Chief of Pray / Publisher's Blog - Prayables

Susan Diamond

Nov 22 |06:37

What I Learned from the Boiler Room

112210suanblog Urgency. If you have a sales background like me, you know how important it is to create a sense of urgency. You never want to hear, “I'll think about it.” If they’re thinking about it, you haven’t convinced them. I am totally convinced. As I sit here dealing with deadlines, I am not even thinking anymore. I’m sold. I must have the success I’ve been chasing for almost a full year now. Personal Peace: Prayers for Women of All Faiths is the new book from Prayables that will be released by the end of the month. It’s critical that a lot of books get sold.

There is wisdom in old-fashioned sales techniques. The Internet has changed the way stuff gets bought and sold, but some things remain the same. It shouldn’t be surprising how the lessons I learned from my early days in telemarketing, working in a “boiler room” style sales organization, translate into the fast and furious “boiler room” culture we live in today.

How Many Marriages End in Divorce?

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Susan Diamond

Nov 19 |07:58

How Many Marriages End in Divorce?

111910susanblog Big doings in the U.K., William and Kate announced their upcoming marriage, and re-ignited Princess Di fever once again. For women of a certain age who loved Princess Di, getting ready for a new pretty young lady to join the royal family, is a bittersweet moment.

“There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” Diana made this statement in a television interview on the BBC. There were many of us who could relate. Another woman, workaholicism, and even an obsessive hobby, are only some of things that can crowd a marriage.

It’s Not the Thought that Counts

Blogs - Chief of Pray Blog

Susan Diamond

Nov 18 |06:31

It’s Not the Thought that Counts

It’s the thought that counts. Add that to the list of propaganda and lies you grew up with. Actually, it’s not the thought that counts. It’s what you do that counts. Since last Wednesday, I’ve been thinking about Irwin. His beloved wife Barbara passed away last week after fighting a losing battle with cancer. Barb and Irwin are part of my BJBE (synagogue) family. I saw them often, we always exchanged “hi-how-ya-doins?” and once in awhile, we would really talk to each other.

The funeral was scheduled for a day when I couldn’t make it. I had family in town and did not get to pay my respects. Irwin is on my mind, and with the very best intentions I will sit down, write a note and make a donation in Barb’s blessed memory.

How to Pass the Chuckle Test

Blogs - Chief of Pray Blog

Susan Diamond

Nov 17 |07:35

How to Pass the Chuckle Test

I needed a sure-fire way to keep me from ruining my son’s Bar-Mitzvah. When a Jewish child reaches the age of 13, he or she is “called up” in a synagogue to stand in front of their community, and take on certain adult responsibilities. This rite of passage is a very big deal. For my son Craig’s Bar-Mitzvah, there were over four hundred people present to participate in prayer and to watch Craig, for the very first time, become a “son of the commandments.”

My Bar-Mitzvah boy had dress rehearsal the Thursday night before. Siblings, grandparents and parents – that would be me, came together to learn our parts in the worship service, and to get (professional) family portraits taken. After faking it for the camera, we did a walk-through of the upcoming big night. At the part where I’m supposed to say a few words about how wonderful my baby boy is, I completely lost it. I didn’t just get choked up… I was heaving, I was crying so hard.

Three Ways to End Family Fighting

Blogs - Chief of Pray Blog

Susan Diamond

Nov 16 |07:43

Three Ways to End Family Fighting

Seems to me, everybody around me is talking about it: The most intense fighting is in families. When you love someone, have a long history, and are stuck with them – that’s when your fights escalate beyond mild disagreement. This was the premise for a theory I heard on NPR, Sunday.

Conflict stems from my truth vs. your truth. The reason for fighting was explained with that one simple statement in a class I attended on Saturday. And on Friday, I read an article written by a top diplomat working in Gaza: The cultural differences and opposing religious ideologies, among the Palestinians themselves, is the greatest obstacle to peace.