Shifting gears for today's post. 

I usually write about business communication.

Since most of us in the US won’t be working on Thanksgiving, we’ll have to communicate with relatives and friends.

Damn, it may be easier to go to work!

Here are 15 quick tips to help make your day festive and enjoyable.

Bookmark this post, as it will come in handy for the entire holiday season!

1. Forget previous holidays, discussions, disagreements, and conversations. Go in with a clean slate and an open mind that you will have a fabulous and relaxing day.

2. Close your mouth. Not every comment or question requires an answer. Silence and a smile are powerful. In other words, bite your tongue. This leads me to…

3. Use the phrase, “Isn’t that interesting?” If Uncle GrouchAF drops some off-color remarks, recite these three magical words. “Isn’t that interesting?” neutralizes most conversations. This phrase...

 Entrepreneurs, here is a HUGE lesson from a simple 10-second interaction between a reporter and a celebrity after last night's Emmy Awards. 

Watch this video for a a priceless lesson on business growth, questions and paying attention. 

We’re so quick to compliment others.

Still, most of us struggle to receive praise and kind words.

How do you respond when someone commends you on a business report, new hairstyle or an impressive run on the ski slopes?  

Do you smile and gracefully thank the other person?

Or do you deflect their comments and start overtalking?

Consider this scenario: A friend says, “I love your shirt; is it new?”  

One typical response is: “Yes, I got it on clearance and saved $20. I couldn’t have afforded the full price. The car broke down last week...”

Another common reply: “No, I’ve had this since last year; the button’s missing from the sleeve. Gosh, I’ve gotta buy some new clothes!”  

The best answer, however, is one that is uplifting, positive and shows your own deep confidence.

{RELATED: HOW TO SCORE INTERVIEWS WITH PODCASTERS + REPORTERS. 1-HOUR VIDEO TRAINING. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS IT FOR JUST...

You can already order a pumpkin spice latte at your favorite coffee shop and go apple picking at your local orchard. Labor Day weekend in the U.S. simply seals the deal—the unofficial start of fall is here.

Almost right on cue, National Read a Book Day is Sunday, September 6. What better way to relax and de-stress this time of year than by curling up with a good book?

Whether you’re soaking up the last days of summer or jumping right into fall, you’ll want to add one of these books to your reading list.

Here are a few...and click here to see the entire list: 

• “Doesn't Hurt to Ask: Using the Power of Questions to Communicate, Connect, and Persuade” by Trey Gowdy. Learn how to seize opportunities and make a case for yourself.
• “The Middle Finger Project” by Ash Ambirge. My favorite entrepreneurial journey book. The title says it all!
• "Radical Self Love: A Guide to Loving Yourself and Living Your Dreams" by Gala Darling. Discover how...