beckysue 
We hear the complaint all the time — most often, it’s about “the kids these days” — that nobody knows how to write anymore. We can blame bad parenting or inadequate schooling or text messaging, but there’s at least one thing we can do about it: help them improve. It’s called editing and, unfortunately, few … Read more
When it comes to “Communication Don’ts,” lawyers are the gifts that keep on giving. Now I’ve got nothing against lawyers. I’ve worked with hundreds of them – literally. But they are, by nature, conservative and risk-averse. They go for the safe choice. They seek to fit in rather than stand out. (In their marketing and … Read more
If you’ve spent any time at all on match.com … well, I feel for you. Don’t worry, I’ve been there, too. My point is, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of the profiles sound alike. People enjoy long walks, thunderstorms, snuggling on the couch, etc. Human nature, I suppose. And they often describe themselves with … Read more
The RFP process is a terrible way to start a business relationship. It signals from the outset that you’re looking for a vendor instead of a partner. It’s one of those things that communicates without you even being aware you’re communicating. Mostly it communicates that you’re going to be a major pain in the ass … Read more
Most of us know what goes into a compelling story. Relatable characters, dramatic conflict, high stakes. But sometimes the difference between a well-told story and one that puts listeners into a coma is not so much what you put into is as what you leave out. After all, God may be in the details, but not … Read more
The key to being interesting is to take an interest in other people. Years ago I was at a party in New York where I didn’t really know anybody but my then-girlfriend. At some point we each went our own way and I found myself next to the bar with one of her friend’s boyfriends. … Read more
Fear of standing out. Of looking different. Of being laughed at. That, I believe, is the source of most of the bland, uninspired websites and videos and other tactics we see. Several years ago I was working with a small law firm. The newer, younger attorneys wanted to step up the firm’s marketing efforts — … Read more
Madonna gave an acceptance speech at the Golden Globes the other night in which she used the word “my” six times in just a minute and thirty-nine seconds. * My writers. My co-producer. My leading lady. My film. My, my, my … I was taught by a very proper Southern Lady (the mother of a … Read more
What a small mess they’ve made of the Martin Luther King memorial. And all for the want of a good writer. If you haven’t been following the controversy, they botched the main inscription on the front of the statue — so badly, in fact, that Maya Angelou said it made King sound like “an arrogant … Read more
I tell you, the kids these days. They’ve got an entitlement mentality. They don’t believe they should have to pay their dues. They think if they’ve done something once they’ve learned it and shouldn’t have to do it again. They get bored too easily. They’re impatient and feel they shouldn’t have to wait in line … Read more