Revelations and Decisions

Sean — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:02:53 +0000

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

I recently had a revelation as I approach my 2 year anniversary at my organization. I’m in the wrong field, and in the wrong culture. I work in an environment where failure is not an option, and stuff gets done because 1. Someone said it would and 2. Everyone else kills themselves to do it. Every day I find myself saying “I’m not an idiot” out loud. This is typically responded to with a variation of “try harder”.

I spend most of my childhood trying to fly, read minds, be invisible and shoot lasers out of my eyes. Knowing your limits is a lesson learned early. In my entire time in my current gig I have never dreaded waking up and going to work until now. Reading Seth Godin’s book “Linchpin” didn’t really help matters either.

I question everything. I do it not out of insolence, but because clarity drives my understanding. In an environment where the only clarity is “I asked you do to something, do it”. The DO and don’t THINK or ASK QUESTIONS message has been received and now I am presented with yet another challenge.

Inspiring others (tdhurst.com)

How To Kick Ass In One Easy Step

3 Ways To Write An Email Your Online Dream Girl Wants To Read

Sean — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:53:32 +0000

: Image by chicks57 via Flickr

Writing emails to women online can be a frustrating activity if you are a guy. It is challenging to start a conversation via email. Getting your email read in an online dating situation is a difficult proposition. According to online dating site OK Cupid 2/3rds of men email the top 1/3rd of attractive women online. This means your email is one of hundreds or more from guys just like you. The tips below will help you get past the first hurdle and get your email read.

1. Craft a subject line

Not having a subject line is like not speaking when you pick up the phone. It demonstrates laziness and lack of thought. Not a great first impression. Include a subject line.

2. Engage the reader’s attention

The key word is engage. Make your subject enticing and interesting. Don’t use “Hi”, “Hello”, “Howdy” or “I ____ your profile” as a subject line. EVERY GUY DOES THAT. Instead, engage their attention. Perhaps pose a question. Try to include an interest or activity or relevant detail from their profile. Does she like chocolate, dogs, or video games? Integrate those components. Think about what drove you to write them in the first place and integrate that into the subject. You need to answer the question for them “Why should I click on THIS message”? Example, “This breathtaking view is missing…” or “If you like Coach then you’ll love…”

3. Be Specific

“Call me” isn’t going to work, nor will a subject line that looks like you copy/pasted it on 20 other emails. Is there a popular local spot/attraction/event? Is there positive local news? Include some component of that in your subject line. Be specific, be engaging, and don’t be surprised when your online dream girl actually reads your message.

Online matchmaking site analyzes attractiveness vs. message traffic (boingboing.net)
OkCupid Checks Out The Dynamics Of Attraction And Your Love Inbox (techcrunch.com)