Joanne Tombrakos

The Storytellers

I grew up in a family of storytellers. My dad was always spinning a tale, engaging not just his family and friends but strangers with his words and his charismatic smile. His passion for life and people rippled forth in his energy. People turned their heads when he entered the room, his personality and […]

You Don’t Know What You Know

Every day I read about all these people who know so much. Tweets in 140 characters or less, Facebook posts and Blogs. Newspaper articles and television feature segments. Many refer to themselves as experts, some promising miracle cures that used to only be found on late night TV. It’s hard to discern the ones who […]

The Secret Of The Egg Timer

The egg timer has been a permanent fixture in my home since I was a kid. My mother had a white one with black numbers to keep track of her cooking. She kept using the same one for a long time, even after it melted slightly when it was accidentally left too close to a […]

Selling is NOT a 4-Letter Word

I learned to embrace the word sell a long time ago. I’ve called it an art, a skill, and a game. To me selling is the telling of a story with the intent to persuade someone to do something. Our economy and our livelihoods depend on selling.Without selling there is no buying and therefore no […]

The Walgreening of Duane Reade

Anyone who has ever traveled to South Beach with me knows of my fascination with the Walgreen’s on Lincoln Road. No matter what hotel I am staying at I feel the need to stop in Walgreen’s at least once if not twice a day. Sometimes it is with purpose and sometimes just to wander the […]

The Bird Sisters

If you’re not familiar with Goodreads and you like to read I suggest you sign yourself up. Goodreads is a social network for readers with a mission “to get people excited about reading.” Members recommend books, compare what they’re reading, form book clubs and occasionally get lucky like me and win an advance copy of […]