Contacts, Connections, Relationships — ROI Is it possible to have too many contacts? Maybe so! I find myself spending a LOT of time adding “friends,” “followers,” and “connections,” and I am proud of the number I have. I assume that there is potential for value from contacts. Maybe they are assets? The problem is that […]

Modern Day “Good Samaritan” My faith in human kindness and compassion was renewed when Hank Zimmerman, Manager of Gates Auto Body in Middleton, volunteered to help a stranded motorist and went the extra mile and then some!   Based on his altruism and generosity, I believe he would go way beyond the call of duty […]

As we enjoy the overwhelming resources of the Internet, are we sacrificing our ability to read and think deeply? This is the concern of Nicholas Carr, author of The Shallows: What is the Internet Doing to Our Brains. He documents historical and scientific evidence that our brains change in response to our experiences.

Online and Offline Relationships — It Goes Both Ways “Online Building Offline Relationships”  is the title of a post by George Couros in his blog, “The Principal of Change.” George is an innovative school Principal who writes about fostering effective relationships. I couldn’t agree more with what Principal Couros wrote: If I know anything, whether it […]

One of the fundamental principles of productivity is that in order to get things done, you have to focus. And that necessary focus requires that you eliminate as many distractions as possible — not always an easy task with the Internet, coworkers and busy phones calling to you from every direction. Focus is what makes lasers and hydraulic jacks so powerful. Focus is also the underlying secret of goal direction. Distraction is the enemy of focus. “Multi-Tasking” is an illusion. Yes, turn off everything that has nothing to do with the task you are trying to complete.

“Time Management” Puts Us in Control of Our Life It is not too late for “New Year’s Resolutions”! Today is the FIRST day of the rest of our lives. We all have 24 hours per day. We have free will to choose what to do with those hours. What will you make of your life? […]

Empathy in Business — Does it Belong? I am reminded of the mafia rationalization: “It’s not personal; it’s business!” However, I contend that business has always been personal, and is even more so in the age of consumer control. According to Wikipedia, “Empathy has many different definitions. These definitions encompass a broad range, from caring […]