I once heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result. Well I’d like to add a second definition: trying to please everyone. Trying to make everyone in a group happy ranges from difficult to impossible and the only guarantee you have is that you’ll wish you never tried.

This topic comes up frequently in both my public speaking and networking classes as people are concerned about what others think. I think we all have a natural tendency to focus on the audience members that aren’t paying attention to us during a speech or the folks at a networking event that say “it was nice to meet you – I see a client on the other side of the room” immediately after you introduce yourself.  Read more... (1417 words, estimated 5:40 mins reading time)

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In the United States, today is Thanksgiving. To many folks it’s a day of food and football. But its real purpose is a day to be thankful for what we have. Here are some tips for getting the most out your Thanksgiving Day (and if you live outside the US, you can still join in on the fun).

Be thankful for what you have:  Read more... (322 words, estimated 1:17 mins reading time)

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This past week, I finished up a vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. I had been there many times before (it was my 9th trip since 1982) and as always, I had a great trip. While I was on vacation, I couldn’t help but be amazed at how big an operation it is (I was treated to some interesting trivia throughout my trip) and at the following that the Disney brand has. It’s fascinating what you can learn by enjoying a box of popcorn and a cold drink while sitting on a bench in a theme park for half an hour.  Read more... (596 words, estimated 2:23 mins reading time)

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