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Hank Stroll, the publisher behind this newsletter, is responsible for this month's feature. He asked for feedback on the newsletter subscription page he worked on for all of InternetVIZ's newsletters. I provided feedback — a lot of it — that turned into the feature article. Thanks for the inspiration, Hank.

Also in this issue: Hot weather doesn't ease cold calling, no matter how high the temperature is outside. But warm readers give insight on how to survive the cold calls. I didn't realize this 'til recently, but sports have helped me feel comfortable around people. While watching volleyball practice, for example, I grabbed a ball and bumped it around. During the action, I felt more comfortable and talkative to the parents and coaches.

Alas, I'm usually not active in sports except to watch my kids play. I miss the passion I had for watching and playing athletic games. Not many parents play organized sports; they mostly play tennis or golf. So this month, I'm trying a tennis class for four weeks. I'm not good around people I don't know — much like cold calling, but at least I'm doing something sportish, and with practice, maybe my tennis and business games will improve.

One of the first managers in my career had a wealth of smarts (in realms other than sports), and I learned from his knowledge. He'd never survive a career as a speaker, however, as his presentations put attendees in a coma. A reader doesn't want to end up like that and asks for tips on giving memorable presentations.

Got a question, quandary, predicament, problem, crisis or any of that? Write in with your challenge, and it may appear in a future issue followed with sensible advice from readers like you. 

Keep us sweating to put out a valuable resource for you by telling us what we can do better so you get more out of the newsletter. And as always, count on us to put your name into a drawing every time you leave feedback, ask a question or help a reader. All right, team, go out there and give it your best!

Texanly yours,

Meryl
Editor, eNJ

P.S. You can get help with your newsletter or just test the waters with a complimentary newsletter prototype.

Warming up those cold calls

I have been in business as a sole proprietor for a while but just went full-time last year. While most of my clients come from networking (thankfully), I need to find more clients. So I figure the next thing to try is cold calling.

I don't like to sound like a sales person. Obviously, when I call these potential clients, I'm looking for their business. How do I build a conversation without wasting their time with meaningless talk or sounding like a sales person?

— Miriam, Owner