David Lasker Gini Dietrich Lisa DiomedeBy Gini Dietrich

Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce you to one Lisa Diomede, a good friend and fellow Chicagoan.

Lisa and I met several years ago, not because we’re both in communications, but because we have mutual friends.

And that’s all she wrote.

She is the other half of one of my most favorite stories…ever.

We were out to eat with some friends. We were at a coal-fired pizza place. You know. One of those new-fangled pizza restaurants that serves a bunch of stuff and just happens to also have pizza on the menu.

She leaned over and said, “Wouldn’t it be nice if you could find a restaurant that just served pizza and salad?”

And me being me retorted, “Oh. You mean like Pizza Hut?”

Maybe you had to be there, but we laugh about that to this day.

I don’t see her often enough, but when I do, we have a great time. And that is why I am excited to introduce you to her today.

What is the Biggest Mistake You’ve Made in Your Career?

I’m pretty pleased that I spun off on my own and have been fortunate to work with some great clients throughout the years, but there’s always a small nagging feeling that I haven’t taken more chances and built something unique based on my personal interests and passions.

Raising three pre-teen boys has opened my eyes to opportunities I may have missed, such as helping kids in middle school gain exposure to different industries and occupations at an early age.

Or small business programs that help students create and implement a business plan.

I also always have an idea brewing that somehow combines my culinary knowledge with my love of entertaining, interior design, coffee, and cocktails.

I should open a high-end restaurant instead of just thinking about it.

What is One Thing about Yourself that Would Surprise Most People?

Aside from having three babies within 27 months, I absolutely love cooking without a recipe, spontaneously entertaining or redecorating any room in the house—I’m a bit of a domestic freak.

I also don’t function well in chaos—dirty floors and walls, clutter, etc.—anything messy makes me nuts.

(Note from Gini: If you knew Lisa, this would not surprise you. You can eat off her floors.)

If You Could Achieve Everything You Ever Wanted in Life, but Had to Die 10 Years Sooner, Would You Make that Trade?

I have a really difficult time believing that a person could ever stop achieving.

As long as you have your health, willpower, and positive intentions, you can always achieve more.

Professional achievements are fulfilling, but there are so many personal goals I have yet to conquer—and some I don’t even know about yet.

A big part of my personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment comes from watching my sons grow into considerate, well-rounded, respectful individuals.

So in a nutshell: Nope.

I’m here to stay and would not take that trade.

Life’s too short as it is.

What Industry Advice or Practice Would You Most Like to Cry Foul On?

I cringe whenever I hear all the buzzwords being used to make clients feel like they’re receiving some brand new, innovative advice and I know it’s the same stuff in a new package.

After all, can’t anyone develop a seamlessly integrated campaign that creates synergy among business units utilizing repurposed content that will lead to actionable outcomes and improved SEO?

I also hate the lack of honesty.

If I missed something or screwed up, I’ll say so and apologize.

I try my hardest, but I’m human.

I hate the way businesses work so hard to make it look like someone didn’t screw up. Sometimes people make mistakes. Admit it and move on.

What is the Best Book You’ve Read in the Past Six Months?

Just a few…

Why Does Spin Suck?

It’s wasted time, effort ,and resources.

Your audience isn’t stupid.

I work with a writer whose mantra is, “Even stupid people know when you’re talking down to them.”

The minute people realize you think they’re gullible, and you’re serving up misinformation or sugarcoating the truth, be prepared to say goodbye.

Creating a loyal customer is pretty simple.

Think back to any relationship that you’ve cultivated, nurtured, respect, and value.

Now take that same approach with your customers.

Listen to them, be considerate of their wants and needs, understand their perspective and most important, love them unconditionally.

Where You Can Find Lisa Diomede

Like any great communicator, you can find Lisa pretty much everywhere online.

Check her out on:

And on her website, Plum Ideas.

image: Check out David Lasker hanging out with us!

Gini Dietrich

Gini Dietrich is the founder, CEO, and author of Spin Sucks, host of the Spin Sucks podcast, and author of Spin Sucks (the book). She is the creator of the PESO Model and has crafted a certification for it in partnership with Syracuse University. She has run and grown an agency for the past 15 years. She is co-author of Marketing in the Round, co-host of Inside PR, and co-host of The Agency Leadership podcast.

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