Columnists

Jim Pumarlo

Robust public affairs coverage requires more than recording meetings

It’s no coincidence that when local journalism declines, so does government transparency and civic engagement — coverage of local government bodies and the decisions that affect readers’ everyday lives is an important part of what newspapers do.

But timely and relevant public affairs reporting takes planning and it requires newsrooms to look at the continuum of coverage – not just reporting on the meetings, writes Jim Pumarlo in his most recent column. 

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

The power of being specific

It’s easy to be vague. It’s challenging to think – and communicate – in specifics, writes veteran sales train John Foust in his most recent "Ad-Libs" column.

Specifics are meaningful and generalities wander all over the place, without much significance at all. Generalities have no sticking power. Foust looks at two areas of sales that have a particular need for specificity.

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

Tell them ‘why’ – and sell more

One of the most important techniques in communication – especially in persuasive communication – is to tell people "why," writes veteran sales trainer John Foust.

In his latest "Ad-Libs" column, Foust gives five examples of how to use simple bridges to explain your reasoning to prospects during sales presentations. 

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

Ad-libs: A key question: What’s next?

Gregory talked to me about a lesson he learned in his early days of selling advertising. “In one of my first presentations, the prospect rejected my ideas for a new campaign.

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

Attention, retention key to image and response advertising

There are two types of advertising: image and response.

The first is designed to give people a good impression of the advertiser. The latter aims to generate an immediate response to a specific offer. In his latest 'Ad Libs' column, veteran sales trainer John Foust shares what these two ad types should have in common — especially if they're going to be successful.

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

A good idea is worth the wait

In his latest "Ad-Libs" column, veteran sales trainer John Foust writes about one of the most important lessons his dad taught him — think before taking action. 

The lesson is one that pays dividends in the sales industry, he writes.

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

Ad-libs: The importance of proofreading

Proofreading is one of the most important skills in the advertising world. While anybody with a sense of humor can appreciate a harmless blooper, no advertiser wants to run an ad with a mistake.

In his latest installment of "Ad Libs," John Foust provides proofreading tips that can help prevent costly errors.

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

Advertising’s blast from the past: Tips for new ideas

In order to look ahead to a new advertising idea, sometimes it helps to take a look at the past, writes veteran sales trainer John Foust in the most recent installment of his column, "Ad Libs." When an advertiser has been in business for several years, there are plenty of possibilities.

Foust highlights five ways that sales reps can draw inspiration from from looking back at a client's history.

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