About

Robert Jones, principal

I like to build, but I’m hopeless with tools. I like to dig, but I hate getting dirty. I love to work, but I refuse to commute. And I live for words, but my third-grade speech therapist never quite got rid of my stutter.

An uncoordinated, stammering, auto-phobic neat freak? No wonder my high school guidance counselor never knew quite how to guide me.

Fortunately my English teachers saw a knack for writing, the Internet freed me from an office, and Entrepreneur magazine took a chance on an unproven college senior.

In the 20 years since then, I’ve enjoyed an unorthodox career path combining small-business reporting and consulting. I love digging in to help entrepreneurs find their voice, tell their story, and achieve success. I believe that “lifestyle businesses” are the epitome of the American dream and that no one should be condemned to a cubicle.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy walking my dog, working out, playing beach volleyball and traveling. Oh, and I hope to come back as a miniature Schnauzer.

Chances are you’re bored out of your mind by now. But if you’d really like to get to know me better, please follow me on Twitter, where I share boring biographical details under the hashtag #aboutpenpointer. I’m also active at Google+.

To see some of my reporting for major business publications, please check out AllBusiness or Entrepreneur.

How can I help you?

• As a contributing editor to the e-newsletters SmartBrief on Entrepreneurs and SmartBrief on Small Business, I comb through hundreds of stories daily, teasing out the can’t-miss bits of advice for busy professionals. Over 100,000 readers take advantage of these free resources, and you’re welcome to join them.
• I invite you to follow this blog for regular tips on marketing, communication, and business growth.
• Need something more customized? Please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation consultation. Let’s see if we can tell your story better — and write your own happy ending.