Mistakes entrepreneurs make when they’re strapped for cash (and sometimes when they have too much cash) Victoria is starting a business as a virtual assistant. She eventually wants to target women in transition who are starting businesses. But for now, she needs to get some income and traction. She’s thinking…

Business storytelling isn’t just fun. It helps grow your business in meaningful ways. You probably know that storytelling can be fun. And you probably know storytelling can be the most important tool in your marketing kit. But how do you evaluate what you’re really getting from telling that story? Or, as one of my podcast listeners asked me, “What’s the ROI of storytelling?” First…

“Why should we trust her? She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” Someone invited me to connect on social media, quite a while ago. I can’t remember if it was Facebook or LinkedIn and I’m determined not to remember the person who inspired this post. Hopefully, she’s smartened up and…

“We interrupt your career to bring you this message…” You’re watching a baseball game. Bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, score tied … and then a voice comes on. “We interrupt this program …” The same thing can happen when you’re feeling really good and comfortable about your career. …

Storytelling helps you understand why prospects bring the “fear factor” to your stories. When I started my first business on the Internet, some rockstar coaches were advising everyone to write a note on the back of their business cards: “Free 30-minute consultation.” Today we’re seeing a backlash. “I offer a free report on my business…

Using a blog post template will give you the structure but won’t relate to your audience. Imagine that you find a recipe book for making the perfect sandwich. You’ll be advised to start with 2 slices of bread…white, wheat, rye or hoagie roll. Then you’re advised, “Add a delicious filling.” …

Demanding a phone conversation can feel manipulative to your prospective clients. Janice had a medical test that turned out to be positive for a serious disease. She had a hunch something was wrong from the beginning. …

If you stick around long enough, sooner or later someone will ask to work with you. Even when I was a college professor, people would ask, “Can we work together on your next project?” Some are particularly naive. “I’ll help write copy for you in return for coaching.” Or, “If…

How a passion project grew from my entrepreneurship and copywriting background. For the last several months, I’ve been working on a special project that’s taken me in a new direction. It started with standup comedy. Doing open mic standup had been on my bucket list forever. I’d had lots of…