Articles by Scott Ginsberg
Redefining the Testimonial -
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Scott Ginsberg
Let's start with two facts:1. The word "testimonial" is defined as "writing testifying to one's qualification or character."2. The word "testimonial" is derived from the 1432 French term testimonie, which means "evidence, statement of a witness."So, does a testimonial ...
Why Are You Being So Nice to Me? -
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Scott Ginsberg
PICTURE THIS: You meet someone at a networking event. She's friendly, approachable, asks great questions; even introduces you to a few her colleagues.After the event you exchange business cards.A few days later she follows up with a quick ...
When You Care the Least, You Do the Best -
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Scott Ginsberg
Let's say you're on a sales call.And in the back of your mind, you don't care.Which is not to say you're apathetic. It's just that you're relaxed. With yourself. With your product. With your prospect. ...
The Power of Self-Deprecating Humor -
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Scott Ginsberg
You gotta love the opening scene of Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth.The former presidential candidate takes the stage, PowerPoint clicker in-hand.
His famous Global Warming Slideshow appears on the enormous screen in the background. Thousands of ...
The Longer They Take, the Less They Buy -
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Scott Ginsberg
PICTURE THIS: you walk into Borders on a Sunday afternoon. You head over to the business section to pick up the latest book on leadership.Flipping through, you see nothing remarkable ... yet.So you keep flipping. And flipping. ...
Always Have Something to Give -
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Scott Ginsberg
PICTURE THIS: you plop down next to a friendly guy on the plane.After a brief greeting, he asks about your work."I'm an author," you say."Cool! What kind of books?" he asks.So you tell him. And he becomes ...
8 Ways to Avoid Conversational Narcissism -
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Scott Ginsberg
Forget yourself and submit to the other person.That's the BIG challenge of listening.To check your ego.
To relinquish you agendas.
To suspend your preoccupation.Unfortunately, it's dangerously easy for people to fall into the trap of Conversational Narcissism.Especially when they're too busy.Too ...
18 Behaviors to AVOID For Effective Listening -
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Scott Ginsberg
Listening is about what you DON'T do:1. Don't react.
Respond coolly, objectively and non-judgmentally.2. Don't think.
Just perceive without interpreting or labeling.3. Don't perform.
Because some people view listening as a performance.4. Don't tell someone not to feel a certain way.
This cheats ...
How to Prepare Yourself to Listen -
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Scott Ginsberg
Rehearsal.
Meditation.
Visualization.
Deep breathing.
Perusing your notes.
Reading affirmations.
Practicing your Powerpoint slide transitions.
Listening to the Rocky IV soundtrack in the bathroom down the hall.All of these are examples of how someone might prepare herself to speak.Which brings up an interesting, ...
How to Build a Following -
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Scott Ginsberg
Artists.
Authors.
Rockstars.
Cult leaders.
Presidential candidates.
American Idol contestants.What do all these people have in common?They're all building a following.HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS: so can you!That's the beauty (and ironically, sometimes the horror) of the Web: anyone with an idea can share it ...
Listening is Patience -
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Scott Ginsberg
My definition of listening is, "Loving someone with your ears."This brings to mind a common scripture quoted at many wedding ceremonies:"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It ...
Don't (Over) Actively Listen -
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Scott Ginsberg
In the 2003 film The Life of David Gale, there's a great scene where Kevin Spacey and Laura Linney are debating Capital Punishment:LL: "And almost-martyrs don't count."
KS: "Got it."
LL: "So, keep it rational."
KS: "Mm-hmm..."
LL: "And stop that!"
KS: "What?"
LL: "Active ...
38 Visual Reminders to Make You a Better Listener -
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Scott Ginsberg
What's the secret to Growing Bigger Ears?THREE WORDS: Constant, visual reinforcement.So, here's what you do.1. Grab a few sticky notes and a Sharpie.2. Start brainstorming a list of your biggest listening challenges, i.e., "Pause three seconds before answering a ...
How to Avoid Emotional Reactivity -
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Scott Ginsberg
"You did WHAT? Three thousand dollars? Oh my God! Are you freaking CRAZY?!"- - -Now. How would you feel if someone reacted that way to YOU?Maybe a little defensive?
Maybe a little frustrated?
Maybe a little hesitant to open up further?Right. ...
Be Parodiable -
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Scott Ginsberg
Ask yourself three questions:1. When was the last time someone parodied you?
2. When was the last time someone parodied your idea?
3. When was the last time someone parodied your company?If your answer is, "Never," then that should tell your ...
Who (or What) Are You Creating Art For? -
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Scott Ginsberg
Some artists create art for fame.
Some artists create art for money.
Some artists create art for awards.
Some artists create art for getting laid.
Some artists create art for recognition from critics.
Some artists create art for recognition from other artists.
Some artists create ...
4 Ways to Listen to Yourself -
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Scott Ginsberg
Growing bigger ears is about listening to others, listening to the world, and of course, listening to YOURSELF.Today we're going to focus on the latter.Here are five practices to help you listen to yourself more effectively.1. TAKE WALKS ... ...
How to Make it SUPER Easy For People to Talk About Your New Website -
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Scott Ginsberg
Oscar Wilde once remarked, "The only thing worse than being talked about is NOT being talked about."So. Who's talking about you?Well, if you're not happy with your answer, perhaps these practices, ideas and suggestions will help spread the ...
Grow Bigger Ears - Adding Too Much Value -
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Scott Ginsberg
Adding value is essential to growing bigger ears.But be careful.Because it's (really) easy to add TOO MUCH value to a conversation.FOR EXAMPLE: imagine your colleague, Karen, is enthusiastically telling you about her great new idea. She's excited, optimistic and ...
98 Things I Learned From Seth Godin This Year -
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Scott Ginsberg
1. An inbound email is an opportunity.2. Appeal to the reachable.3. Are you telling people about me?4. Assume that every chamber is loaded, that every interaction is an interaction with a critic.5. Be customizable, upgradeable and discussable.6. Be on ...
