Yet, He Wasn’t There… I had a nice moment with my 11-year-old daughter a few months ago. We were walking through an upstate New York forest, the lush kind, thick with trees, growing rapidly from late summer rains. I asked her, “Do you know where the house is?” She pointed. “That’s about right,” I…

Ode to the best deli in the world You want the best pastrami sandwich — maybe the best sandwich, period — in the world? Follow me to: Katz’s Deli in Manhattan

A Dadding story My 10-year-old daughter and I are watching Assembly Required, a “build-it” show with Tim Allen and Richard Karn. They’re constructing torches. Allen makes a sideways reference to lighting farts. “Do you know what they’re talking about?” I asked my ten-year-old. Often, when I ask that question, I am surprised at…

When you are famous(ish), you get to tap public wisdom, as science columnist David Pogue did on Facebook: 604 comments? I wonder if he knew this would be the opening volley in a grammar war. Folks, you do not want to challenge grammarians. Especially the self-appointed kind. First thing, stunningly…

My friend Mary took a brave stand against the mighty exclamation point.

I always thought "follow your passion" to be bad advice, as it implies there is One True Passion, when in fact, we all have many passions and -- News Flash! -- you can change at any time. I love how Monisha was able to switch while staying in HR, and not abandoning the knowledge and relationships she had earned. Thrilled that you will be expanding on your innate love for creating! I am eager to be one of your consumers.

Moe Rubenzahl As CEO, you’re not an expert in branding, but you are an essential part — perhaps the essential part — of your company’s brand strategy. Here’s why it’s important, and here’s how to build your brand. 1. Learn the value of brand. Brand is not about logos and…

This is great. I don't think people pay enough attention to employer reputation. When advising job seekers, I always suggest they look at reputation first. Make a list of companies they admire, ask others for their impression. Just as you use Yelp to find a fish taco, use Glassdoor (not perfect but a good indicator) and -- important -- don't just look at the rating, read the reviews to understand why people liked or disliked a place. Because you need to know if a place matches your style. One person's 4-star is another's 2-star.

You can rely on others to manage most of your marketing, but there are some skills you need yourself — Some of my marketing consulting work is to help CEOs learn marketing ideas that can’t be delegated. Even with a brilliant marketing staff you and your executives need these skills and habits as part of your everyday thinking. 1. Constant focus on the customer. When we focus on products and…