Three Questions to Answer to Avoid the Most Common Disaster of Brainstorming

Three Questions to Answer to Avoid the Most Common Disaster of Brainstorming

The business group laughed as they left the classroom at the county FFA retreat center. As they walked to their cars, Amanda turned to Corey and said, “That was fun, but, um, did we get anything done?” How many times have the brainstorming sessions you’ve attended been mere cathartic experience not practical accomplishment? I’ll never forget meeting with one...

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Don’t Forget to Ask

Don’t Forget to Ask

The courtroom is crowded, but quiet. A hard-faced witness wearing all dark clothes and an even darker expression lounges in the witness box acting bullet-proof. A tailored suit prowls the scarred hardwood floors in front of the judge’s bench. His Honor sits erect clad in his black robe and authority. His eyes follow the attorney back and forth. Cello and French...

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How to Write Killer Copy: Code No. 3

How to Write Killer Copy: Code No. 3

Recap: I intercepted a top secret document that contained the marching orders of I. M. Vague, the czar who infiltrates every organization and mysteriously affects the creativity of copywriters everywhere. I know that if we can break his code, we can thwart his advances and bring him to justice. He calls those affected (like I’ve been often) mala lingua...

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How to Write Killer Copy: Help Me Break the Code

How to Write Killer Copy: Help Me Break the Code

  The best image of I. M. Vague available They work in every organization. No security agency has been able to discover how they infiltrate. They look like other employees. They are hard workers. But somehow or another, they have been compromised by I. M. Vague. My intelligence operatives have only been able to pick up a few personality traits. His profile...

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Three Words that Will Refocus Your Fundraising

Three Words that Will Refocus Your Fundraising

Twelve men and women crowded around the executive board room table. The rest of us sat in chairs along the wall or stuck in corners. Important people had flown in for this summit. Both coasts and three other states were represented. Body heat, the coffee makers, and the passions surrounding the round, glass top table taxed the air conditioning system. Men...

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Stop Asking for Money!

Stop Asking for Money!

I hate asking for money. How about you? A similar sign When I have to ask for money, I feel a lot like the guy who sometimes stands at I-65 and Highway 96. His gray beard hangs down matted with dirt, food particles, and car exhaust. He wears a green fatigue jacket and holds a cardboard sign that says, “Help an enjured (sic) vet. God bless.” Other times, I feel...

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