Category Archives: business

Taking Initiative – There’s no such thing as job security

I’ve been reading Seth Godin’s book on taking initiative called Poke the Box. Godin’s thesis is straightforward: Depending on our stage of life, most of us learn to do just enough to avoid punishment, make the grade, or keep the job. We play by the rules. We wait in line. We respect authority. As long […]

The Worst Product Ever – Wear Your Dead Pet, Part 3

I took a break from my most recent Worst Product Ever rant to write something more encouraging about moments of complete contentment. But now we’re back to jewelry made from the ashes of your beloved Shih Tzu, Buttons. If you drop the “zu,” then you know what’s really hanging around the necks of this woman’s […]

The Worst Product Ever – Wear Your Dead Pet, Part 2

Earlier this week, I wrote about the worst product that I have ever read about: jewelry made from the ashes of people’s dead pets. Though I could concoct a hundred different complaints about this carbuncle of commerce, I promised to limit myself to three. The first complaint outlined my general displeasure with pet pampering. The […]

Selling Girl Scout Cookies

Have you ever heard the term “born salesman”? For example, “Todd is doing really well slinging phones at Verizon. He’s a born salesman.” Calling someone a salesman can sound like an insult. We’ve got too many negative connotations to associate with salesmen: the used car salesman with a big smile, greasy comb-over, and clip-on tie […]

Terrible Book Title

I try to be patient with other people’s writing, grammar, and branding errors. I’ve certainly had my share, and I’ve learned to ask other people’s opinions before I send out a potentially inflammatory email or an ad headline with some obscure sexual innuendo. I don’t want people to get the wrong impression about me, one […]

Living for a Living: Paul Hassell’s Light Business

I have a business doing what I love, and I hope to never work a day in my life. I know my true gift. I am in the light business. This insight has made all the difference. I’m living for a living.

Worst Jobs I’ve Ever Had

I’ve never taken a job that cost me my self-respect. I think this one would.

What I Do To Make Money

What I do for money is help organizations find their inner dorkdom and prevent them from sabotaging themselves with sameness.