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How to Write: My 8 Secrets

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love to write and wasn’t obsessed with words. I’ve done crossword puzzles since childhood and have been known to read the dictionary. I’m a natural writer — by that I mean no one has ever formally taught me how to write, but it’s always come easy to me [...]

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Twitter: How to Live Tweet an Event

Have you ever wished you could attend a conference or event, but just couldn’t make it? Are you on Twitter? If so, you might be thankful for someone who lives tweets the event. Or you might be annoyed if it’s an event you have no interest in. Either way, you’ll see live tweeting or live [...]

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Social Network Common Sense: Uncommon

I give a lot of advice about online stuff like web content, writing and social media. And sometimes people even listen. When I distill all the advice I’ve ever given about online behavior, it all comes down to common sense, which may have become something of an oxymoron. For example: I’d have certainly advised Abercrombie [...]

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Abercrombie & Fail?

If ever there were an epic social media fail, this is it. First, Abercrombie & Fitch’s CEO states that they don’t make clothes in sizes larger than 10 (for women; apparently men go all the way up to XL) because, well, I’ll let you read it for yourself, if you haven’t already: “In every school [...]

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Social Media Revolution

Three years ago this video by Erik Qualman stunned and surprised many who didn’t yet understand the power and prevalence of social media:   Here’s the fourth version, produced a more recently. Not as surprising, but still eye opening.  

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5 Ways to Make Your Audience Want to Sing

Who’s your favorite musician or band? Simon and Garfunkel get first place with me, but Billy Joel is definitely a close second. I first saw him in concert in the late 70s, when I was in college. He played at Arkansas State in the basketball gym. I’d never heard of him, but a couple of [...]

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5 Leadership Lessons From Stacy & Clinton

I’m so disappointed that What Not to Wear is coming to an end. I’ve been hooked on this show since it started — for the fashion, of course, but mostly for the amazing transformation process. Hosts Stacy London and Clinton Kelly mince no words when it comes to unfortunate clothing. As ruthless as their criticism can be about a [...]

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Everyone Needs an Editor — I’m Here to Help

I’m fed up. It’s fingernails-on-the-chalkboard irritating. I’ve discussed this issue adnosium.* I can hardly bare* it. This just doesn’t peak* my interest at all. These are all errors I’ve seen on blogs whose writers should know better. They aren’t junior high school kids blogging about preteen angst, they are smart professionals who either type too [...]

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Communication Differences and Singing Pigs

Recently, I spoke to a friend about his work. I’ll call him Art. Art’s a smart techie guy. He was frustrated and venting because, in the course of his work with clients, he realized that his clients really didn’t understand what he did and how to tell him what they needed. Often they would leave [...]

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3 Ways to Be Sure Your Audience Doesn’t Leave Hungry. Or Throw Up.

I hate asparagus. I know it’s a delicacy, it’s pretty and it’s expensive, but I just can’t stand it. I also hate duck. I’ve had it prepared both by a gourmet cook with a delicious sauce and in a spicy gumbo. Still, duck = yuck. Finally, at the risk of losing my Southerner card, I [...]

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