by Andrea Howe | Oct 18, 2026 | Monthly-ish tips
This post is part of our Monthly-ish Tips series.
Most businesspeople have been taught either overtly or covertly to be “professional” at all times. And while I’ve never encouraged anyone to be unprofessional, I do wholeheartedly believe that a little opposite wisdom works wonders: Be human, please. The people we remember most aren’t the ones who hide behind formality and bravado—they’re the ones who let us see their humanity.
by Andrea Howe | May 4, 2026 | Monthly-ish tips
This post is part of our Monthly-ish Tips series.
Two things converged for me recently. I’ve been working on my new book manuscript that includes a never-told short story about an unusual exchange with a client procurement manager. Then just a few days ago a workshop participant wanted to explore the challenges of working with a client’s procurement office. So I’m taking this synchronicity as a sign to share some ideas more widely.
by Andrea Howe | Jan 18, 2026 | Monthly-ish tips
This post is part of our Monthly-ish Tips series.
We’re a few weeks into a new calendar year, which means that any New Year’s resolutions resolutely declared have likely faltered—at least according to psychologists who say we typically do well for the first two weeks and then backslide by February. I’ve suggested before that buddying up can be a helpful antidote. This year I’m reprising another strategy that has continued to resonate with our workshop audiences when we talk about how to make change really stick. It’s a different kind of approach that paves the way for many things, including extraordinary work relationships.
by Andrea Howe | Nov 24, 2025 | Monthly-ish tips
This post is part of our Monthly-ish Tips series.
It’s late November which means I’m braced for the oncoming onslaught of holiday messaging (emails, cards, etc.). Now seems like a good time to share some suggested do’s and don’ts for your own upcoming client reach-outs. It’s such a great opportunity to make real and lasting genuine connections, provided you avoid a few basic pitfalls.
by Andrea Howe | Oct 21, 2025 | Monthly-ish tips
This post is part of our Monthly-ish Tips series.
Recent conversations with workshop participants about the personal mastery required to build deep levels of trust have me thinking about my old Victor story, and the embedded trust lessons about overcoming awkwardness and embarrassment.
I first met Victor in early 2017, then again 11 months later. He was my airport driver both times. He recognized me the second time but couldn’t figure out why. I didn’t recognize him at first … and then it all clicked. But I didn’t have the courage to remind him who I was.
