A Lesson in Closing the Deal

The City of Florence began building its cathedral in 1226. Optimistically, they reserved space for a vast dome, even though no one knew how to erect one that would be 150 ft. wide and start 180 feet above the ground atop the newly built cathedral walls. The plans called for “an ingenious solution.”

In 1418 Filippo Brunelleschi, a prominent Architect and Engineer guaranteed he could build the dome with his own “ingenious solution.” There was just one catch.

Brunelleschi refused to divulge any details. Florence being what it was, he feared that his plans would be leaked to a competitor who would then take credit for his ideas. After several tense rounds of questioning, an exasperated Brunelleschi blurted out, “Just give me the job! How I do it is none of your business.” This novel approach to closing a deal worked, and in 1420, he won the contract.

The Zen of Digital Marketing: Starting with an Empty Cup.

Shoshin is a concept from Zen Buddhism, meaning beginner’s mind. It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions. The word shoshin is a combination of sho (Japanese: 初), meaning “beginner” or “initial,” and shin (Japanese: 心), meaning “mind.” When meeting a new client for the first time, I purposely do a minimal amount of preliminary research to avoid bringing any preconceptions to the table.

I refer to it as starting with an Empty Cup…

The BIG MISTAKE Made by EVERY New Business

According to the Census Bureau, an average of 4.4 million businesses are started in the U.S. yearly. Everything from financial advisors to falafel stands, from law firms to ladder manufacturers, many of them started by entrepreneurs with high levels of education, experience, and expertise. Yet, somehow, they all make the same mistake.

Year of the “Wabbit”

According to the Chinese calendar, January 22 marks the beginning of the year of the Rabbit, a year of peace, prosperity, longevity, and hope. The Rabbit is the luckiest of the 12 animals of the zodiac and symbolizes energy, elegance, and beauty. It is also quiet, clever, fertile, and prosperous in Korean folk tales. In addition, the Rabbit is resourceful, has many ideas, and is adept at adapting to the environment, moving quickly and steadily toward completing its goals. This is the perfect time to plan and set your marketing objectives for the coming year.

There is no better example of “rabbit-ness” than that Looney Toons icon, Bugs Bunny.