Usability goes beyond making Web sites easier to use. It’s also about making appliances, day-to-day activities and other things easy to use. When I use my blender, I can’t figure out why there are labels for puree, chop, frappe, crush, and so on. It’s a blender! The blades just spin around and around. The blender … Read more
The iPod has that certain something that leads its users to adore it like nothing before. People want nothing but an iPod. No substitutes even when the non-iPod has more memory comes in your favorite color and costs over $100 less than an iPod. So how did the iPod earn this special treatment and the … Read more
The book guides the reader through the three-part process to prepare, deliver and follow through in getting to a positive No. No doesn’t come easy especially when trying to please a client who asks to move up the delivery date. You’re afraid to say No because it means losing future business, respect and perhaps, your … Read more
I love the Metaphor Minute newsletter from Anne Miller, author of Metaphorically Selling. Each issue comes with a short example of how to use metaphors in business and presentations. The latest issue shows how someone finally got her point across using fishing as the metaphor: Corporate executives who cling to the old “dialing for dollars … Read more
Lifehack had me thinking about handling criticism. As a one-person business with no manager to meet with me to discuss performance goals and progress, I must rely on my clients for feedback. They’re essentially my managers. On occasion, I e-mail a client requesting feedback. I explain that I want to serve him or her better … Read more
I’m a one person business who has been blogging since June 1, 2000. At first, it was on a personal basis since blogging hadn’t found a way into business yet and I had just started freelancing on the side. The blog slowly evolved into a business-focused one. Though there are thousands of blogs out there … Read more
Lifehack provides 101 on-target tips for becoming a better blogger. 101 feels like a lot, but try to do a couple things a day. Don’t think about doing all 101, but motivate yourself to do something as simple as “Do one thing every day to improve my blogging skills.” I’ve been blogging for seven years. … Read more
I spent a few hours at the hospital the other day and discovered the hospital’s network blocked every messaging application — Web-based and stand-alone application. I understand they don’t want their staff — especially medical staff that must respond quickly — chatting away. But what about those of us trying to communicate with friends and … Read more
When I find my way to a Web site, I may have gotten there through a search engine or through a link from a colleague or Web site. After I’ve scanned the content and fiddled around in the pages, the site may impress me if the information proves valuable. What do I do then? The … Read more
Mail-in rebates — especially for small amounts — may be tedious, but I do them. Some are too complicated and require buying four items from a list. But I won’t pass up a rebate for $75, which Amazon offers for Macbooks. Amazon.com Rebate Center simplifies the process of getting a rebate. All done online. A … Read more