Category Archives: Rants & Raves

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 »

Why I Hate 3 x 5 Note Cards

By Phil Stella | Published: November 4, 2019

Very high on my list of Workplace Presenter ‘Worst Practices’ is using the simple, seemingly innocent little 3 x 5 note cards for speaker notes. They’re way too small to be of much value. Good idea for high school debaters or for storing recipes maybe, but not for workplace presenter notes. And, if you do use a large-enough type that’s easy to read quickly, you’ll need a lot of the cards and will spend way too much time changing them … or picking them up when you drop them. Read More »

Why I Love Caller ID

By Phil Stella | Published: October 1, 2019

Is this you? Your desk or cell phone rings – hey, could be a new customer with you next big order. But, you glance at your Caller ID screen and don’t see the name of a person or business.  Read More »

Why I Hate Note Cards

By Phil Stella | Published: September 1, 2019

I recently encountered two different authors of presentation skill-oriented books who recommended using 3×5 note cards for preparing speaker notes. Whoa! Couldn’t disagree more. So, please allow me to respectfully disagree and rerun one of my favorite rants. Read More »