Library Love.

According to the American Library Association, the average number of books an individual checks out annually is just 7.

Last year, I checked out 179 books from 3 public libraries.

I know: I'm an over achiever.

I have loved reading and, by extension, libraries since I was a school-aged girl.  I continue to love them today.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month.http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card

Get in the stacks.

Both Donkeys & Elephants Like a Swig.

I'm tired of political coverage, aren't you?

This witty campaign for Maker's Mark bourbon capitalizes on voter fatigue.

http://www.makersmark.com/#!/cocktail-party/platform

In the Beginning.

Grabbers are what entice readers into your story.

It doesn't matter if your story is told as a blog or in novel, in a marketing brochure or as a direct mail piece.

Here's a great example of a grabber, from the critically acclaimed best-seller The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker:

"We didn't notice right away.  We couldn't feel it."

Don't you want to know more?  Wouldn't you keep reading?

Mental Push-Ups.

Tiger Woods and Bill Gates do it.

Shouldn't you?

http://www.openforum.com/articles/boost-your-brain-and-give-it-a-breakat-the-same-time?intlink=us-openf-nav-ymal-manual 

The Right Way to Write.

Write when you want to. Or when you don't.

Write quickly. Or slowly.

Write in longhand. Or on a device.

Write inside. Or outside.

Write to surprise yourself.

Write in short sentences. Or write in long sentences.

Write when you are sick. Or when you are well.

Write when it is chaotic. Or when all is serene.

Write lying down. Or propped up in bed.

Read what you write. Or don't.

There's no right way to write.

Whole Lotta Words.

My cool word pix of the week include some old, but underused gems, and some more arcane choices. Happy weekend!
Mulish
Conurbation
Midden
Petulant

Imprecation

Debased
Leviathan
Middens 

Developing the Perfect Pitch.

Pitching is a part of all our professional lives, even if our title isn't sales representative. 

Whether you are selling your services, a VC, a new hire or your boss, effective pitching is a critical business skill.  It's the art of putting your ideas across.

And there are so many ways a pitch can go wrong.

Here's what NOT to do:

* Don't assume everyone knows what you do. Introduce yourself--without jargon. Make sure your mom understands your job.

* Don't be too familiar. A little small talk goes a long way.

* Don't be rigid. You may have spent days on your PowerPoint presentation, but when peppered with questions, you need to be nimble. Forgo the slide for a conversation.
* Don't pass the buck. The people in your audience assume you understand how you derived your data. Resist the urge to use the all-purpose "I'll get back to you" retort.

* Don't be afriad to show concern. Yes, you're large and in charge, but owning up to your challenges or areas of concern makes you more believable. Control the conversation before your competitors do.