With a little prodding, I can get my friend John Hicks to talk about the time he got a small part in the Coen brothers’ classic movie, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” One of John’s principle memories of the experience was the heat. The political rally scene in which John had his part was shot […]
Archive | Success
Aliens, Flying Monkeys, and the Coronavirus
These are scary times and I should know because I’m no stranger to fear. When I was nine years old I watched Earth vs. the Flying Saucers on TV and it flat out scared the living bejibbers out of me. Most of the movie wasn’t all that bad. I could handle the flying saucers zipping […]
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 […]
The Power of Vision – Video Excerpt
The beginning of the year is an excellent time to focus on your vision. I mean, after all, the year is 2020! What bigger hint do you need to take a moment and think about what you would like to see in your future? © 2020 Charles Marshall. Charles Marshall is a nationally known humorous […]
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 […]
Disruptive Customer Service
How the next level of customer service can elevate your business and increase sales My assistant recently told my wife that she was considering buying a coin-counting machine. My wife asked her if she had thought of taking her coins to a local bank to use their free coin counter. My assistant replied that she […]
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 […]
But (kind of) Seriously Folks… Mom’s Customer Service
I just caught a cold and feel really lousy. I don’t think it detracts from my masculinity at all to say I want my mommy! It’s amazing how Mom always used to know exactly what to do when I got sick but, if I’m being honest, her cold remedies were usually way worse than the […]
But Seriously Folks… Customer Service that Tries Harder
I found the exact computer I wanted online, but I needed to know one thing before I hit the “purchase” button: Did the company also sell the extended-life battery for this model? If they did, then they automatically had an instant, add-on sale. I called the company and told the person answering the phone that […]