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	<title>Contrarian Consulting</title>
	<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com</link>
	<description>Architect of Professional Communities® &#124; Alan&#039;s Blog</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:23 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
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		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-98/</link>
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		<title>Stop Procrastinating</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Here&#8217;s how you schedule time to get things done. Let&#8217;s say you want to write an article or position paper. 1. Choose the audience you seek to influence, probably those most appropriate for your value proposition. (5 minutes) [Bank lending &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/stop-procrastinating/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/stop-procrastinating/</link>
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		<title>CRM Help Wanted</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I have a client who is seeking a consultant to assist his small business with CRM. Specifically, he needs to find out what CRM software makes the most sense for his needs and his growing business. IF THIS IS YOUR &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/crm-help-wanted/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/crm-help-wanted/</link>
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		<title>Line of the Day</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In my RESOLVE free video series I recommend starting the day optimistically and not pessimistically. This morning, I received an email which said in part: &#8220;Thanks, Alan.   I watched all the videos and got a lot of good advice. &#8220;One &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/line-of-the-day/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/line-of-the-day/</link>
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		<title>Training Opportunities</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Please contact the person listed, not I: Customer Experience &#38; Sales Training Call for Trainers from ProEdge Skills, Inc. Opportunity ProEdge Skills, Inc. has received an RFP which requires additional training professionals. At this stage this is potential work and &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/training-opportunities/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/training-opportunities/</link>
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		<title>DASM: Bank of Montreal, Where I Don&#8217;t Want My Money</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I was a client of Diners Club for 20 years. When it became simply another type of MasterCard, I stayed with them. I paid my bills in full, each month, for 20 years. Unbeknownst to me, Diners Club cards were &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/dasm-bank-of-montreal-where-i-dont-want-my-money/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/dasm-bank-of-montreal-where-i-dont-want-my-money/</link>
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		<title>Alan’s Monday Morning Memo – 1/30/12</title>
		<description><![CDATA[January 30, 2012—Issue #123 This week’s focus point: Be judicious in terms of those to whom you choose to listen and heed. Very few pundits and prognosticators are ever held accountable for their predictions, whether financial, social, political, or technological. &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-13012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-13012/</link>
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		<title>The &#8220;Next Level&#8221;</title>
		<description><![CDATA[There are certain words and phrases that, while originally well intentioned, have become hackneyed and trite. “Have a nice day,” “meaningful,” “impactful,” and “good to great” all come to mind. I’m not merely fossicking here, because “We want to go &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-next-level/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-next-level/</link>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-97/</link>
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		<title>Episode 65: Think Big, Live Large</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/episode-65-think-big-live-large/</link>
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		<title>The Dog Star: It&#8217;s A Long Fall Off A High Horse</title>
		<description><![CDATA[(The Dog Star is a symbol of power, will, and steadfastness of purpose, and exemplifies the One who has succeeded in bridging the lower and higher consciousness. – Astrological Definition) I have a new, free video series on RESOLVE: http://www.summitconsulting.com/resolve/ and, &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-dog-star-its-a-long-fall-off-a-high-horse/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-dog-star-its-a-long-fall-off-a-high-horse/</link>
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		<title>Alan’s Monday Morning Memo – 1/23/12</title>
		<description><![CDATA[January 23, 2012—Issue #122 This week’s focus point: I&#8217;ve read that Picasso&#8217;s mother told him that he would become Pope if he joined the clergy, and a general if he joined the military. But he reported that he preferred art &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-12312/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-12312/</link>
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		<title>Physician&#8217;s Observation on RESOLVE</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Here&#8217;s a surgeon&#8217;s observation on my approach to RESOLVE: &#8220;Developing resolve translates to the creation of new neural pathways, and then making conscious choices to use the new paths over the old.&#8221; Vicki  Rackner  MD To view my free video &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/physicians-observation-on-resolve/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/physicians-observation-on-resolve/</link>
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		<title>Why Consulting Isn&#8217;t Rocket Science</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I’ve known a couple of actual rocket scientists, and they were nice people, but they were  no better than I at trying to open plastic-sealed tools, operate the cable remote, or understand why Snookie is even vaguely interesting. Fortunately for &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/why-consulting-isnt-rocket-science/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/why-consulting-isnt-rocket-science/</link>
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		<title>Thought Leadership Message from Alan Weiss</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Register Now!]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/thought-leadership-message-from-alan-weiss/</link>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-96/</link>
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		<title>Free Video Series on &#8220;RESOLVE&#8221;</title>
		<description><![CDATA[People often fail to achieve goals because they don&#8217;t &#8220;run through the tape,&#8221; don&#8217;t have the wherewithal to get past the finish line. What I call &#8220;resolve&#8221; is beyond accountability, beyond priorities, beyond discipline. I&#8217;ve created four free videos for &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/free-video-series-on-resolve/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/free-video-series-on-resolve/</link>
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		<title>American Airlines Responds to Flight 1758</title>
		<description><![CDATA[January 17, 2012 Dear Dr. Weiss: This note is a response to your letter to Mr. Horton, who asked me to research and respond. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and for assisting fellow passengers on &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/american-airlines-responds-to-flight-1758/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/american-airlines-responds-to-flight-1758/</link>
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		<title>Response from American Airlines on Twitter Today</title>
		<description><![CDATA[@AmericanAir American Airlines We&#8217;ve also passed your concerns on to Customer Relations for review &#38; follow up. Please let us know if you have questions.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/respond-from-american-airlines-on-twitter-today/</link>
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		<title>The Consulting Bible Reviewed by Project Management Institute</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Book Review: The Consulting Bible &#8211; Everything you Need to Know to Create and Expand a Seven Figure Consulting Practice Author: Alan Weiss Ph.D. Reviewer: Richard Sachs, PMP, MCPM Dr. Alan Weiss adds this recent book to his extensive publishing &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-consulting-bible-reviewed-by-project-management-institute/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-consulting-bible-reviewed-by-project-management-institute/</link>
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		<title>Alan’s Monday Morning Memo – 1/16/12</title>
		<description><![CDATA[January 16, 2012—Issue #121 This week’s focus point: You can teach people the content of a business, but you can&#8217;t teach them enthusiasm. You can instruct them in the rules and regulations, but not optimism. You can delegate authority but &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-11612/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-11612/</link>
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		<title>Travesty on American Flight 1758</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Travesty on American Airlines Flight 1758 An Open Letter to American Airlines President Thomas W. Horton My wife and I stood in the priority line to board American flight 1758 from Miami to Boston at 3 pm on January 14. &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/travesty-on-american-flight-1758/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/travesty-on-american-flight-1758/</link>
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		<title>Business At The Beach</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I’ve heard people actually state with pride that when they are on vacation they do not respond to email or phone messages. The focus only on their vacation, and put off any business until they return. To quote my wife &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/business-at-the-beach/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/business-at-the-beach/</link>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-95/</link>
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		<title>A Rare Winning Night</title>
		<description><![CDATA[We went to Rio del Mar tonight, dined at Palio (the prize to the horse winning the annual race in Sienna, but that&#8217;s another story), then hit the casino. I won at both roulette and blackjack, Maria had to chase &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/a-rare-winning-night/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/a-rare-winning-night/</link>
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		<title>St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/st-regis-bahia-beach-resort/</link>
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		<title>Tree frogs in the evening, Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Download MP3 and now also on iTunes]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/tree-frogs-in-the-evening-bahia-beach-puerto-rico/</link>
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		<title>Of Mofongo and Monsters</title>
		<description><![CDATA[We dined in Fern here at the resort on Monday, run by Jean George, whose Manhattan restaurant we aren&#8217;t crazy about, despite its reputation. We encountered the same here, rather indifferent food. But last night we dined in a highly &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/4240/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/4240/</link>
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		<title>Do I Know You? Why Don&#8217;t You Know Me?</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I’ve been trying to figure why the “celebrities” who host award shows or turn up on Dancing with the Vaguely Familiar, or show up on “Ellen,” are people whom I have to Google to figure out just who the heck &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/do-i-know-you-why-dont-you-know-me/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/do-i-know-you-why-dont-you-know-me/</link>
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		<title>Puerto Rico</title>
		<description><![CDATA[We flew from Providence to Atlanta to San Juan yesterday, on two very full but very fine Delta flights. Excellent service.  A car took us on the 40-minute trip to the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, and we were greeted &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/puerto-rico/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/puerto-rico/</link>
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		<title>Alan’s Monday Morning Memo – 1/9/12</title>
		<description><![CDATA[January 9, 2012—Issue #120 This week’s focus point: Has anyone thought about a strategy for education? In corporate strategy, we paint a picture of the future and then &#8220;work backwards&#8221; to determine how to organize to reach it (which is &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-1912/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-1912/</link>
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		<title>Alan&#8217;s Latest Interview</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I was interviewed recently by someone who had really done his homework, and I think you&#8217;ll enjoy the results of this candid, unscripted session. Here are his instructions: Alan- Thank you for your delightful interview on our FoxNews affiliate here &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alans-latest-interview/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alans-latest-interview/</link>
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		<title>Life&#8217;s Little Curve Balls</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Yesterday, I FedExed our luggage to a resort in Puerto Rico we&#8217;ll be visiting next week. The driver returned an hour later and said, &#8220;I didn&#8217;t realize it, but you gave me a domestic air bill. Puerto Rico requires an &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/lifes-little-curve-balls/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/lifes-little-curve-balls/</link>
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		<title>A Double Espresso with A Personality, Please</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I found a new woman behind the counter of my coffee shop this morning. I asked for two large coffees, with two sweeteners and cream in each. To my astonishment, she poured the coffee, then the sweetener, then the cream, &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/a-double-espresso-with-a-personality-please/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/a-double-espresso-with-a-personality-please/</link>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-94/</link>
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		<title>The New Consulting Market</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Bentley has just announced its best sales year ever, and the U.S. is its biggest market. They are even considering the launch of a Bentley SUV for $150,000, which I doubt anyone has been begging for, but there you have &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-new-consulting-market/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-new-consulting-market/</link>
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		<title>Want to Hear Alan Speak on Consulting?</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ll be at the Society for Professional Consultants on January 26, Newton Marriott Hotel, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA. The public is welcome. Details: http://www.spconsultants.org/ Contact: Sheila Robbins, Principal Robbins Research 508-626-7162 Sheila Robbins &#60;srobbins@robbins-research.net&#62;]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/want-to-hear-alan-speak-on-consulting/</link>
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		<title>Alan’s Monday Morning Memo – 1/2/12</title>
		<description><![CDATA[January 2, 2012—Issue #119 This week’s focus point: Start your OWN year today. Don&#8217;t worry about the North Korean succession or the price of gas. Stop listening to doom and gloom financial analysts and ignore the pundits pontificating about elections. &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-1212/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-1212/</link>
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		<title>The Annual Beagle Business Awards (The Buddies)</title>
		<description><![CDATA[As is our custom (beginning today) Buddy Beagle and I have conferred on the best and worst personal business experiences of the prior year (Koufax is busy watching the Dog Channel on cable). After a tough evaluation, punctuated by pizza &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-annual-beagle-business-awards-the-buddies/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-annual-beagle-business-awards-the-buddies/</link>
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		<title>New Year&#8217;s Visitor</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I looked out my den window and found something looking back!]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/new-years-visitor/</link>
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		<title>Happy New Year from All of Us!</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/happy-new-year-from-all-of-us-2/</link>
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		<title>Alan Weiss &#8211; GLAC Speech</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan-weiss-glac-speech/</link>
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		<title>Resolutions for 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[What are the resolutions for Alan this coming new year of 2012? Click the play button and find out. Download MP3 and now also on iTunes]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/resolutions-for-2012/</link>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-93/</link>
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		<title>It&#8217;s Not Your Mother&#8217;s Fault</title>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s Not Your Mother&#8217;s Fault: Vol. 1 Issue 3 We get a truckload of Christmas cards, which is wonderful. Many are sent by people from early in our marriage who stay in touch via an exchange of cards. Some people &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/its-not-your-mothers-fault-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/its-not-your-mothers-fault-2/</link>
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		<title>2012 Financial Regimen</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I never give financial advice and I don’t pretend to be a financial expert. But I have worked with thousands of solo practitioners and firm owners, and I have learned from my own mistakes. So here are some New Year’s &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/2012-financial-regimen/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/2012-financial-regimen/</link>
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		<title>Rodin or Tebow?</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Thinker or The Prayer? Captured by Guido Quelle on the shores of an island in Lago Maggiore, Stresa, Italy.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/rodin-or-tebow/</link>
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		<title>Alan’s Monday Morning Memo – 12/27/11</title>
		<description><![CDATA[December 27, 2011—Issue #118 This week’s focus point: In the U.S., housing has bottomed out and shows small improvements. Retail sales are up four percent from last year&#8217;s holiday period, surpassing projections. The market is over 12,000 as I write &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-122711/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-122711/</link>
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		<title>Alan Weiss Delivers a Keynote Speech</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan-weiss-delivers-a-keynote-speech/</link>
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		<title>Dear Sir</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Here&#8217;s a recent blog post, I&#8217;m told from the Harvard Business Review, sent to me by Alden Ulrich: Skip the Mr. and Mrs. &#8220;Forget what your parents taught you, it’s not always prudent to use a formal salutation, especially in &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/dear-sir/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/dear-sir/</link>
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		<title>Merry Christmas</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/merry-christmas-3/</link>
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		<title>In Case You Were Wondering What I Was Thinking</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In Case You Were Wondering What I Was Thinking • I bank at Citizens Bank, owned by Royal Bank of Scotland, which is number 100 on the Global 500 (formerly #55 before it became entangled in a financial morass). It &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/in-case-you-were-wondering-what-i-was-thinking-13/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/in-case-you-were-wondering-what-i-was-thinking-13/</link>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-92/</link>
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		<title>Of Geese and Gulls</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I was driving by a well-manicured expanse of lawn covering perhaps six acres. In one spot, about 150 gulls were sitting on the grass in a large cohesive group, conducting a meeting on the drizzly morning. Just a few yards &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/of-geese-and-gulls/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/of-geese-and-gulls/</link>
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		<title>Oh, Tannenbaum</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Our Christmas Tree, before and after.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/oh-tannenbaum/</link>
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		<title>Guest Column: How to Use Social Media to Connect with Large Companies</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Dave Gardner is a member of the Private Roster Mentor Program Million Dollar Consultant® Hall of Fame. How to use social media to connect with large companies By Dave Gardner People seem to think that social media is about attracting &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/guest-column-how-to-use-social-media-to-connect-with-large-companies/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/guest-column-how-to-use-social-media-to-connect-with-large-companies/</link>
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		<title>Episode 64: Women</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/episode-64-women/</link>
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		<title>Great Company</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Notice that I&#8217;m rubbing shoulders with Peter Drucker on the book shelf of the fire chief of the City of Los Angeles!!]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/great-company/</link>
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		<title>Alan’s Monday Morning Memo – 12/19/11</title>
		<description><![CDATA[December 19, 2011—Issue #117 This week’s focus point: I&#8217;m writing this deliberately before the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots meet in a football game later today. If Denver quarterback Tim Tebow is on the winning side, with a record &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-121911/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-121911/</link>
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		<title>Thought Leadership Workshop and Meg Wheatley</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Meg Wheatley is my featured guest at the Third Annual Thought Leadership Workshop in October at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples (http://summitconsulting.com/seminars/the-thought-leadership-symposium-2012-10.php). She was recently interviewed on leadership in a piece you can access here: http://www.strategy-business.com/article/11406?gko=15f1d&#38;cid=TL20111215 If you want to reach &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/thought-leadership-workshop-and-meg-wheatley/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/thought-leadership-workshop-and-meg-wheatley/</link>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-91/</link>
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		<title>Guest Column: Accelerate Sales Now: Four Powerful Steps</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Bill Zipp is a member of my global Private Roster Mentor Program. Accelerate Sales Now: Four Powerful Steps by Bill Zipp &#8220;Russia,&#8221; Winston Churchill once said, &#8220;is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.&#8221; The same could be &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/guest-column-accelerate-sales-now-four-powerful-steps/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/guest-column-accelerate-sales-now-four-powerful-steps/</link>
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		<title>Wireless vs. Brainless</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The National Transportation Safety Board wants to ban ALL use of phones in cars, even hands-free phones, except in the case of emergencies. (The NTSB has no enforcement power, but does have an influence on Congress.) Can someone tell me &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/wireless-vs-brainless/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/wireless-vs-brainless/</link>
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		<title>Third Annual Thought Leadership Conference</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Click here to register now.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/third-annual-thought-leadership-conference/</link>
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		<title>Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, New York City</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Or, a &#8220;holiday tree&#8221; for those of you who prefer to be grinches.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/christmas-tree-at-rockefeller-center-new-york-city/</link>
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		<title>Alan’s Monday Morning Memo – 12/12/11</title>
		<description><![CDATA[December 12, 2011—Issue #116 This week’s focus point: Brevity isn&#8217;t merely the soul of wit (Hamlet). We seem obsessed with telling people everything we know rather than what they need to know (hence, all those boring undergraduate lectures). Keep two &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-121211/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-121211/</link>
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		<title>Return on Investment</title>
		<description><![CDATA[An example of the kind of return people who invest in my experiences derive: Hi Alan I thought you might be interested in a small recent success. I have a improvement program that I deliver to accounting firms. I have &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/return-on-investment/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/return-on-investment/</link>
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		<title>It’s Not Your Mother’s Fault</title>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s Not Your Mother&#8217;s Fault Vol. 1 Issue #2 I run across too many people obsessed with the &#8220;fact&#8221; (viz.: personal belief) that they can&#8217;t get a &#8220;break.&#8221; The theater ticket is too difficult to acquire; the traffic made them &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/it%e2%80%99s-not-your-mother%e2%80%99s-fault/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/it%e2%80%99s-not-your-mother%e2%80%99s-fault/</link>
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		<title>A Full House Beats Three Kings</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Not long out of college, when the tradition was for everyone to get a job, get married, and get a house, many peers were talking of the benefits of a finished basement. The problem was, I heard “Finnish basement,” and &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/a-full-house-beats-three-kings/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/a-full-house-beats-three-kings/</link>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-90/</link>
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		<title>In Case You Were Wondering What I Was Thinking&#8230;.</title>
		<description><![CDATA[• I’ve flown on four American Airlines flights since the declared bankruptcy, and the service has been excellent—I gave out four of my recognition certificates (American provides these to reward high service standards). The Admiral’s Club managers, baggage handlers, red &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/in-case-you-were-wondering-what-i-was-thinking-12/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/in-case-you-were-wondering-what-i-was-thinking-12/</link>
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		<title>Really?</title>
		<description><![CDATA[We seem to have a morbid fascination about confusing celebrity with character. We watch &#8220;reality&#8221; shows which are scripted, reshot, edited, and manipulated. We&#8217;ve turned Andy Warhol&#8217;s 15 minutes into 15 months. Functionally illiterate people—from &#8220;housewives&#8221; and Jersey Shore to &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/really/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/really/</link>
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		<title>Alan’s Monday Morning Memo – 12/05/11</title>
		<description><![CDATA[December 5, 2011—Issue #115 This week’s focus point: The lessons from American Airlines&#8217; bankruptcy include learning for all of us: You can&#8217;t build staggering debt loads to finance yourself; there has never been a long-term example of unhappy employees and &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-120511/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-120511/</link>
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		<title>Salvation Army As Only New York Can Do It</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/salvation-army-as-only-new-york-can-do-it/</link>
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		<title>Preparing for 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[What do we know about the coming year? I don’t think it’s too much of a prognosticating leap to suggest: • Technology omnipresence and extraordinary growth globally, which will permeate every part of our marketing, delivery, and follow-up. • Entrepreneurial &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/preparing-for-2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/preparing-for-2012/</link>
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		<title>Hugh Jackman</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Friday was about visiting my mother in Jersey, then shopping at Bergdorf&#8217;s. My wife and I had a couple of hot dogs from a vendor, then split up and met for dinner at Bobby Van&#8217;s (which is fabulous, on 45th), &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/hugh-jackman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/hugh-jackman/</link>
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		<title>Art of the Referral</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Art of the Referral Workshop attendees in Newport: We will have a complete video for our home study page available in the next two weeks or so.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/art-of-the-referral/</link>
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		<title>The Bridesmaids: Nothing Funny About It</title>
		<description><![CDATA[My wife and I decided to watch a movie in the hotel last night, something we haven’t done in ages. But room service and a film looked good after a hectic day in New York. Most of the movies we &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-bridesmaids-nothing-funny-about-it/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-bridesmaids-nothing-funny-about-it/</link>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-89/</link>
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		<title>Teflon for Brains</title>
		<description><![CDATA[How is it that someone who knows that he or she will be scrutinized only slightly more than animalcules on a petrie dish still believes that past assignations and improprieties will never be exposed? Herman Cain. Jerry Sandusky. Bernie Fine. &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/teflon-for-brains/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/teflon-for-brains/</link>
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		<title>Don&#8217;t Expose Me</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Here&#8217;s a request placed on the web recently, which is all too common: &#8220;I am looking for a speaker to present an hour-long audio conference on: &#8216;No Pay Raise for You this Year! How to Handle This Conversation with Your &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/4003/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/4003/</link>
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		<title>Alan’s Monday Morning Memo – 11/28/11</title>
		<description><![CDATA[November 28, 2011—Issue #114 This week’s focus point: I&#8217;m just back from Australia, and heading to Canada to make a speech. Earlier this year I was in Germany and Italy. We are living in a global economy (as the markets &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-112811/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-112811/</link>
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		<title>Leaving Canada</title>
		<description><![CDATA[After delivering my keynote and a special session for an elite group of Canadian speakers last night, I caught a limo from the hotel this morning after a 5:30 am fire alarm trumped my later wake-up call. The limo arrived &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/leaving-canada/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/leaving-canada/</link>
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		<title>Why Professional Associations Fail</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;m in Toronto keynoting for the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) tonight. In two weeks I&#8217;ll be in Key Biscayne helping to facilitate an &#8220;elite&#8221; speakers workshop for the National Speakers Association (NSA). I&#8217;ve made well over 60 appearances &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/why-professional-associations-fail/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/why-professional-associations-fail/</link>
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		<title>Winning Not Whining</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The New York Times published letters today in response to an article about the increasing investments in first class amenities by the airlines. One of the letters was mine, in which I commented on my recent trip to Australia and &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/winning-not-whining/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/winning-not-whining/</link>
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		<title>More Photos</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/more-photos/</link>
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		<title>View from My Window</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I couldn&#8217;t upload my photos in Sydney because of a wire that caused my lap top to lose power, so here&#8217;s an example of the view from my suite on a threatening day.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/view-from-my-window/</link>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-88/</link>
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		<title>Happy Thanksgiving!</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Happy Thanksgiving, whether you&#8217;re in the US formally celebrating the day, or elsewhere around the globe. We all have a lot to be thankful for, most of all, family. &#8211; Alan]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/happy-thanksgiving-3/</link>
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		<title>In Case You Were Wondering What I Was Thinking&#8230;.</title>
		<description><![CDATA[• A few years ago, the US was a confident place asserting global influence. Now, it’s lost confidence and is questioning itself. We ought to stop electing politicians, and find some statesmen. They must be hiding somewhere. • The Bob Newhart &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/in-case-you-were-wondering-what-i-was-thinking-11/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/in-case-you-were-wondering-what-i-was-thinking-11/</link>
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		<title>Episode 63: I&#8217;m Just Saying&#8230;</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/episode-63-im-just-saying/</link>
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		<title>The Dog Star: Can You Hear Me Now?</title>
		<description><![CDATA[(The Dog Star is a symbol of power, will, and steadfastness of purpose, and exemplifies the One who has succeeded in bridging the lower and higher consciousness. – Astrological Definition) We suspect that Koufax may be getting a bit hard &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-dog-star-can-you-hear-me-now/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-dog-star-can-you-hear-me-now/</link>
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		<title>Alan’s Monday Morning Memo – 11/21/11</title>
		<description><![CDATA[November 21, 2011—Issue #113 This week’s focus point: Influence is in inverse proportion to distance. It&#8217;s easiest to influence when we&#8217;re together, which is why politicians still travel the country making speeches and shaking hands. Email is one dimensional, phone &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-112111/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/alan%e2%80%99s-monday-morning-memo-%e2%80%93-112111/</link>
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		<title>Where in the World Is Alan: IX</title>
		<description><![CDATA[My flight out of Sydney was 90 minutes late, I suspect because Qantas mechanics are once again using the public to strike back at management. The flight itself was fine. But Qantas, trying to help, cancelled my nonstop Boston ticket &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/where-in-the-world-is-alan-ix/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/where-in-the-world-is-alan-ix/</link>
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		<title>Attracting the Right Prospects Every Day</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Here’s a simple model to methodically organize yourself to attract the best, highest potential prospects and monetize your relationships with them on a continuing bases. First, determine who your best customers are. Who has the most money and the most &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/attracting-the-right-prospects-every-day/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/attracting-the-right-prospects-every-day/</link>
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		<title>The Adventures of Koufax and Buddy Beagle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/the-adventures-of-koufax-and-buddy-beagle-87/</link>
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		<title>Where in the World Is Alan: VIII</title>
		<description><![CDATA[We concluded the Sydney workshop and &#8220;mini-college&#8221; today, and I had a great time. We had a fabulous group and covered a huge amount of material. I&#8217;m ensconced in the wonderful, fabulous Qantas first class lounge, but my flight to &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/where-in-the-world-is-alan-viii/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/where-in-the-world-is-alan-viii/</link>
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		<title>Why HR Means &#8220;Hopelessly Removed&#8221;</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I usually include in my speeches  and workshops the admonition to focus on true economic buyers and, therefore, eschew at all costs the HR department and its concerns with &#8220;deliverables&#8221; and hourly rates and the fad-of-the-month. There is an occasional &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/why-hr-means-hopelessly-removed/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/why-hr-means-hopelessly-removed/</link>
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		<title>Where in the World Is Alan: VII</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Dinner in Melbourne with Andrew Hollo and his wife, Katie, at The Press Club was fabulous, though Andrew tricked me into walking more than my maximum three blocks to get there. Want to talk about government interference? When I questioned &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/where-in-the-world-is-alan-vii/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/where-in-the-world-is-alan-vii/</link>
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		<title>Guest Column: A Risk Management Nightmare: What You Should Learn from Penn State</title>
		<description><![CDATA[A Risk Management Nightmare: What You Should Learn from Penn State By Dan Weedin The nightmare in Happy Valley last week involving the sexual abuse scandal at Penn State cost legendary football coach Joe Paterno and the University president their &#8230; <a href="http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/guest-column-a-risk-management-nightmare-what-you-should-learn-from-penn-state/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/guest-column-a-risk-management-nightmare-what-you-should-learn-from-penn-state/</link>
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