Retailers aren’t looking forward to the holidays. Analysts predict sales will be flat, about the same as last year. Last year was bad — the biggest decline in Christmas shopping since 1970. But, once again, I think the analysts are going to be wrong. I think sales will be worse this year.
By Michael Masterson | Fri, Oct 23, 2009
Some former athletes (including you if you used to work out regularly) consider themselves “bulletproof.” Since they were in superb shape for so many years, they assume their health will always be better than average.
By Michael Masterson | Fri, Oct 23, 2009
There are dozens of tricks you can learn about business writing and, in particular, about writing a good memo. Here’s the one that I believe is the most important: Before you begin to write, ask yourself, “What is the single most important idea I want my reader to walk away with?”
By Don Hauptman | Fri, Oct 23, 2009
A contentious issue among language enthusiasts is the use of the split infinitive. Before reviewing the arguments of the two sides, let’s look at a few examples:
By Brian Tracy | Thu, Oct 22, 2009
The starting point of great success has always been the same. It is to dream big dreams. There is nothing more important than to begin by fantasizing about what you can become, have, and do. But there are obstacles along the way to achieving those dreams.
By Michael Masterson | Thu, Oct 22, 2009
“I don’t have your attitude,” Jeff said to me. “I just don’t have the mindset of someone who can make a lot of money.” “Do you want to make a lot of money?” I asked him. “That’s the sad thing,” he said, smiling wryly. “I do.”
By Michael Masterson | Thu, Oct 22, 2009
At the beginning of the year, The New York Times profiled several investors. Their stories were similar. As a result of the market plunge in 2008, Cindy and Eric Canup had to put off their dream of “buying land in Northern California or Oregon.” Joe Mancini had to put off his retirement. Robert Paynter, a retired [...]
By Michael Masterson | Thu, Oct 22, 2009
Whenever you write an e-mail on a sensitive topic, leave the “To:” line blank until you’re absolutely sure you’re ready to send it. That way, you’ll never have to worry about accidentally transmitting a message before you have everything phrased “just so.”
By Early To Rise | Thu, Oct 22, 2009
To expunge (ik-SPUNJ) — from the Latin for “to blot out” — is to wipe out or obliterate.
By Clayton Makepeace | Wed, Oct 21, 2009
I’m so old, I’ll betcha my tie has gone in and out of style at least five times. Not that I pay much attention to such things, mind you. My professional life revolves around marketing trends. And there again, my advanced age means I’ve seen many promotional styles over the years.
By Michael Masterson | Fri, Oct 23, 2009
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