Story Power Blog
My Resolution: Profit More. Work Less. What’s Yours?
When it comes to your business in 2024… What’s your #1 New Year’s resolution? Please reply to this email and let me know. I may have some thoughts or resources to help you. My primary resolution? Delegate and automate so I can work less and earn more. Long ago, I thought delegation would increase costs.…
Join The Club…
No story today, just a thought… “It is much easier, as well as far more enjoyable, to identify and label the mistakes of others than to recognize our own.” Daniel Kahneman said that on the first page of his book, Thinking Fast and Slow. Wise insight — the first of many in this book. Slow down…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2024.01.08
Tampa, Florida; (2023.11.04)#allthisusefulbeauty Recommended Reading Ā Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanRead this book, and you’ll understand better how human beings think and make decisions. That includes how YOU think and make decisions. Why bother? So you can make informed decisions more and guess less. So you sell more by anticipating what motivates prospects. So…
The One About the Naked Yoga Guy
I mentioned last month how I scarfed down more than 37,238 cookies ā give or take ā over the holidays. And last year I made nine too many excuses NOT to workout. So this month, I’m back in my home gym — biking, rowing, lifting, sit-upping, and tread-milling. ā¬Ā Artist’s rendering of me after my work-outĀ ā¬…
Shame on These Lying Liars & Their Marketing Tricks
A cautionary tale about trust-busting marketing tricks… Yesterday, I heard about a company offering a $400 discount on its lifetime software license — $97, instead of $497. Tempting. So I visited the site and saw this… “Deal Ends Today….!?” That set my hair on fire. “I better act fast,” I thought. So I checked out some…
Let’s Resolve to Do This…
It’s the first week of the new year, and it’s J.R.R. Tolkien’s birthday (Jan. 3). Seems like a good time for this resolution: Embrace conflict without contempt. Tolkien and his literary pals — including C.S. Lewis — inspire my resolve. Tolkien (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings) and Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia) were colleagues…
The Best-ever Description of “Branding”
I didn’t expect this… I can’t stop thinking about the exhibit I saw the other day at the St. Louis Art Museum… The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century. I mentioned it inĀ yesterday’s email, and I shared the description for the exhibitionās section on Brand. This is the thing playing over and…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2024.01.01
“Turkey tail” mushroom on fallen tree trunk (Huzzah Creek flood plain; Crawford County, MO; 2023.12.27)#allthisusefulbeauty Happy New Year Welcome to 2024. I hope you had a wonderful, restful, rejuvenating holiday season. I did. Lots of great family time with Melissa, our twins (Maddie and Jake), and our Crazy-Doodle, Moose. Long hours in front of the…
Give and Ye Shall Receive – Krishna Style
When I was a kid, you couldnāt move through a big-city airport without being pestered by people pitching their religion and begging for money. The āHare Krishnasā were the most notorious. With their shaved heads and orange robes, the Krishnas would approach travelers and offer a small gift. The Krishnas hoped travelers would return the…
Poor Richard Wisdom
On this day (Dec. 28) in 1732, Ben Franklin published the first edition of Poor Richard’s Almanack. For 25 years, he published the Almanack annually — 10,000 copies per year. To celebrate the Almanack’s birthday, I’ll share a favorite quote from each edition, starting with the first “1733” edition. Maybe these can inspire some new year’s…
Better Than S*X Sale Copy
I estimate I’ve eaten 37,238 cookies this month — give or take. Chocolate chip cookies like Granny used to make. Peanut butter cookies topped with Hershey’s Kisses. Santa-shaped sugar cookies with red sprinkles. Reindeer-shaped shortbread cookies with green icing. I’m sick of cookies. So, of course… …I spent a chunk of yesterday reading about… …cookies.…
My Memo to Santa
December 26, 2023 TO: Santa ClausFROM: Tom RuwitchRE: Next Time I don’t mean to sound ungrateful… …but next time… …I sure would appreciate it if you could stuff one of those new fangled Wearable Beanbags in my stocking. Don’t get me wrong. The new socks are great. I’ll wear them often. But socks is socks.…
Cybertruck-inspired Marketing Wisdom
Love it. Hate it. When it comes to Tesla and its new Cybertruck, there seems to be no in-between. Jay Leno loves the Cybertruck. A few days ago, he featured it on his show “Jay Leno’s Garage.” Tesla’s Head of Design, Franz von Holzhausen, joined Leno on the show. They discussed the love/hate dynamic. Leno:…
Lessons from the Game of Business
Yesterday was “Games Day” — one of those random, made-up holidays that started in the United Kingdom. At a live networking event I attended yesterday, we had a Games Day-inspired ice-breaker. We broke into small groups, revealed our favorite games, and discussed lessons we’ve learned from them — especially lessons we apply to business. Fun…
What Sets You Apart?
I bumped into a marketing agency owner who wants help finding new clients. He posted his cry for help in and online forum. He described his claim to fame: “What sets us apart is that we strive to offer quality services at affordable rates.” Ummmmmmmm, no. “Quality services at affordable rates” is not set-you-apart stuff.…
The Perfect Gift for the Entrepreneur who has Everything?
True story: In 2016, KFC introduced ‘Finger Lickin’ Good’ edible nail polish. Two flavors: Hot & Spicy (peppery red) and Original Recipe (beige). Slather it on. Wait for it to dry. Lick your fingers. Yum! Other true stories: Doritos has partnered with a distiller to sell Nacho Cheese flavored liquor (94 proof). You can buy…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.12.18
Recommended Viewing Ā Humor: Serious BusinessThree Stanford professors walk into a room and… …deliver some important insights on why we should weave humor into our business. Viewing time: 5 minutes. Well worth it. Podcast Ā How to Claim Your Stage to Maximize Your Impact (with Adriana Baer)Adriana Baer is a public speaking coach for leaders and rising…
Biz Solutions & Success: Closer Than You Think
My client Joe asked me to help him transform his website from prospect-repelling to client-attracting. I offered several suggestions, including, “Put some testimonials on the front page.” “I don’t have any testimonials,” he said. “I bet you do,” I replied… …and then I trotted out the tale of my summer fling, Kathy. I was 19,…
The Reason Apple Wins…
I bumped into a group of grumpy marketers this morning who think storytelling is worthless. Said one: “I have never understood the appeal of storytelling. I know people talk about the importance of it over and over again, but I really can’t give a f*%k. Story, mission, vision, it’s all bulls*%t; I only care about…
If You Want to Progress, Quit Staring at The Summit
My hometown hockey team fired its coach last night. His name is Craig Berube, and he led the St. Louis Blues to the Stanley Cup Championship in 2019. During that 2019 playoff run, I wrote an email about Berube. To honor and thank him, I dust it off and share it here… š š š…
These Ads are Funny, but Flawed…
I hate HP printers. The one I owned with ink that disappeared faster than an ice cube in the Sahara. The next one which mangled forests of printer paper. And the one that NEVER kept a wi-fi connection. The endless, fruitless customer “support” calls with clueless overseas reps who read from scripts and dished out…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.12.11
Business Humor š Consumer Privacy – The Holiday EditiionTom Fishburne (a.k.a. The Marketoonist) does it again. A funny cartoon and insightfulĀ post… Podcast Ā How to Turn Past Experiences Into Career and Business-Building Narratives (with Annie Margarita Yang)Annie Margarita Yang is a money-saving guru with over a million YouTube views, and sheās also the bestselling author of…
Cautionary Tale From Dude who Burned Eyebrows Off
A few years ago, I ran across an article about a dude in Michigan who smelled gas coming from his newly installed water heater. He checked for the leak by lighting a match. He shoulda died, but he got off easyā¦ ā¦with singed eyebrows. Mixing fire and a gas leak ā that wasnāt his first…
Bestselling Author’s Lead Magnet is Brilliant, But…
In preparation for the free masterclass I’m running today (“How to Create Prospect-Attracting Lead Magnets…“)… …I’ve been searching high and low for great examples. That led me to Adam Grant’s website. He is a New York Times bestselling author of six books, including his most recent, “Hidden Potential – The Science of Achieving Greater Things.”…
Stop Wishing and Waiting. Start Selling…
Yesterday, I shared a cautionary tale about list-building raffles and how they fill your CRM with lousy leads. An agreeable reader replied with this: “The people signing up for our raffle were the exact opposite of the people we wanted.” (So far, so good. But then this…) “Now we don’t do anything. A lot of…
An Invitation to Learn From my Mistakes…
One of the reasons I’m hosting a free masterclass about lead magnets (Thursday, Dec. 7 2 p.m. — registerĀ here)… …I want you to learn from my lead-magnet mistakes. An example of one of my lead magnet failures from the early days: Soon after I started my email marketing software company, MarketVolt, in 2001, I attended…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.12.04
You’re Invited Ā How to Create Prospect-Attracting Lead Magnets AND Business-Generating Follow-Ups — Quickly & Easily With the right lead magnet (free giveaway), you can attract ideal prospects. With smart, automated follow-up, you can engage those prospects and inspire them to buy. In this free masterclass, I’ll reveal: ā Quick, easy ways to create a powerful,…
The Most Common And ClichĆ©d Opening Is…
Is it just me, or has “I hope this email finds you well?” become the single most-overused, cliched, and meaningless opening on the interwebs? Big question. So I turned to a big, AI-powered brain for answers — my GPT-powered copywriting robot, “B-9?” Our conversation — word-for-word — below… š¤ š¤ š¤ MeHey, “B-9?” What is…
Join us Today (Oprah-inspired, Legend-endorsed)…
It’s not everyday that a marketing legend applauds you for doing something that would “make Oprah proud.” But chalk one up for Ted Prodromou and me. That happened earlier this month when the great Brian Kurtz wroteĀ this postĀ about the Mastermind Book Club. If you’ve never attended a Book Club meeting, today’s your chance. 2:30 p.m.…
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Lead Magnet
Now that we’re finished gobbling Turkey, let the holly, jolly season begin. And nothing says “Holly, Jolly” better than the stop-motion animated movie “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” I watched it earlier this week for the 38-gazillionth time. The made-for-TV movie first aired in 1964, 25 years after a copywriter named Robert L. May wrote the…
I’ve Invented a New Holiday…
I hereby proclaim that today, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, will now and forever be known as… Ā Tick-Tock TuesdayĀ Get me two aspirin and something strong to wash ’em down with… …because I can’t get the echo of that Cyber Monday ticking and tocking from outta my head.Ā Don’t get me wrong. I like door-busing…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.11.27
Recommended Article Ā Donāt Mistake Audience Size for Revenue Potential Which metrics matter? Neil Patel answers in this must-readĀ article. It reveals how to avoid the “vanity metrics” trap and measure what really matters. Recommended Resource Ā Pabbly – A Great Alternative to Zapier Like Zapier, Pabbly is an online platform to build marketing automations. I’ve used Zapier…
Why “You’re Not Alone…” Marketing Works
Earlier this week, I met with a business coach who wants her followers to know it’s OK not to feel OK. My client (let’s call her Emily) planned to write a blog post describing her own emotional ups and downs — how she, too, has times when she feels dejected and doesn’t feel grateful. Quite…
My Thanksgiving Wish for You
Happy Thanksgiving. My wish for you: You spend this day (and many others) around a crowded table, filled with people you love. Thereās a song called āCrowded Table.ā It captures the wish. Before Covid, I produced monthly concerts as a side gig. A hobby business. A labor of love. I built a big email list.…
Crazy, Stupid Thanksgiving Tales
Thanksgiving Eve. To prepare for tomorrow’s holiday, I’m scanning the inter-webs for crazy, stupid Thanksgiving stories so… …if any crazy, stupid stuff happens at MY holiday party, I can think, “At least we’re not the family where…” Mom and auntie ate way decided Thanksgiving would be a great time to try edibles. They each gobbled…
Robot Generated Jokes: Did you Hear the One About the Fired CEO?
In case you missed it over the weekend, a news update: OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, fired its CEO Sam Altman on Friday.Ā I’ll share my serious take in a moment, but first… …this calls for some jokes! I summoned by GPT-powered copywriting robot, “B-9?” and said, “Tell me some jokes about Sam Altman being fired…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.11.20
Recommended Podcast “Experts Speak” with Michael DeLon (and his special guest… ME) My friend Michael DeLon (a.k.a. “The Paperback Expert”) hosts a great podcast which I’ve recommended before. Last week, he released a new episode featuring yours truly (my second time on the show). Here’s the big twist: We discuss the new marketing technology software I…
How to Get Rid of Looky-loos and Price-shoppers
I woke just after sunrise this morning and took a long hike along the beach in Marco Island, FL. Nice way to kick off National Take a Hike Day (Nov. 17). After I finish this email and press send, I’ll join my biz buddies/peers for Day 2 of our quarterly mastermind meeting. Day 1, yesterday,…
I Didn’t Want to Like This Wicked Email, But…
Here’s a new one. One of those appointment-setting firms spammed me yesterday with a twisted pitch that… …ummmmm… …impressed me with its wicked genius. The subject line was “Tom, referral candidate…” and the email started like this: “Tom, Do you guys work with smaller businesses? I run agency/consulting partnerships for Floor 9 Ventures, and I…
How to Persuade — Without Being a Manipulative Scumbag
I’m about to board a Southwest Airlines flight to Florida to spend a few days at a small-group mastermind meeting run by Dave Dee. Dave is an A+ marketer who recently hosted a workshop called “Present, Persuade, & Profit.” He likes to teach by doing. Dave told us he would break down the workshop we…
What Should I Name My App?
My son, Jake, just moved from Fort Collins to Boulder, CO and is looking for a new gym. He checked out the 24 Hour Fitness down the street from his apartment… …but he passed because… …it’s closes Monday-Thursday at 10 p.m. (and earlier on weekends). I think it’s time for 24 Hour Fitness to consider…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.11.13
Recommended Podcast Episode Ā Diana Nyad on Cal Fussman’s Big Questions In 1978, when she was 28, Diana Nyad attempted to become the first person to swim the 111-mile stretch between Cuba and Key West Florida without a shark cage. She failed. She tried again and again and again and failed each time. Then, on her…
You’re Invited to Ask my Anything
It’s time for another episode of “Ask Tom Anything (Preferably About Marketing)”Ā (Catchy name, huh!?) The game is simple. Reply to this email with a pressing question (preferably about marketing). I’ll get back to you as soon as I can — probably over the weekend — with a reply — including resources/gifts to help you.…
The Unfortunate Tale of a Leader Who Flew Alone
I’ll be launching a new small-group, do-it-with-you mastermind after the holidays to help you attract more leads, engage them with captivating content, and persuade them to hire you. If you’d like to hear the details, reply to this email with “tell me more.” But first… …read on for a cautionary tale about… …the power of…
She Asked For Help and Thenā¦ š
A few months back, I met a business coach who asked for my help with email marketing. She wanted help, especially, with the follow-up emails for new followers. She said she “really struggles” with this. She shared a few of the follow-up emails she now sends, and I gave her some free advice. Then I…
Charmless Bartender Suppresses Beer Sales (A Cautionary Tale)
A few nights ago, I visited a brew pub with Melissa and two out-of-town guests to grab a bite and some beer. Along with our meal, we got a lesson in customer service — or lack thereof. I saddled up to the bar first. The bartender spotted me. But she didnāt greet me. She was…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.11.06
Recommended Book Ā They Ask You Answer This month’s selection for the Mastermind Book Club: “They Ask, You Answer” by Marcus Sheridan. From the author’s website: “They Ask, You Answer” is a business philosophy which, when embraced fully, will make you the most trusted voice within your industry. “And it begins with an obsession of understanding…
What Inspiration Do You Carry in “Your Pocket?”
Rumor has it Muhammad Ali carried in his pocket a copy of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If.” This morning, in his excellent, weekly newsletter, 5-Bullet Friday, Tim Ferriss said he’s studying the poem. I’m sitting at Lambert St. Louis International Airport waiting to board a plane to Tampa… …and I’m studying the poem, too. I like…
How NOT to Get Burned by Dirty, Rotten, Lying Robots
Reason #473 to attend today’s free masterclass (How to Use AI Wisely š” to Save Time ā±ļø & Produce Great Content š — Without Sacrificing Your Sparkling Personality š¤© and Humanity)ā¦ GPT-powered-robots are dirty, rotten, liars. I’m going to show you how NOT TO GET BURNED by their dirty, rotten, lying ways. I know. Them’s…
You’re Invited… to Relieve Writer’s Block
Tomorrow, I’m hosting a free I’m hosting a free masterclass: How to Use AI Wisely š” to Save Time ā±ļø & Produce Great Content š — Without Sacrificing Your Sparkling Personality š¤© and Humanity There are 3,273 reasons () you could benefit from this event. Here’s one: AI-robots relieve writer’s block — if you ask…
š Stupid H’ween Jokes — and Other GPT-Powered Treats
Happy Halloween.Ā Ā Ā It’s Melissa’s favorite holiday… …so the halls are decked with witches, skeletons, and things just too gruesome to describe in writing. And then there’s the candy. Mountains of Reese’s and Snickers and Almond Joys and Yorks. 36.3 pounds of candy. Enough chocolate to feed a zombie brigade. In a few hours the neighborhood…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.10.30
Event Ā How to Use AI WiselyĀ Ā to Save TimeĀ Ā & Produce Great ContentĀ — Without Sacrificing Your Sparkling PersonalityĀ Ā and HumanityĀ When:Ā Thursday, November 2, 2:30 p.m. ET, 11:30 a.m. PT Where: Zoom (you’ll get the link when you register) What: A free masterclass. I’ll reveal tools, tactics, and strategies I use to save time and produce better content with AI’s help.…
Clueless Human Relies on Brainless Robot (A Cautionary Tale)
I bumped into a bummed out marketer this week who hollered for help in an online forum. His AI-powered marketing failed to generate sales for his software… …which uses AI to write marketing messages. So he asked the humans on Reddit for help. He told us humans he sent a mountain of AI-generated, cold emails…
“The Most Important Advertising Question”
n 2004, on the eve of his retirement, when he was no longer accepting clients, “America’s best copywriter” began to share his most powerful trade secrets by email. His name was Gary Bencivenga and he called the emails “Marketing Bullets.” I’ve been reading Bencivenga’s Bullets again lately, inspired by Brian Kurtz and his book “Overdeliver.”…
Picasso’s Priceless Advice…
Pablo Picasso was born on this day (Oct. 25) in 1881. Before he painted like this ā¬ … …Picasso painted like this ā¬ Makes sense that Picasso said: “Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist.” What’s good for Picasso is good for us marketers. That quote (also attributed…
All Great Marketers Must Possess This Quality…
When it comes to being a great marketer, nothing is more important than… …what? … … … … … … … … … The answer: Insatiable curiosity. So says Brian Kurtz in his bookĀ Overdeliver… …and I agree. From Chapter 6 ofĀ Overdeliver: “If a copywriter I’m considering hiring doesn’t ask me for a ‘list history’ (every…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.10.23
Recommended Book Ā All the Light We Cannot SeeI usually recommend nonfiction/business books, but I’m making an exception today to share one of my all-time favorite novels. This is the story of a blind French girl and a German boy lives intertwine during World War II. IĀ Ā this book. And I learned yesterday: it has been made…
Go Ahead. Swipe Others’ Stuff. Here’s Why…
I came across a cool quote yesterday from Carla Bley. She was a jazz pianist and composer who passed away earlier this week, Austin Kleon shared her words in hisĀ newsletter: āListening is how I started. I didn’t start when I was a piano player. I didn’t start as a composer. I started as a listener.ā…
š» What Bears Knowā¦ That Marketers Oughta
I was talking the other day to a great marketer whose wife loves to go on adventures in the woods… …hikes on backcountry trails where, as he told her… …people have died. “Hikes in the woods? No thanks,” he said. “Remind me not to invite you to our next backcountry fishing adventure,” I said And…
Look, Ma, I’m on “TV” (Watch and Get a Gift)
Wouldn’t you know it… I make my “TV” debut… …and my mama is on a boat in some Norwegian fjord, gazing at the northern lights, and doesn’t have a clue. She’ll have to watch when she returns home… …but you can watch right now… Actionera TV is live in your favorite app store, and I’m…
Invitation to Meet a Marketing Legend
I remember the first time I read Brian Kurtz’s book “Overdeliver” and got to the part where he refers to your email list as “your online family.” I thought, “What a great way to describe your list!” Kurtz’s idea: Your list is not some inanimate asset. It’s a collection of human beings — all who…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.10.16
Recommended Resource Ā The Financial Freedom Formula E-BookI’ve met more than a few “successful” business people who are not financially free. They wonder if their money will last through retirement. They work extra hours because they need the extra dough. They worry they have to sacrifice one thing in their life to afford something else they want or…
A Subject Line that Stinks More Than Blue Cheese š·
The email from Rocky screamed at me from my spam folder… …with a subject line so stinky I had to share it with you: “Re: #Give me Appointment Please…!!” I opened the email (only because I thought I’d write an email about it)… …and found a pitch for credit card processing services. My reaction: No…
How to Evolve Beyond Paint-by-numbers Marketing
We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you this important announcement: You still have time to register for today’s free masterclass, How to Turn Your Book (or Other Content) Into a Lead-Attracting, Client-Generating Machine. Details and registrationĀ here. Now, back to our program… After seeing Lucinda Williams in concert on Sunday, I bought her memoir, Don’t Tell…
A Success Secret From “The World’s Greatest Salesman”
First, a quick correction… In yesterday’s email, I said this Thursday’s masterclass would be on June 12… …which doesn’t make any sense… …because we’re in October… …meaning this Thursday’s masterclass is actually on October 12 (2:30 p.m. ET, 1:30 p.m. CT). So if you want to attend the training called… …How to Turn Your Book (or Other Content) Into…
No More Missed Opportunities — If you Attend This…
I racked my brain this morning to come up with a great anecdote to promote Thursday’s masterclass… …How to Turn Your Book (or Other Content) Into a Lead-Attracting, Client-Generating Machine… …and I kept going back to one I emailed just a few months back. So, yes, this is a rerun… …but I can think of no…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.10.09
Recommended Reading Ā Re-Building Your Brain & Becoming The Person You Want To BeI love this post by August Bradley — who has helped me “re-build” my brain and implement life management systems that transformed how I work. At the end of the post, you can subscribe to his Life Design Newsletter which I highly recommend.…
You’re Invited…
On Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. CT), I’m hosting a live masterclass: How to Turn Your Book (or Other Content) Into a Lead-Attracting, Client-Generating Machine You’ll want to attend this event if you have a book (or plan to write one)… …or if you have any other kind of lead magnet (e-book, video,…
Did I Just Dream The Next Big Thing?
Last night, I had the craziest dream. I invented a wi-fi-enabled blender with a vertical video screen built into the side of the container… …so you can watch TikTok videos while making smoothies. Ā Brilliant!Ā …or so I thought… …until I asked my GPT-powered copywriting robot, B-9(?), for his opinion. He said the younger, “tech-savvy” crowd…
Holy Missed Opportunity, Batman (A Cautionary Tale)Ā š«
A cautionary tale about missed opportunities… I recently met a fitness trainer who wrote a bestselling book. On his website, he offers a .pdf copy of the book for free (good). I filled out the form to get the book and jumped to a confirmation page with this message: š„± š„± š„± That’s missed opportunity…
Why I Let my Thoughts Run…
Greetings from Denver, Colorado, where I’m grabbing a quick breakfast before delivering a TED-style talk called How to Generate Client Attracting Content — Without Writer’s Block. The big idea in my talk: Anyone can assemble great content if they can master a simple framework. Content creation is more craft than magic art… But that doesn’t mean…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.10.02
Recommended Reading Ā Stop Trying to Measure EverythingI believe in measuring and testing. But I also know a lot of the most popular marketing metrics are meaningless — including email opens. This is a great article that says we should view out marketing through an “outcome based lens,” rather than measuring “everything.” š¤The Man Behind ChatGPTAs…
This Email is About Taylor Swift (Kind Of)
Taylor Swift is in the news… …again. And I want to understand why. So I turned to the one-and-only who could help me make sense of this… … … … … …my great and powerful GPT-powered copywriting robot, B-9(?). Here’s our conversation: Me: Hey, B-9(?), what’s the big deal about Taylor Swift? B-9(?): Hey Tom!…
My Priceless Advice for a Copywriter Called “Lice”
I got an email this morning from a pitchy, pesty subscriber who offered to help me with my copywriting. To protect the “innocent,” I’ll call her “Lice.” Lice signed up for my list 17 days ago and claims she read all my emails since. She offered a 21-day trial period where she would work with…
Let’s Learn from Henry Ford’s Epic Biz Failure
Happy Birthday to the Model T. The first one came off the assembly line on this day (Sept. 27) in 1908. Time to trot out the tired tales about Henry Ford’s genius… …or not. Tired tale: Henry Ford invented — or at least perfected — the assembly line. The truth, as stated by his colleague…
They Fired their AI Copywriting Robot. Here’s Why…
A cautionary tale about enlisting AI as your ghost writer… My friends Greg and Danielle are residential real estate brokers in Alaska. A few months ago, they began to use ChatGPT to write their listings. They figured the AI copywriting robot would save time and might generate better listings. Here’s what they found instead… Their…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.09.25
Must Read… Ā A Copywriting Master Says, “Show, Don’t Tell”My friend Jack Turk is a world class copywriter and instructor who dishes out some priceless wisdom in this short LinkedIn post. Must reading for anyone who wants to create great content. Recommended Viewing Ā Your Elusive Creative Genius (Elizabeth Gilbert)This is a great TED talk. Elizabeth Gilbert…
[Time Sensitive] This Offer Made my Jaw Hit the Floor…
If youāre a coach or consultant and you want to get more clients faster and easier than ever, Iām about to share with you an irresistible offer that expires tonight (Friday) at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time. Hereās the crazy thing: I didnāt even know about this offer until yesterday evening when my friend Virginia Muzquiz…
Why I celebrate opt-outs
Another day, another opt-out. This morning it was Louise. Yesterday, Julius quit my list. Anna on Sunday, Vanessa on Saturday. And so on. Once upon a time, I would have mourned each and every opt-out. Today, I celebrate! Here’s the story… Earlier this month, I participated in Virginia Muzquiz’s Six Figure Success Giveaway. I was one…
Saul Goodman’s Marketing Genius
Want to watch a marketing master at work? Tune into Better Call Saul… …especially Season 4, Episode 4. That’s the episode when Jimmy (soon to rename himself “Saul”) works at the mobile phone store. Prepaid phone sales are slow. So Jimmy buys some yellow and red window paint and writes in giant lettering: IS THE MAN…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.09.18
Events Ā 5 Ways to Build Your Email List — Without Paid AdsEvery month, Dean Isaacs and I host a 5in25 Training — five tips in 25 minutes, plus Q&A. This month’s event: When: Thursday, September 21, 3. p.m. ET Where: Live on Zoom What: Dean and I will share 5 tips to reveal: ā Simple…
In Honor of the Big Holiday…
Today is National Online Learning Day… …but, of course, you already knew that… …because EVERYONE looks forward to National Online Learning Day.Ā In honor of the big day and the entire weekend of online learning celebration, I offer you an opportunity to get my most popular online learning product for more than half off. The…
Yes, I AM Dumber Than a 5th-grader
From the banks of the North Platte River in Southern Wyoming Well, don’t I feel stooo-pid? I ran across this brain teaser on social media the other day… What is the number on the parking spot? The guy who posted the puzzler said many grade-schoolers solved it in less than 10 seconds. “Easy-peasy,” I thought.…
How He Persuaded Himself to Live With Parkinson’s
How’s this for an attention-getting headline… READ THIS OR DIE The legendary copywriter Jim Rutz wrote that headline, followed by this copy: “Today you have a 95 percent chance of eventually dying from a disease or condition for which there is already a known cure somewhere on the planet. The editor of Alternatives would like to free…
Before You Tell Your Story, Consider This…
Alfred Hitchcock couldn’t have dreamt up this one… …another ripped-from-the-headlines cautionary tale about how NOT to get away with murder: A rapper was arrested in Las Vegas last month after police said he “confessed to the murder in his (song) lyrics.”Ā Kenjuan McDaniel was already a suspect in the shooting death of Randall Wallace in…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.09.11
Remembering 9/11 Bruce Springsteen’s “Into the Fire”Today is September 11 — 22 years sinceĀ that day. Eleven months after the attacks, Bruce Springsteen released the album “The Rising.” I remember the first time I listened to it on the day it was released. I particularly remember the second track, “Into the Fire.” I cried when I…
They love me. They really love me… in where!?!?
I got the big news yesterday… …in an email from “Carlos.” My podcast,Ā The Story Power Marketing Show,Ā is doing very well in Apple Podcast rankings. “Position 4 in the category Marketing…” … … … … … … in TanzaniaĀ . Eat your hearts out, competing podcasters. I’ve hit the big-time in southest Africa.Ā Ā I’ve scaled podcasting’s Kilimanjaro.Ā …
Ā I Can’t Put This Book Down…
I’m under the weather today š¤. So I spent the morning in bed, reading a book I can’t put down. It’s called Read This or Die by Ray Edwards, and it’s this month’s selection for the Mastermind Book Club. I’m feeling better than earlier so I dragged myself out of bed and planned to write an afternoon edition…
How Often Should You “Sell” in Your Emails?
In a moment, I’m going to tell you how to get a free copy of my upcoming book. But first… …another sneak peek, this from Chapter 7… I asked ChatGPT recently, āHow often should I sell in my emails?ā The robot hemmed and hawed a bit before saying, āA common approach is to follow the…
Ripken Rules to Keep Going and Going and Going
I didn’t sleep well last night. No big deal. It happens. Now, bleary-eyed and foggy-headed, I sit before my laptop. Some mornings I arrive with a story idea, ready to roll. This morning, like many others, I’m starting from scratch. Just me, a blank screen, and no idea what to write. But I have habits…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.09.04
Podcast (Recommended Listening) Ā Cal Fussman and Sally Jenkins re: Best Takeaways from SportsThe latest episode of Cal Fussman’sĀ Big QuestionsĀ podcast. He interviews Sally Jenkins, an award-winning sports writer, whose new book,Ā The Right Call,Ā explores the qualities that help top athletes and coaches achieve greatness. Citing greats such as Bill Belichick, Peyton Manning, Michael Phelps, and more, Jenkins…
Scoop up Some Business-building Brilliance
My friend Virginia Muzquiz is a referral marketing master. But when it comes to creating marketing emails, she couldn’t get her mojo working. So she signed up for my Content Marketing Masters program and… …well… …let’s hear Virginia describe it… “Today was the first day I wrote an email for my list and experienced pleasure while I…
A Crazy, Stupid Way to Cover Up a Murder
Ripped from the headlines… …a cautionary tale about choosing the wrong tool for the job. Police in Orlando Beach arrested a Florida woman named Nichole this month for allegedly killing her roommate, Michael. The cops found Michael dead in his bedroom. Stab wounds galore. They found Nichole at a bar down the street. She was…
Why “Society” is Not to Blame if Your Biz Falters
I crossed paths this morning with a coach who struggles to turn prospects into clients. Over the past month, she struck out seven times in a row with prospects who met with her (four) or talked with her (three). Her take? “Society” doesn’t understand what coaches do or, worse yet, there are “social prejudices” against…
Why Great Creators Have Their Heads in The Clouds
When Dixie Gillaspie was growing up in Kansas, her father used to say, “Dixie, get your head out of the clouds.” Dixie refused. “I don’t want to get my head out of the clouds,” Dixie recently told me, “Because my ‘head in the clouds time’ to anybody else might look like idle daydreaming. For me,…
RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2023.08.28
Article Indiana Jones and a Super Simple SEO Hack“The Holy Grail of SEO isnāt a secret algorithm or magic keyword potion. Itās about understanding what people are REALLY searching for.” So says my pal Adam Kreitman who (understatement alert ) knows what’s he’s talking about when it comes to marketing — especially the search engine part.…
Greetings From the Spawn of Satan(?)
Ahhhh… I see you’ve opened my email today. Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! You’ve fallen for my evil desperate ploy. I can’t hide the truth any longer. Melissa, our twins, my mother, and my Magic 8 BallĀ … …have encouraged me to get it out in the open. So now is the time to come clean……
Invitation: All You Can Eat Business Insights
About 10 minutes into my interview with Ann Carden for her Raise Your Bar Summit, she asked me about common mistakes people make when weaving stories into their marketing. And I was off!Ā Holy-moly, there are so many. And I covered ’em like Mrs. Butterworth’s on a stack of pancakes. Ann will release that interview tomorrow —…
Game of Scones (Biz Lessons From the Pie Wars)
Here’s a winner-loser tale to chew on… (Trigger warning: If you dislike silly puns, you may wish to move on.) It plays out every Saturday morning at the Tower Grove Farmers Market, down the street from Story Power HQ in St. Louis. Many Saturday mornings, Melissa and I visit the market to stock up on…
How Jeff Tweedy’s Dad Wrote One Poem… and then Another
In his brilliant book How to Write One Song, Jeff Tweedy tells a story about his Dad who would go to the basement when he was sad or mad, drink a beer or two, and write a poem. Jeff Tweedy writes lyrics and music for a living. He’s the founder and leader of the band Wilco. But…