http://www.andyhorner.com

Leaning on a cliche to convey meaning works against you as a self-marketer, salesperson, and relationship builder. This is especially true in your emails, marketing materials, and sales presentations. You know what cliches are, right? They’re common analogies and expressions that have become dull and meaningless due to overuse. And when it comes to sales …

When Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon, he recited the legendary phrase, “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” Most of us have memorized this quote without the “a” before the word “man.” Recent technology has now validated that the “a” was transmitted but not heard. Why does it matter? …

If you had to capture the attention of everyone inside a grocery store, how would you do it? Would you yell “FIRE” at the top of your lungs? Knock over a shelf stacked high with glass bottles? Enter with Justin Bieber riding piggy back? No. You get your 7 year old, 5 year old, and …

Last year, our church hosted a missionary who was seeking financial support to go to Africa. He had five minutes to address the congregation. I expected a bad PowerPoint. Instead, he unrolled two paper printouts. One extended down the main aisle to the back of the auditorium. The other barely dangled off the stage. He …

9:44 AM. Scott woke slowly. No early morning alarm. NO ALARM!? Scott shot a glance at the clock. He checked the wake setting. 7PM! No, no, no, no, No, NO! His final term paper was due in 16 minutes. It was written and it was good. But if it wasn’t turned in by 10AM, it wouldn’t …

Each year, I begin with a New Year’s Kickstart rather than a useless resolution. Instead of resolving to do something, I just do it. My Kickstart for 2012 was to launch my personal website: www.andyhorner.com in two weeks. Done! Check it out. This year, I invited my Ace of Sales customers and everyone else on …

Standing out in the business field is harder than ever. With your customers’ inboxes, voice mail, and calendars all full, how do you get anyone’s attention? How do you build your business? How do you make a difference? In my new webinar, “Differentiate or Die,” a floodlight is turned on the topic. You’ll learn: • …

Kickstart Challenge Now Over – No longer accepting submissions. Winner announced next week! – I’m the only person I’ve ever known who’s kept a New Year’s Resolution. Several years ago I made a New Year’s Resolution to never make another New Year’s Resolution. Since then, I’ve kept it perfectly. How’re you doing with yours? Freed …

New Year’s Day is only a few days away!

Surprise your customers by showing them that, amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, they’re still on your mind. Want your customers to include you in their midnight toast? Here’s one idea that will get the job done…

“Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.” These were Steve Jobs’ last words, according to his sister, Mona Simpson. When I heard the words, I repeated them over and over to myself. There was a familiarity to them. Ah, yes! They were the same words I uttered every time I got my hands on one of …