“The secret of good writing is to say an old thing in a new way or to say a new thing in an old way.” – Richard Harding Davis, Born Apr. 18, 1864. I wouldn’t say it’s THE secret… But it IS a great trick. Can’t think of something to write? 1. Take some old… Read More →
Over-complication Leads to Under-performance – So Simplify, Stupid
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci, Born Apr. 15, 1452. Y’all are making it too complicated. Drowning in options and possibilities? Start slapping some arbitrary limitations on yourself and see what you come up with. Innovation and elegance come from making the best solution out of what you have at hand. So… Read More →
How to Get Away With Embellishment: Admit To It Proudly!
“There is no persuasiveness more effectual than the transparency of a single heart, of a sincere life.” – Joseph Barber Lightfoot, Born Apr. 13, 1828. Let’s define a term temporarily for the purpose of this piece. I’m talking about your average bullshitter. And by “bullshitter” I mean the kind of person that is just always… Read More →
Your Style Is Discovered Through Copying Others and Throwing Out What Doesn’t Work For You
“If you’re too big to fit into fashion, then you just have to do your own fashion.” – Vivienne Westwood, Born Apr. 8, 1941. When I first went freelance and was trying to figure out this whole guruhood-as-a-business-model thing, I had a worry. What is going to be my “thing”? What is going to be… Read More →
The “U” in USP Stands for “yoU”
“Each of us is meant to have a character all our own, to be what no other can exactly be, and do what no other can exactly do.” – William Ellery Channing, Born Apr. 7, 1780. This is good advice in general, but I would add that if you can manage to be interesting, and… Read More →
Speaking Publicly is the Shortcut to Authority on Any Topic (If You Don’t Do It Wrong)
“The ability to speak is a short cut to distinction. It puts a man in the limelight, raises him head and shoulders above the crowd.” – Lowell Thomas, Born Apr. 6, 1892. Getting on stage to teach copy at marketing events was easily the biggest factor in my rapid rise to recognition and success –… Read More →
How To Profit Against Your Competition – And Even WITH Them, Too
“I don’t care who does the electing, so long as I get to do the nominating.” – William M. “Boss” Tweed, Born Apr. 3, 1823. You shouldn’t consider yourself as merely the seller of only your own product or service. That’s too limiting. It’s too narrow. Having a product or service of your own to… Read More →
Consistent And Decent Always Outperforms Sporadic Excellence
“One forges one’s style on the terrible anvil of daily deadlines.” – Emile Zola, Born Apr. 2, 1840. What’s it take to be a good writer? Write every day. What’s it take to build a business? Make offers every day. What’s it take to build an audience? Add new followers every day. What’s it take… Read More →
Admission of Luck Makes Success Seem Attainable to Those Who Would Buy Advice From You
“No writer should minimize the factor that affects everyone, but is beyond control: luck.” – John Jakes, Born Mar. 31, 1932. A positioning secret which probably seems counterintuitive to many, is to admit that your success is due in large part to luck. And I don’t mean like a gambler’s cocky bragging about how you’re… Read More →
Counterintuitively, The Ultimate Positioning is Being Unobtainable
“I have now established myself in a most enviable manner. Those who require something of me must seek me out – I remain apart. I work for no one unless he is a high-ranking personality or a friend.” – Francisco Goya, Born Mar. 30, 1746. Once you are already well known for what you do,… Read More →
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