One of my spelling tips is "When in doubt, look it up" and I keep a dictionary near my desk.  But what do you do if you don't have a dictionary?  Use an on-line resource, of course.  Two recommended on-line sites are:

Merriam-Webster Online www.m-w.com

Dictionary.com dictionary.com

These sites can also be used to help increase your vocabulary with their daily words, crossword puzzles, and word games. 

Another great way to learn new words is with a subscription to A.Word.A.Day, found at wordsmith.org.  (All of these sites have both free and premium services.)  And when all else fails, try "googling" the word -- if you spelled it wrong, Google will say "Did you mean . . . " and list some alternatives.  Hopefully the word you were looking for will be on the list.

In Mary Cantando's book The Woman's Advantage (see my earlier book review for more information about the book), she provides five simple steps for preparing for a sales call.  First, research your prospect -- go on-line, ask colleagues.  Second, set meeting goals -- what do you want to accomplish at this meeting (and it might not be selling).  Third, create a joint meeting agenda -- work with your prospect to set the agenda.  Fourth, prepare your sales presentation -- now that you've done all the homework, PREPARE.  And, fifth, assemble the right marketing materials -- examples of your work, articles about you, testimonials from other clients, etc.

By the time you read this, it will officially be Spring. So, if it's Spring, it must be time for spring-cleaning.  No, not the house, but you.  One of my favorite web sites for clearing mental clutter is Michael Bungay Stanier's "Get Unstuck & Get Going . . .on the things that matter".  Twice a month, Michael sends out a wonderful newsletter called "Outside the Lines" -- filled with words of wisdom and suggestions for good books and other web sites. 

And you have to see The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun.  As Michael explains, "Are you having fun?  We don't have enough fun in our lives.  Fun is the pinch of salt that brings out the flavour, the backbeat that gives the song its rhythm, the first date that makes the heart go faster.  In other words, it's not absolutely necessary that you have fun -- but life is better when you do.  As you make The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun part of what you do and how you do it, you'll feel better.  You'll stop wasting time and energy.  You'll start doing the things that really matter to you."  So clean out those dusty cobwebs of Winter and start having some fun!