Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is The Way is the perfect read for a crisis. When something horrible happens, our nervous systems impede our ability to make good decisions. You must make clear-eyed decisions about how to respond to and communicate … [Read more...] about Keep calm, keep climbing
Proof
Founders bring companies into being because they don’t take no for an answer, because they bravely tackle obstacles, because they never, ever give up. But these qualities play havoc with founders when they try to communicate externally. Ninety-five … [Read more...] about Proof
Can we see you?
Is “shadowy” a word that conveys trust? Do you think, when you get on your seventh videoconference of the day, “That guy, who looks like he’s doing a TV interview from witness protection - that guy, who barely emerges from the shadows - that’s the … [Read more...] about Can we see you?
Happy Birthday!
poseycorp celebrates its 9th birthday on August 5, in a year that has felt sometimes great and sometimes crushing. But I remain inspired by my wonderful clients. We have all become so nimble and resilient! Many of you are doing things you’ve … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday!
Perception = reality
Whenever you communicate with anyone you are crossing a bridge. You are trying to get part of what’s in your mind into the uncharted territory of their minds. This is always a non-trivial process. Because every person you speak to has their own … [Read more...] about Perception = reality
“I don’t know” is OK. Really.
I said this last year, but it bears repeating. It’s OK to say “I don’t know.” In our world right now there are so many questions and so few answers. Not knowing is really frustrating. Especially when you’re a leader who is supposed to know. But … [Read more...] about “I don’t know” is OK. Really.
Summer is summer for a reason
My business has a pattern: Q1 is insanely busy. April and May are active. But in June, almost no one reaches out for communications coaching. It’s summer. Kids are getting out of school, people take much-needed vacations. In June, it seems like we … [Read more...] about Summer is summer for a reason
Start. Stop. Start Again.
Your first user conference in two years is next week! It’s oversubscribed! Everyone is so excited to get together!! Yay! But your famous keynote speaker got COVID. Oh no! You’re finally opening the gorgeous office you leased two years ago! Yay! … [Read more...] about Start. Stop. Start Again.
Build, don’t copy
There’s nothing new under the sun, but that doesn’t mean that your idea should be a copy of someone else’s idea. First of all, the internet exists, so everyone will find out. Second of all, it’s not respectful of your audience’s time to sell them on … [Read more...] about Build, don’t copy
Idea/conversation fit
Having a great idea is essential, but so is situating that idea within or adjacent to an existing conversation. Idea/conversation fit is the communications version of product/market fit. The market doesn’t buy what it doesn’t understand or recognize. … [Read more...] about Idea/conversation fit
