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I find that it is often advisable to seek direct person-to-person clarification before reacting impulsively to potentially inflammatory electronic communications such as e-mails and texts.

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Dealing With E-Mails and Other Tone Deaf Communications

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There's a saying, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." I might add, "It's also what they know that you don't."

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The True Value of Networking Comes From Access

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"It's not personal. It's just business." So says Michael Corleone, in The Godfather. I would argue that certain business decisions are often both.

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When Business Gets Personal

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Disruption is the big buzz phrase of the moment, just as game changer was in consumer products a few years ago. Both phrases tend to be overused, as they are intended to describe innovations that fundamentally alter industry dynamics. Shouldn't game changers represent life altering innovations, as well as industry altering ones? There are relatively few examples of truly disruptive innovations. That said, here are a few noteworthy ones.

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If you ask a technology provider to describe the interest being shown in their technology, an answer that sounds like, "We are seeing a lot of interest from quite a few big name companies" sounds impressive but reveals nothing. Most likely, regardless of whether or not the provider actually realizes this, it signals there aren't any imminent deals. Otherwise, their answer would be far more specific and would detail deal decision deadlines. It is only if one seeks specifics that the truth becomes much more clear.

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To Discern Customer Interest, Follow the Money

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Let me start by saying that winning ALWAYS beats losing. While I've enjoyed my successes over the years, I've also learned a lot from having experienced some rejections. Maybe my lessons can help take some of the sting out of yours'.

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According to Slate.com, 35% of online shoes purchases made at Zappos.com are returned, and their best customers return 50% of their purchases. Retailers report that poor fit is the single biggest reason for online merchandise returns. It would make sense that a vehicle to help customers more accurately make online shoe model and size selections based on their actual foot measurements would be a big deal. It is.

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If The Shoe Fits, Buy It!

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More than ever before, companies are inviting external entities to provide needed technologies, services and capabilities. As part of this, corporate gatekeepers play an important role in deciding which partners to engage.

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Gatekeeping: Attitude is Everything

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Watson, my 12 year old Labrador retriever, is the most valued member of my consulting practice. I refer to her as my Chief Strategy Arficer. Whether it's hearing her padding around the office, or snoring by my side while I work, she is my constant companion and a wonderful, faithful friend. Unfortunately, last week her right eye had to be removed.

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My Old Dog Just Taught Me a New Trick

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A few weeks ago, I alluded to a disruptive innovation that my company is representing. These don't come along every day and I think this is quite remarkable. Read on, and let me know if you agree...

Via Stone: Rock Beats Paper