Speak your customers’ language
Jargon has become a staple in our business conversations. We use it for all sorts of reasons – to make us sound smarter, to relate to others in our tribe, to supposedly explain things in a more succinct or creative …
12 business books to read this year
If you listen to Dave Ramsey, you’ll know he often quotes Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, who once said, “You’re the same today as you’ll be in five years except for two things—the books you read and the people you meet.” The …
Client relationships are an improv scene
“There are two types of people in this world: Those who like Neil Diamond, and those who don’t. My ex-wife loves him.” – Bob Wiley, What About Bob? (1991) The cornerstone of all improvised theater is the almighty two-person scene. In …
Why do successful companies keep investing in ongoing marketing?
Seasoned Fortune 500 companies have a deep understanding and appreciation for marketing. Coca-Cola may already one of the most recognized brands in the world, but they nevertheless spend billions of dollars every year on their marketing efforts. (And you can …
Officers eat last: Simon Sinek’s revelations on purpose and leadership
Simon Sinek is one of my favorite leaders and speakers in business. I discovered Sinek in early 2010 when I saw his TED Talk on how great leaders inspire action. The core of this presentation was a simple but compelling …
It’s a waste to start anywhere but the beginning
Whenever someone discovers there’s a problem with their business or has a marketing project to tackle, they want it done NOW. They get anxious, excited, and can’t wait to see the solution or finished product. That’s totally normal, and it’s …
The benefits of a web typography style guide
When designing website mockups, I always do my best to stick to a reasonable number of typography styles, and make sure there is clear intent behind the hierarchy and styles. Doing so keeps the final result more consistent and it …
Marketing and sales: you got your chocolate in my peanut butter
Having been in sales for my entire professional career, I’ve witnessed one side of the ongoing jihad between marketing and sales. Now that I’m the newest member of the Forty team, I can finally come clean and admit that I …
Your website is not a silver bullet
One of the most common opening lines we hear from business owners is, “I need a website.” In reality, 99% of them need something different than (or additional to) a website, whether it’s strengthening their brand, help communicating with their …
10 tips on how to be a social media superstar (Part 2)
In our last installment, we gave you a little background on some common social media fails, along with five ways to avoid them. Here are some additional tips to help you along on your road to social media stardom: 6. …