If anyone is a regular reader (and I do have a few) and is wondering where I am, well, I'm on vacation. In fact, I'm writing this from my Vegas hotel room - Maryellen and I have been here all week.

I have a few thoughts on Vegas that I'll post sometime next week, but for now, it's time for another beer as I cheer the Yankees on (nothing like watching the game in a casino sports book with 200 other guys who all have $$$ on the game.)

First day back from vacation. Feel great.

I love coming back from a vacation. Don't get me wrong, I like vacation a lot, and take several a year (4-5 weeks on average), but I love my job, too. 

Writing is the type of work that does get draining, and timely breaks are necessary. But man, it felt great to get back into it today.

Did my first book signing the other night. It was really fun, and went off pretty well.

I was nervous as hell leading up to it - I'd always envisioned doing something like this, but it's a lot safer when it's a fantasy in your mind, as opposed to a circled date on your planner...

But it went off well. I like to think I'm a good speaker, and if the reaction was any indication, I am. In fact, I had two people tell me that I should do speaking for a living. It is an avenue I am going to explore a bit more of in the future (along with some radio perhaps) - combine it with my business writing and marketing consulting and come up with.... well, I dunno at this point. But let's just say seeds are planted in my mind (we'll see what sprouts.)

But anyway, it was fun, and I'm happy to have done it. It's a strange feeling indeed when people actually want your autograph.

Had a discussion on an entrepreneur message forum the other day about business cards. It seems the overwhelming opinion of the entrepreneur community is that cheap is better. Those cards you can buy at Staples and run through your bubble jet printer are deemed "just as good" as cards you can buy from a printer.

I disagree.

Your business card says a lot about you. And cheap cards say one of two things:

1. I'm broke
2. I do not have enough confidence in myself or my business to spend money on business cards.

And believe me, you can spot the fake "homemade" cards a mile away.

Do yourself a favor - go get nice business cards made. They're not that expensive. I'm not saying you have to be Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, but honestly, your card should be something you are proud of.

Oh, one other business card tip: if you get them glossy, only get one side glossed. People like to write on the back of cards - non-glossy cards don't allow this.