Category Archives: Rants & Raves

Why I Hate ‘So …’

By Phil Stella | Published: September 7, 2020

When did ‘so’ become the new ‘ummm’? Listen to any TV or cable talk show when the host asks the guest a question. Most of the guests start the answer with ‘So … ‘.  Perhaps a little less annoying than ‘umm’, but this vocalized pause gets old fast if each answer  begins that way. While ‘so’ is an actual word, it doesn’t add any meaning or context to the message. It just sits there … like a different version of ‘Um … ‘ Read More »

Why I Love ‘How …’

By Phil Stella | Published: August 2, 2020

If you typically answer the phone or greet customers with ‘ … can I help you?’ – nothing wrong with that. It’s short, courteous and prompts an answer. Good for you. But the answer could be ‘no’, since that’s one of the implied choices in this ‘closed’ question. Read More »

Why I Hate ‘Multiple’

By Phil Stella | Published: July 4, 2020

When did ‘multiple’ become the new ‘many’? ‘Multiple’ means ‘very many of the same thing.’ But so do ‘ many’, ‘several’ and ‘numerous’. These words are just as clear or clearer than ‘multiple’ without so many other meanings and sounding a little pompous. 

So, the next time you find yourself about to write or say ‘multiple’, try using ‘many’ instead. Better yet – shift from vague to specific by using a number, like ‘four’. I’d love that choice.

 

Why I Hate Unidentified Callers

By Phil Stella | Published: June 1, 2020

How often do you get calls where your Caller-ID indicates ‘unidentified caller’,’unknown number’ or ‘cellular call’? Happens to me a lot and I hate it. Actually, I should be glad I have Caller-ID to screen theses probably junk calls and help me ignore them. They usually don’t leave a message, either. And the few that do ask me to call them without indicating who they are or why they want me to reply. DUHHH! Read More »

Why I Love Uncommon Phone Courtesy

By Phil Stella | Published: May 6, 2020

Here’s a simple phone technique that will differentiate you from most other people when you make a simple call. It works very well whether you’re following up on meeting someone at a networking event, returning a call or simply asking a question: Read More »

Why I Hate Titles

By Phil Stella | Published: April 8, 2020

While skimming some LinkedIn postings recently, I encountered a person who was seriously title-happy. After his name was ‘… MBA, BA, BS, NP, MPM.’ Wow – aren’t you impressed with his credentials!  Read More »

Why I Love ‘Show Password’

By Phil Stella | Published: March 2, 2020

Does this ever happen to you? Your in a hurry entering your password on your phone or tablet with your finger but you make a mistake and the site blows you off. You try again and still mess up. Then, the site locks you out for a period of time due to too many ‘suspicious’ attempts to log in. Not very user friendly! Read More »

Why I Hate ‘Small Talk’

By Phil Stella | Published: February 5, 2020

 I recently facilitated a workshop on Networking Best Practices. A participant asked about using small talk. After getting input from the rest of the group, I offered my view – just say ‘NO’ to small talk. It doesn’t help you that much. Go for ‘Big Talk’ instead. The rest of my rant …  Read More »

Why I Love Proper Quotes

By Phil Stella | Published: January 2, 2020

I love using quotes in my writing and presentations – I really do.They can add sizzle, credibility or perspective to the message. However, I’m adamant about including author details. 
Read More »

Why I Love ‘Worklife’

By Phil Stella | Published: December 5, 2019

The Staples Corporation recently launched ‘Worklife’, a monthly e-magazine that offers insights, ideas and practical know-how for decision-makers and problem-solvers. Read More »