In 2000 Jet Blue took to the air with its first flight. Founder David Neeleman, had a precise prescription for success: "The right mix of a strong business plan, an experienced management team, dedicated employees, a great product and service, service, service." In the last decade Jet Blue went from start-up to major carrier. Neeleman is

It’s the Saints! »

After 42 years of futility, after one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, and just a few years after fans wore bags on their heads, the New Orleans Saints are today the best team in football. To me, the story is a metaphor for the principle of never giving up on your dream. Somewhere in our hearts we all harbor a serious

The Tempo of a Sale »

Whereas most people buy at some emotional level (and then justify their purchase with logic), it is the process of persuading a person to buy that I want to discuss today. Ironically, many salespeople (or other persuaders) lose a sale because they let their emotions get in the way of a well-conceived plan. Specifically, I think many people