Sometime back in the early seventies when I was just a wee laddie, I was getting in our family car in a Kmart parking lot when I looked down and found a badly weathered eight-track tape (ask your mom) on the ground next to the car. The tape was in bad shape but closer inspection […]
Archive | Encouragement

Confessions of an Unsuccessful Liar
When I was seven years old, my parents entertained some friends who had just gotten back from vacationing in Hawaii. Back in those days, it was much more uncommon for people to travel to far away exotic locations, so my parents’ friends were showing off their pictures and souvenirs while my parents ooh-ed and aah-ed. […]

The Power of Failure (or not making any dough)
I answered the phone just after midnight and heard the panicked voice of my business partner on the other end of the line. “If you want anything from the restaurant, you’d better come get it now,” Frank said. “They’re kicking us out of the building tomorrow morning.” “What?!” I practically yelled into the phone. “We’re […]

Option X Solutions
Jeff Dunham had a problem. He hit a plateau in his career and was unable to go any further. He had certainly done everything right thus far. Against all odds, he established himself as an in-demand comedian on the comedy club circuit. He built a loyal following of his off-center, politically-incorrect humor by concentrating on […]

Christmas Morning Customer Service
I love getting packages in the mail or from FedEx or UPS. Tell me you don’t feel the same way. You see the delivery truck pull up to your house and there’s just a touch more excitement in your life, isn’t there? And when the driver steps out of his vehicle with that box and […]
Old Spice and Whiskers [Happy Father’s Day!]
It’s difficult for me to separate any memory I have of my father from the smell of Old Spice. For anyone unfamiliar with Old Spice, it is a quality cologne that can be purchased wherever other fine fragrances, such as Aqua Velva or Skin Bracer, are sold. It has a distinct, aptly named aroma that […]
Your Customer Service DNA Test Result
My wife gave me a DNA test kit for Christmas and I had big hopes for the results. The first thing I was hoping for was some sort of exotic heritage so people will think I’m cooler than I really am. So when I found out that I am 1/1000 Japanese (True story. Not making […]
Driving in a Blizzard – The Power of Vision
As I drove away from Holland, Michigan, I knew I might be in real trouble. I had read about blizzards and seen them on TV plenty of times, but I had never experienced one firsthand. Creeping eastward on I-196, the dim outline of dark shapes punctuated the whiteness on either side of my car. I […]
Inner-Office Conflict When You Work By Yourself
What can you do about inner-office conflict? For the first several years of my career, I was the sole employee of my company. I was both manager and employee. Receptionist and CEO. I was the one and only occupant of my office, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t conflict between me and my coworker. One […]
Just for Fun – Charles’ Big-Time Super-Helpful Financial Plan
Money is always a stressful subject, but never fear! I’m here to help. Just apply the the following 3 tips and soon you’ll be rolling in dough! 1] Organize your bills. For most people, the subject of bills is unpleasant, but it needn’t be anymore. Instead of ignoring them, I suggest you tackle financial responsibilities […]