Yeah, it worked! Your marketing message, whether it’s an ad, a direct mail piece, a well-timed phone call or any other creative marketing tool, creates enough interest to convert a suspect into a prospect.

I’m never quite sure, daily, where I’ll discover that valuable nugget or significant keeper. That’s why I always keep my eyes and ears open for “moments of significance.”

I’m never quite sure, daily, where I’ll discover that valuable nugget or significant keeper. That’s why I always keep my eyes and ears open for “moments of significance.”

This week, Jeff talks about his toughest customers (his kids) and draws a business parallel

In early January of this year, I let you know my e-mail inbox and fax machine were overflowing with inspirational quotes from friends, family and clients; the kinda stuff designed to help you jumpstart your new year. Your response was ...

A friend, working on a book about the “speaking industry,” recently asked me five intriguing questions, and I quickly realized that whatever your focus or profession, my answers might be helpful and valuable to you, too.

When I exited the shower in running shorts, to my surprise, Sandra was on the phone. I heard her say, “Hi, this is Sandra, I’ll be giving Mr. Blackman a massage. Could you please hold his calls for the next ...

Lately, my inbox is filled with requests from folks who want to maximize their customers’ experiences. They want to go beyond mere satisfaction and instead, nurture and develop the “ecstatic, yell from the rooftops, sing your praises,” customer. To do ...

Have you ever heard the figurative business suggestions to “sharpen your axe” or “polish your tools?” Me too. Well now, I’m going to suggest, you also wield your saber. Or, S.A.B.E.R.!

Today, a new client said to me, “Jeff, we need proven principles and processes to drive our future success.” He’s right. Which is why, certain basics or fundamentals always stand the test of time. Especially, when they’re creative, unique and ...

Have you ever been on the “receiving end” of situational ethics? Especially, this year? Thought so! Although it’s a topic we first addressed five years ago, lately, have had several clients tell me maddening stories about how their clients, customers ...

Last week, Larry Cassidy, a dynamic business leader, strategic thinker, thoughtful philosopher and valued friend shared meaningful messages and memorable musings on life and business.

Larry Cassidy is a remarkable guy. Over the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to work with Larry and four of his CEO or executive leadership groups in Orange County, Calif. At meetings, he sits at the ...

When Cronkite declared at the end of a broadcast, “That’s the way it is” you believed it. No mistrust or apprehension of this media man. For he was known as the most “trusted man in America.” Actually called by many, ...

The mountains rose before him. Majestic. Yet menacing. They could deliver delight or despair.

Last week, you learned five steps to develop your unique selling proposition. The following questions, will also help guide your USP development process.

“Look at us! We’re unique!” “We’re different!” “We’re special!” When most people claim this about their business, it’s empty, hollow, worthless drivel!

The year is half over. Yikes! Yeah, I know, where did it go?!

On occasion, you know I feel obligated to dive into the “Peak Your Profits” “vintage vault” and uncover, dust off, and once again share with you and the world, a “classic column.” One that’s just too good to be published ...

Ever since you’ve been a child, you’ve had this remarkable and almost uncanny ability to get what you want, whether it was a cookie, a toy, or permission.

I love June. It’s always a time of significant beginnings, or endings.

Q: Hi Jeff. First, I wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed “Stop whining! Start selling!” My team and I are working on putting the book’s ideas into action. I’m not by nature a salesperson. Cold calling is my downfall. ...

A reader asks: “Jeff, how can you inspire, motivate and educate me?”

Here’s more of my conversation with Roxanne Emmerich, friend, talented business woman, speaker, author — “Thank God It’s Monday and one heckuva dancer!”

“Dancing With The Stars” has become a TV ratings juggernaut. Have you seen it? It’s a “must watch” in my home, with my wife and daughters. They’re all dancers. I’m not.

I’m never quite sure, where and when I’ll find something of value and significance. The “little” idea or thought-jogger that’ll make me smile, think or ponder the potential.

So what’s the best way to thank someone who gives you a referral?

Referrals only work, when you believe they work. Therefore, let’s lay a strong foundation or a “referral results rationale” with a series of nine questions.

How many times, have you heard others proudly proclaim:

Last week, we stressed the significance of a return to the basics.

CEOs, presidents and business owners often say to me, “Jeff, we need to introduce to our new folks and reinforce to our seasoned veterans or savvy pros, the significance of executing daily the basics and fundamentals.”

There’s a battle brewing, a brouhaha, about whether it makes sense for companies and associations to be “meeting” in exotic locations, or even airport hotels or company headquarters.

Last week, I shared 10 strategies for recession results, in response to the question: Jeff, I recently heard you speak and have already successfully implemented lots of your strategies and suggestions, thanks. You’re right, they work!

Q: Jeff, I recently heard you speak and have already successfully implemented lots of your strategies and suggestions, thanks. You’re right, they work!

Here’s more negotiation know-how with Tom Parker, co-author of “Is That Your Hand In My Pocket?”

Last year I had the opportunity to work with Tom Parker and two of his CEO or executive leadership groups in Richmond, Virginia. We quickly discovered we’re fascinated by the nuances of negotiation!

Each week, as I bang away at my keyboard to write this column, I’m never quite sure what story will be told, experience shared or lesson conveyed.

Here’s more of my conversation, with dear friend, speaker, author, and life/business coach, Mikki Williams ... Jeff Blackman: “Balance” in one’s life, myth or reality?

Once you get beyond the “big hair” and the “big jewelry” you’ll find a woman, who for years has been helping her clients achieve big results! And, as you’ll soon discover, she also has a giant heart and enormous knowledge. ...

This week, a client gave me an interesting challenge. He said, “Jeff, we’ve got a new President, our 44th.

So, do resolutions work? Turn on the TV. Turn up the radio. Open the newspaper.

Over the past week, my e-mail and fax machine seem to be overflowing with inspirational quotes from friends, family and clients.

In responding to prospects, customers or clients, never say:

Excerpts from good stuff, recently potted on the walls at Griffin Transport Services in Reno, Nevada.

On occasion, I’ll dig deep into my “columns archive” and dust off an oldie, but a goodie. A blast from the past, that deserves another meaningful showing. The following, first appeared in these pages almost five years ago.

So what do I dig about longtime friend, fellow speaker and author, Marjorie Brody? Perhaps it’s her sense of humor. Or on-target business advice. Or, no-bull approach. Okay, it’s all of the preceding! Whenever we’re together, I know we’ll laugh. ...

I know you rely upon, “Peak Your Profits” to help you drive: Relationships, results and revenue; as well as, offer an ongoing dose of knowledge and inspiration. Yet, on your journey of growth and prosperity, (especially in challenging times), you ...

Two simple words. They can bring the promise of a new tomorrow. A fresh start. A bright beginning. They are words that work. They helped get Barack Obama elected, the 44th President of the United States. He proved, thankfully, anything ...

At any time, but especially during a time of economic uncertainty, what quality is the true economic driver?

Q: I often wax rhapsodic about the value of questions and the significance of language.