Harvey Mackay

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Harvey Mackay

Columnist | Outswimming the Sharks

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Think you're ready to be an entrepreneur? Take this test

I have never met anyone who left his or her job -- whether fired or voluntarily -- who started his or her own business and regretted it. What these people always regret is not having done it sooner. This includes people who eventually failed and had to go back to work for someone else.

Updated: June 24, 2011, - 03:16 PM

Listening skills are essential to effective communication

Few things are more frustrating than having to repeat yourself because the person you are speaking to isn't listening. It wastes time and money.

Updated: June 19, 2011, - 02:31 PM

Tapping your creative side can give you a leg up in business

Paul was majoring in zoology at college. One semester he took a course in the study of birds (ornithology). For the final exam, Paul studied until he had the textbook nearly memorized. He knew his class notes backward and forward. He was eager to take the exam, certain of getting a good grade.

Updated: June 12, 2011, - 02:24 PM

'Elevator speech' can give business a lift

If you were given a 180-second opportunity to change your business forever, would you be prepared to do it on a moment's notice? You would if you learn about the elevator speech as defined by Terri Sjodin in her new book, "Small Message, Big Impact."

Updated: June 05, 2011, - 02:44 PM

In résumés, focus on employer's needs, not on yours

A big stack of my mail comes from frustrated people who have tried very hard to find jobs without success. With the slow economic recovery, it's still mighty tough out there.

Updated: May 29, 2011, - 02:55 PM

From A to Z, take to heart these 26 valuable lessons in the art of negotiating

As a kid, I practiced the art of negotiating daily with my parents and teachers. I continued to hone my skills as I grew, eventually buying a small, struggling envelope company. Over decades as a business owner and salesman, I've probably spent as much time in negotiations as any other part of my job. I know you can't negotiate anything unless you absolutely know the market. And I always let the other person talk first.

Updated: May 22, 2011, - 05:44 PM

You never know where your career will go once you get your foot in the door

Comedian Jim Carrey took a job as a janitor at a tire factory at age 15 when his father lost his job. He also worked as a security guard. To relieve his stress, he visited local comedy clubs, which instilled his love of comedy -- and prepared him for a blockbuster career.

Updated: May 15, 2011, - 02:25 PM

Baseball's lessons can help you rally at work

Baseball and spring go together. Both seem to create optimism that is contagious.

Updated: May 01, 2011, - 05:19 PM

Outswimming the Sharks: Achievement is for those who believe in themselves

"Some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to."

Updated: April 24, 2011, - 02:37 PM

Outswimming the Sharks: The best advice is to give less of it

One afternoon when American League baseball umpire Bill Guthrie was working behind the plate, the visiting team's catcher repeatedly protested his calls. Guthrie endured this for three innings. But in the fourth inning, when the catcher started to complain again, Guthrie stopped him.

Updated: April 17, 2011, - 02:48 PM