Talk to the Human™

This last year I’ve read a ton (at least a few pounds) of books, especially on marketing, the web, consulting, writing and speaking. I created some reviews on this website, but I think it’s time to highlight the best for those of you just getting on board with this whole 21st century reading-thing.

This list presumes you are looking to become successful at speaking and/or consulting about something you are good at. Of course, you also need to be up to date on whatever subject you are choosing to speak about.

Speaking
World Class Speaking – Craig Valentine and Mitch Meyerson
Money Talks – Alan Weiss

Although I waited a week or so before ordering the new CL for myself, I now have a nice, new copy. On first look, I don’t mind telling you I like it. That being said, I wouldn’t recommend throwing away that current CL manual you are working on.

Side Note: For those of you with the existing manual (I’m working on one myself), I do recommend downloading the New Project Completion Record. It works for the old or new manual and makes it far easier to track the progress than the one in the old manual.

If you are wondering what the hubbub is, read on for a short synopsis of the changes:

Have you ever wondered what magic words you could use to get better customer service?

I seem to remember, in the good ole days, my Grandfather telling me about a phrase that worked really well for him. It was “I’ll just take my business elsewhere.” Is there a single company in America that would even bother to respond to something like this? I’m reminded of a Simpson’s episode a few years ago called “Flaming Moe’s” where Homer invented a new drink, and Moe (the Bartender) stole the formula and kept the profits. There is a scene where Homer is saying “You just lost a customer.” Moe is so busy serving Flaming Moe drinks, and the crowd is so noisy that Moe can’t even hear him. After Homer repeats it a few times with no effect, he just leaves in disgust.

I’ve seen a lot of use of ”I’m going to tell on you.” This in the sense that if I’m unhappy with your product or service and you don’t remedy the situation, I’ll tell two friends and they will tell two friends (and so on). I’m starting to think this is becoming our generation’s “good ole days” story line. I’ve been keeping up with Alan Weiss’ blog, Contrarian Consulting. He had an issue with Saks Fifth Avenue in New York a while back. In this thread, he talks about not getting much help (he does point out a specific bright spot in the service too) and posts it for the world to see. It’s an understatement to call Alan’s work a well-read blog. A few days later, he posted an update, including a reference to a direct e-mail he sent to the company with no results. Today, he posted another follow-up about a reader who works there who left him a message that has proven difficult to return. If a well known author and general big-whig like Alan can’t get improved service (or even a reasonable response) with the “tell on you” model, how far can you or I get?

Believe it. I’m still reading marketing books. the zen of social media marketing, An Easier Way to Build Credibility, Generate Buzz, and Increase Revenue is touted as “The last social media guide you’ll ever need.” With the excellent coverage of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, it’s may also be the first one you need for today’s web.

The author, Shama Hyder Kabani is the president of The Marketing Zen Group (previously known as Click To Client), a full-service web marketing agency that serves clients around the world.

The specific information on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (each gets it’s own chapter) is very timely and thorough. Plus! There is online content that is kept up to date. You can access this content with the information in the book. There are also references to integrating other sites such as ping.fm, digg, StumbleUpon, and Delicious into your plans.

Are today’s students learning the wrong lesson from college?

I decided to try this Starbucks place everyone is talking about. No, it’s not a flashback post. I’m just not a coffee drinker, so I’m sitting here drinking an Orange Mango Smoothie, extra plastic top, extra grande straw, looking for a different view on things as I write today’s post.

My usual hangout for this type of change-of-scenery is Barnes and Noble. But since I’m a book-and-a-half behind schedule (see myLinkedIn booklist) I didn’t want any temptation to buy another book for the queue (and, there are two books in my Amazon cart screaming at me to click ‘buy’).