22 Rules to Live By - from Bob Bly

    • 1373 posts
    September 19, 2012 9:12 AM PDT


    I enjoyed this list and thought my fellow RSC'ers might, too.  One of my favorites is #10.  What is your favorite?  And what would you add to the list?

     

    22 Rules to Live By

    1-Show up for appointments 10 minutes early.

    2-Customers are not always right, but they must be treated as if
    they are.

    3-When speaking before groups, dress up one level from what the
    group is wearing; e.g., if they wear shorts and tee shirts, you
    wear business casual.

    4-Never offer unsolicited advice.

    5-Leave your ego at the door.

    6-Don't waste people's time by sending them jokes or stories via
    e-mail.

    7-Do not brag by talking about your accomplishments to people
    who didn't ask you about them.

    8-Be humble.

    9-Proofread your e-mails before you send them.

    10-80% of your activity should be in your comfort zone, and 20%
    should be outside it. This keeps you both productive and
    challenged.

    11-Of the people who opt into your e-list, 90% of those who
    eventually buy from you will do so within 90 days of subscribing
    to the list.

    12-The more recently a customer had made a purchase, the more
    likely he is to do so again.

    13-Old but good advice: under-promise and over-deliver.

    14-Don't give your customers their money's worth. Give them more
    than their money's worth.

    15-The easiest way to add value to an offer is with a free bonus
    gift.

    16-The most powerful words in the English language are "free"
    and "you."

    17-Do unto others as they would have you do unto them.

    18-Spend time with your children while they are still young
    enough to want you to spend time with them.

    19-Neither a borrower or a lender be.

    20-Don't be so sure you are right. Perhaps you are not.

    21-Life is short - over in the blink of an eye. So enjoy it now.

    22-Avoid discussing religion or politics with colleagues or
    customers. There is little to gain from it and much to lose.

    Sincerely,

    Bob Bly
    Copywriter / Consultant
    590 Delcina Drive
    River Vale, NJ 07675
    Phone 201-505-9451
    Fax 201-573-4094
    www.bly.com

    • 7 posts
    September 19, 2012 9:42 AM PDT
    Offer value without expecting anything in return.
    • 1373 posts
    September 19, 2012 9:45 AM PDT

    Excellent!

    • 455 posts
    September 21, 2012 7:20 AM PDT

    I like #20. If 5 people agree on a topic and I'm the lone ranger I usually bow to the wisdom of the group.

    • 180 posts
    September 21, 2012 9:24 AM PDT

    The first thing you sell is yourself.

    • 1373 posts
    October 4, 2012 11:43 PM PDT

    I like those, too!  Glad you enjoyed the list.

    • 1373 posts
    October 4, 2012 11:43 PM PDT

    Like!

    • 1373 posts
    October 4, 2012 11:46 PM PDT

    Good point.  When I compare notes with others and find there's a difference of opinion, it provides the opportunity to rethink my position -- always a wise thing to do, whether or not I finally change my mind.

    • 53 posts
    October 19, 2012 7:32 PM PDT

    Beautiful...I find myself so busy working, that I forget about my priorities..myself, my children and GOD! Awesome! Thanks.