Public people have the opportunity to build tremendous brands. One of the most powerful and most visible is John Force of John Force Racing, a huge part of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)

John’s blustery personality, raspy voice and exaggerated arm and body motions are all part of the image.  From his breathless finish line itnerviews to his  returns to the starting line to watch his daughter and teammate, Ashley Force-Hood, start her race, he is all about the passion of professional drag racing.  It has helped him build an empire and field four race cars (usually about one-fourth of a typical field at an event). Read More...

As I was walking my dog in the pre-dawn light this morning, it brought back memories of when I was a kid in the same early morning. On those long-ago mornings, I would get up before anyone in the house and ride my bike around the neighborhood. Everything looked had a different look and feel than it did later in the day. Of course, scale is different when you are 10 or 11, but noticing the distinction between the dayparts was there.

The point is that we all need to look at things differently on a regular basis or we become stale. A fresh look at your job, clients, career and life in general is in order. Whether it’s taking a different route to your next appointment, starting with a revised topic at the next networking event or taking on a part-time assignment that isn’t in your normal skill set, we all need to view the world differently. Read More...

From a presentation by Lesley Harris of Travelocity:

Nearly 80% (79%)of business leaders recently polled believe the best way to meet new clients is face to face. Read More...

Colin Cowherd of ESPN went on a rant today about body language. While “The Herd” can be annoying at times, he usually tells the truth (which can be rough at times). Today, though, he pretty much hit the mark.

He was going on about body language, particularly as it relates toNational Football League (NFL) head coaches.  He cited those that carried off the strength and position of a head man: Bill Cower, Tony Dungy, Rex Ryan, Bill Bellachik.  Then he lit into those who don’t have it, namely the Dallas Cowbys’ head man, Wade Phillips.  While Colin’s observations bordered on cruel, he was right in his general direction: Read More...

Tom Rath’s book is a Godsend when it comes to helping you discover your potential.

Teh result of work done by the Gallup organization, “Strengths” is loaded with strategies for applying your strengths–once you find them. And the accompanying website is very helpful as well. Read More...

In a conversation with a friend last evening, it came to my attention that it is really important to have a common element in conversation so people can relate: the shared experience.

What we had really talked about was an earlier time in life when there were only three TV channels. So, most of America was watching the same program each evening then sharing the experience at lunch, at the water cooler or on the playground the next day. We recalled when we were kids that on Monday at school we all asked each other if we had seen “Disneyland” the previous Sunday evening. Read More...

At a voice class I attended the other evening, I had an unusual vantage point: I was seated behind each speaker as they recorded their VO session. What’s interesting is that I couldn’t see facial expressions, but I could watch bodies. From the back, I saw hunched shoulders relex and tense, knees bend, backs sway. Add to that the voices and it was almost like wathcing animation.

Truth is, it was a lesson in watching as well as listening. In this space we talk about listening more than talking. Add to that guideline the idea of watching body language. While I’m no psychologist, it is important to read signs like crossed arms, posture and eye contact and how jaws are set. People listen (and talk) while delivering their message on many levels. Read More...

All of these media we’ve been using are leading to exactly what we want: a live meeting.

After tweeting, “friending” on Facebook (another noun becomes a verb) and connecting on LinkedIn, it all culminates in a meeting. Today’s example is from last week’s Relentless Live at the NDCC: Read More...