When there's a will, there's a way.

The Power of Options

Way way back in college, one of my design instructors asked us “Who has more power in a negotiation? The client or the vendor?” Most of us said “the client.” Then the instructor gave us the answer which has stayed with me ever…

Leading Your Clients

Though I usually have an unlimited Metrocard to use on the subways and buses, every once in a while when I’m having a really hectic day, I like to treat myself to a little TLC. In other words, I take a cab. I…

Life Lessons from Steve Jobs, Deepak Chopra and Eddie Murphy (Yes, Eddie Murphy)

I was at a children’s birthday party over the weekend, and a friend I only see once a year (at this birthday party) asked me “So why have you stopped blogging?” I thought about it and the truth is, I feel like I’m…

Speak from the Heart

I cannot emphasize enough the role and importance of honesty and sincerity in business. Back when the internet was new and online dating was hazardous to your health, I posted a personal ad on AOL. I had just moved to New York City,…

How About a Hug?

In this day and age, it’s easy to get lost in our hyper-connected, ultra-technology filled lives. Once in a while, it may be a good idea to reconnect with folks the old-fashioned way…by cellular phone. I got a phone call day before yesterday.…

Get More Sales by Reading the Glossies

Ever go to a business networking event and ask yourself “Great, what am I going to talk about these people tonight?” Well here’s a little tip on how to become a better networker. I was reading Details Magazine on the couch the other…

Do We Have Chemistry?

They say business is all about relationships. Well it is. And the better your relationships, the better your business. If you’ve ever attended any of my workshops, you’ve no doubt heard me quote Jeffrey Gitomer saying “All things being equal, people want to…

What You Believe Matters

The simple fact is, there is no one magic bullet that will help increase sales and grow your business. There are several. I’ve already talked about relationships, social media, advertising, relationships, email marketing and relationships. But here’s one I haven’t talked about yet:…

“In Okinawa, Honor Very Serious Business!”

In case you’re wondering, that’s the line Mr. Miyagi gave Daniel in Karate Kid II when trying to explain why they were going to have to fight some bad dudes to the death. I was reminded of this recently while dealing with some…

Can Charisma Be Learned?

While exploring some of the forums on TED.com, I came across this question. It was intriguing because I felt that as an immigrant teen of 14, I took the opportunity to try to “curate” my personality or at least my self-image. My response…

Love & Your Business

I always talk about how business is all about relationships. How having great relationships with your clients is key to having a great business. But there’s another kind of relationship that’s also key. Many of us become entrepreneurs because we want more control…

Unusual Work Places

Happy New Year everyone! It’s 2017, and being an entrepreneur is more fun than ever! One of the reasons for that is because of computers and the internet. Many of us work from our laptops often from home. But sometimes, we just want…

An Orwellian Christmas Carol

Sung to the tune of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. You’d better log out. Don’t download that byte.You’d better turn off your iPhone at night.The internet is running our town! It’s making a list and checking it twiceof every computer and smart…

Want to Start Your Own Networking Group? There’s an app for that!

A few years ago, I attended a seminar on networking and the speaker had emphasized the advantages of leading your own networking group. You get to control the agenda, set the schedule plus it does wonders for your “street cred.” But back then,…

Do What You Love

As some of you may know, the family and I recently spent a month in the Philippines partly as vacation, but also partly to explore the possibility of opening up an operations office there or find new talent or at the very least…

Oh No! Networking!

Aside from helping clients with their marketing needs at Media Hounds, I also teach design at SUNY | Fashion Insitute of Technology. I like to give my students occasional career advice. One of the things I’ve noticed among the young is an aversion…

The Holy Trinity of Sales

Did you ever wish you could guarantee how much revenue was coming in to your business from one month to the other? Well, there are no guarantees in life and business but we can come pretty close. While it’s true that we can’t…

How to Promote Your Business on Facebook

This may be a heretical thing to say but I don’t believe Facebook marketing works. Okay, just so I don’t draw the ire of social media experts everywhere, I will qualify that statement. I don’t believe Facebook marketing works the way most people…

Serving Our Country

Every once in a while I’ll hear someone complain about serving on Jury Duty. Now maybe it’s because I’m a big Law & Order fan, but I love doing it! But I think that if other people are willing to risk their lives…