Who vs. That

Did you see the lady that fell off the bar stool? OR
Did you see the lady who fell off the bar stool?

Of course, the correct sentence is the second one — the lady who. Always use WHO when referring to people (even drunk and disorderly ladies WHO fall off bar stools deserve WHO.) Use THAT when referring to things.

Did you see the lady WHO fell off the bar stool THAT was broken?

Now you'll alway get WHO and THAT right, right?

I Can't Order 1,000 Stationary and Envelops

Just received an e-mail this week from a client who wanted to order 1,000 stationary and envelops. As much as I wanted to complete her order, I couldn't as it was written. Stationary and envelops can't be ordered.
Why? One is an adjective, the other is a verb (I think, it's 2 a.m. and my brain is not in full gear). What I do know is that they aren't nouns. Stationary means something that is not going to move. Envelop means to surround. People mix them up with stationery and envelope all the time.
So how can you remember the difference? They key is "E."
An envelope (that you stuff and mail) has to open and close ... open it with an "e," close it with an "e." Don't leave it open at the end.
Stationery (that you write on) ends with "ery," not "ary." Remember there's an Envelope in every box of stationery, so think "e."
Now, for all you smarty pants out there who are thinking stationery isn't what should be ordered in this situation, I'd agree. The correct term for the paper you write on is letterhead. Stationery is the broader term covering both. So when you order your stationery, make sure you get both letterhead and envelopes. Okey dokey?
Although we'd like to keep our 4th grade Engligh teachers happy, the bottom line is, if you send me an order for stationary, stationairy, stashunary, envelops, invelopes or envilopes, I would be more than happy to get you everything you need.

Want Your Friends to Think You're Brilliant??

I was recently reading a book by John Caples, "How to Make Your Advertising Pay." In it was a list of 26 age-old appeals that continue to work today because people continue to want the same things, year in and year out. So as you write headlines for ads, sales letters, e-mail letters, etc., think about these things Caples identified as what people want and see if your appeal addresses them.

Product health
Be a leader
Reduce fat
Have a happy marriage
Improve appearance
Care of children
Get ahead in business
Improve education
Make money
Be creative
Save money
Avoid worry
Win money
Avoid drudgery
Cash in on bargains
Avoid embarrassment
Gain social advancement
Avoid discomfort
Win friends
Avoid boredom
Influence people
Enjoy comfort
Win praise from others
Enjoy leisure
Gain prestige
Attain security in old age

See my headline above ... which appeal did I use to catch your attention????? (Clue, it was not about reducing fat.)

Blogging with Buddies

"Coming together, sharing together, working together, succeeding together."

I love quotes, good quotes that speak volumes in a short span instead of verbosity. The above captures the essence of a blogging with buddies project beginning today. Members of the National Speakers Association – Arizona are coming together for a July Blogathon ... working for the benefit of one another and readers at large. During the next 31 days, each of the following blogs will be actively updated, sharing educational, enlightening and possibly entertaining conversations that you won't want to miss. Please take a moment to visit them and post your comment. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Jackie Dishner
http://bikewithjackie.blogspot.com
http://www.thephoenixtraveler.com

Susan Ratliff
http://www.blingmybooth.com

Andrea Beaulieu
http://www.ConspiracyOfLove.net

Mimi Meredith
http://www.thegoodnessgrows.com

Beth Terry
http://www.CorporateCowgirl.com

Vickie Mullins
http://mullinscreative.blogspot.com
http://vickiemullins.wordpress.com

Michelle May
http://blogs.eastvalleytribune.com/consumed/

Arlene Rosenberg
http://www.leadingachievers.com

Stanley Bronstein
http://stanleybronstein.com

Suzanne Holman
http://www.LessonsforYourMillionDollarLife.com

There are more to come. I’ll update the list as I get more information