Years ago, I judged a pitch competition called The Dolphin Tank. I reviewed the business plans the night before, including one for a hook you put in your car to put your purse on…
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Don’t Think, Do – The Better Newsletter #72
Years ago, while writing my book What’s Holding You Back?, I had just a week left to submit it to my editor—except the Intro wasn’t even finished.
It wasn’t for lack of effort. The more I tried, the more the right words eluded me.
Only Connect – The Better Newsletter #71
Earlier in my career, I spoke at UCLA for a career-making presentation. There were decision-makers from the LA Times, Macy’s and Mastercard.
I remember thinking at the time, “If I do a great job of this, I’m set for life.”
Turn Your NOW Into Your NEXT – The Better Newsletter #70
Years ago, my son Andrew and I were at dinner and I asked, “Going to VA Tech for Homecoming?” He shrugged, “Nah, I’m exhausted.”
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“Mom, I want to quit. I’m making good money, but wearing a suit, working in a high-rise, and making cold calls all day isn’t what I want to do with my life.”
“What do you want to do?”…
An Act of AGENCY – The Better Newsletter #69
Did you hear that Barnes & Noble’s top book for 2024 is James? In an interview, author Percival Everett said, “What Jim’s seeking in this world is a recognition of his agency – that’s what writing becomes for him.” He’s right! Writing is an act of AGENCY.
Are You Listening? – The Better Newsletter #68
Years ago, my son Andrew started a non-profit called Dreams for Kids in D.C. He landed a 15-minute meeting with Dr. Roberta McLeod, the Director of Howard University, where he was going to ask to use their Campus Center—for free—to host the Dreams for Kids annual holiday party. A few minutes in, Andrew realized…
ConZENtrate on What Counts – The Better Newsletter #66
Do you know the single most powerful shift you can make to go from sabotaging your success to supporting it? Try switching your focus.
Have ‘Em At Hello – The Better Newsletter #64
Years ago, I was the Pitch Coach for Springboard Enterprises (which has helped entrepreneurs generate $37 billion in funding/valuation.)
One of their members, Kathleen Callendar of Pharma Jet, told me, “I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news.”
Tell Stories That Stick – The Better Newsletter #63
Pete, the sound engineer for my recent Audible book, pulled me aside after recording and said, “I wish I could tell stories like you, but nothing interesting happens to me.”
I told him, “Everyone has interesting things happen to – or around them – that can be turned into stories.”
He smiled and said, “Like what?”
Wealthy In What Matters – The Better Newsletter #62
When I submitted my book proposal for SOMEDAY Is Not a Day in the Week to my agent, she told me, “Sam, you’ll get a better deal if you have a bigger platform.”
In other words, my book deal depended less on my track record or the topic’s relevance and more on my social media following.
So, I did something I have never done…