Founder and Chief Penguin, Blue Penguin Development, Inc. I specialize in working with solo professionals and, in particular, email newsletters.
I specialize in teaching solo professionals how to define and communicate who they are and what they do, so that they stand out from the crowd as likeable experts.
Michael is extremely creative and can give your service company a much needed boost. He has great ideas that are easy to implement and valuable in today's business climate.
I probably don't utilize Michael Katz enough. I regularly receive e newlsetters and it is readily evident to me when I receive one from one of Michael's clients. How can I tell? Compared to many newsletters I receive, I feel like actually taking a minute to read the ones which Michael helps produce. Why, because I am guaranteed to not be overloaded with info I do not need and more importantly the read will be efficient, painless and will usually provide a few laughs and amusing observations.
Although I do not produce an e newsletter, I have worked with Michael on a few published articles and white papers. I was pretty sure of myself as a writer but Michael is a real pro and he forced me to think more from the readers' perspective. Any creative process can be tedious but Michael appears on scene with a cool, humorous, and steady approach which makes working with him enjoyable. I may actually say fun. I look forward to working with Michael in the future.
I can see where having Michael's communication skills in your bag is a tremendous asset to any size business that wants to separate itself in communicating with both potential and current clients.
When I first started working with Michael, I thought I knew it all--but Michael got to the heart of my business and my relationship to potential customers in a way I could never have foreseen. Concepts he shaped 7 years ago are still operative in my thinking today. He is one of a kind -- a brilliant marketer, writer and social commentator. He is truly the Dave Barry" of the communications industry
When you do business with someone, you look for professional competence and a personality you can enjoy working with. Michael's understanding of business (and e-newsletters in particular) makes him a genuine leader in his field. And if that wasn't enough, he has a humor and warmth that makes you smile whenever you hear from him.
Michael is a consummate professional, knows his field and is a pleasure to work with. He's also fun.
Michael is great at helping people discover their power, tell their story in plain English, and hence build their business. I took a virtual class with him for solo professionals, after a friend recommended him to me. His content was outstanding and he was great at instilling confidence in the students. He has a great way of using humor and stories to make his points stick. I looked forward to the classes and am still applying the learnings. I have recommended him to several people launching their own solo or small businesses.
Working with Michael was one of the best and most enjoyable things I’ve ever done for my business.
In his recent blog titled “Is Your Ice Too Nice”, Michael wrote about being obsessed with process, and hesitating or holding off on releasing things like a website, bio, logo, etc. until they’re “perfect”. That was my problem, and Michael helped me get past it.
We worked together for three months, and over that time he helped me “productize” and release five services that enabled me to better explain what I do, who I do it for, and how I do it. Those products helped me to get more business in 2012 than in any of the six previous years I’ve been in business. And best of all, Michael made the process enjoyable and even fun.
If you’re interested in working with someone wise and skillful, who can help you generate ideas, put together a plan, and turn that plan into action, Michael Katz is the person to talk to.
Don Maher
Michael is such an innovative person and really knows how to communicate with people. I always check out his newsletters and found his webinar full of great tips!
I've gotten a great deal of value from participating in Michael's one year program for small business owners. His program has provided me with the structure and expert advice on how to set up an effective marketing approach. The pace is right - I like how we work on aspect of marketing at a time. The process does involve a lot of thought and time. I expect it will take me awhile to complete everything he's recommended but now I have a plan and concrete goals which is a big help!
Michael did more than show me a "better way."
He supported and reassured in a time when I thought I was taking diabolical risks in developing my business. In fact he made it safe for me to try things and I'm thankful and grateful for that.
My business has moved up a level in professionalism and profit... and my wife and bank manager are thankful and grateful for that.
For a solo professional, working one-on-one with Michael is a gift you give yourself. He shares his vast knowledge of marketing generously. He coaches with humor and compassion, but tells it like it is. Most of all, he vests himself in your goals, so that you feel less alone and more able to accomplish them. Michael helped me hone my focus in a way that I could not do myself. Thanks Michael!
