A few weeks ago, I met with Mark Silver, author of a variety of interesting books and other instructional materials in a series called Heart of Business. Whether you are self-employed, own
your business, or bring an entrepreneurial heart to your job at work, Mark's vision
is that your business become a profitable, sustainable, beacon of
generosity in the fabric of your community.
I have yet to study the materials that he sent. However, just opening the package, I can tell that he is well on his way to creating positive word of mouth. One of his handbooks and some instructional CDs were bound between two pieces of cardboard held together by a rubber band. Holding the rubber band on the cardboard is a black-and-white sticker that says, ""This rubber band is a relic from Mark's entrepreneurial you at age 12: his Washington Post paper route. Mark's aim has improved over the years, and we hope that this book didn't end up in the bushes in the side yard." I've ordered a lot books, and I've never received a package like this one. It's memorable, funny, and makes me feel like Mark is a regular guy with a sense of humor. Perhaps, there is a special sense of connection because I used to throw the newspaper into the bushes when I was a paper boy too. No Amazon shipment has ever given me similar warm, fuzzy feeling.
Once I've had the chance to review Mark's materials, I'll report back. But I've already learned a great first lesson about how being creative and authentic makes an excellent first impression.
