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One thing that drives me nuts is someone not returning the call.  Now, if someone was in a serious accident or was called into an emergency meeting, I would understand a delay in responding.  But I have no sympathy for those who lack the professionalism, organizational skill or some other dysfunction.

I find it ironic that organizations that tout their "customer-centric" culture are some of the greatest abusers of responding in a timely manner.  Maybe its arrogance or complacency.  Just the same, the taste left in the mouth of the person/client waiting to hear is bitter.  Here’s a clue; if you can’t do the small things (responding for example), then you won’t be able to do the big things.

If you’re not returning a customer’s call, then you must be confused as to how you make money.  If it is your lead or contact, then you must not care about your future opportunities.   

Do your business a favor and just return the call.

Don’t be alarmed by this post, I’m not turning into an investment adviser.  But today’s post ("Watch the 10 Year U.S. Treasury Yield") from Rich Karlgaard makes you think…might help your investments as well.

I’m reminded of how there is always more to the story than meets the eye.  It doesn’t mean that all information is valuable.  But the more relevant you are, the more attractive you’ll be.  How are you supplying information to your audience?  What relevance is there in your information.

If you’re the only one benefiting from what you provide, then you’re in a self-serving business model.  Business models like this are destined for mediocrity and/or failure.  Forbes has created added-value for it’s readers by what Mr. Karlgaard is dispensing. 

I wonder what ROI they’re getting from his blog?

Jim Logan brings us this obvious, yet not so obvious, post on marketing.  He nails it and manages to give us hope on our opportunity to win in a sea of mediocrity.

Penelope Trunk posts on a story noted a couple of days ago on some generational rifts afoot now.

How do you measure yourself?

When Seth Godin posted his entry ("Pundits are (nearly) always wrong") I couldn’t help but remember a workshop I gave some years ago.  It was about the upfront cost of greatness.  In other words, if you want to achieve anything great (relative and legacy defined) you must pass the entrance exam. 

Sometimes the exam is run by a pundit.

Check out Seth’s post and give me your thoughts.

Just added some new books to the Epic Books section (look to the right of this post) of the blog.

Good reading!

Do you audit yourself?  Most of us are afraid to do personal self-audits.  The idea of finding something we don’t like inside scares us.  Ironically, finding those things that scare us and doing something about them could be the source of our greatest breakthroughs.

Tim Sanders has a wonderful post titled; "Audit yourself: Last Friday’s sent emails."  He focuses on how we communicate through email, but it made me think of what holds us back from becoming what we dream of becoming.

I know some might think their "fine" or "OK."  But in a culture where self-deception can be an art form, I would caution you from taking that approach.  Here are a five things to ponder regarding self-audits (as I call them):

1. Life is brief and your legacy is unfolding right before your eyes…even if you’re not looking.
2. Your sphere (family, friends, colleagues, etc.) are impacted by what you become.
3. The world is a little better or a little worse by the decisions you make.
4. Not doing "self-audits" will lead to some level of bankruptcy (moral or otherwise).
5. Confront your defects and destiny will smile on you.

Time is a currency that everyone transacts in.  How we use it is the key. 

It’s very pertinent when it comes to business.  How efficient are you?  Are you out of balance?  Do your kids wonder who and where you are?  When was the last time you had a date with yourself?

Here are some tips to address time spent:

• Have you "fallen" for the wrong customer?  You spend hours, you create spreadsheets, you have a slick presentation and you don’t get any business.  You’ve passed the point of giving your boss good reasons for the delay.  Truth is you’re not confronting reality.  I’d suggest you ask the prospect if they’re ever gonna marry you:)  Remember, in-order for it to be a business relationship there must be business. 
• Calculate how much you make hourly and then ask yourself what kind of ROI you’re getting for that time.  You might be shocked by the answer.
• If you’re lonely, bored, angry or into gossip go get a life outside of your work.  Transacting in those mind-sets (anywhere) leads to poverty.
• Find a mentor who has discovered their life and closed the door on a career.  You were born and you will die…life matters and is the issue to be addressed.
• Pursue a great love because destiny is kind to those who do.

Jim points us to this article from USA Today.  I especially like the advice from Jim Quigley of Deloitte and Touche.  Most young people don’t have a clue on how to handle power, greed and all the other dangers that lurk in corporate America.  I’m glad someone’s speaking about it from CEO central.

Guy Kawasaki brings this post on ways to boost your career.  Penelope Trunk (the featured thought leader) has some great insights for life and career.  Some of them may challenge your conventional wisdom, but you may find some good wisdom…I did.

Just remember though:

"There is a deeper wave than this rising in the land."

            – Sting