The new JC Penney is here. Its reinvented, reimagined jcp magalog hit mailboxes this week. It's bright, high-energy, cheerful and oh-so-much chic-er that I ever thought the retailer could be.

Part fashion, part beauty, part interior design—with some food/entertaining features, it definitely makes me want to shop. There's also a new brand promise: a square deal and no hoops. "We want to be your favorite store." Gee, after reading this, I want them to be my favorite store, too!

Can they pull it off? Is the merchandise really there? Will the in-store experience deliver on the promise in their book? I'm a little afraid to be hopeful... In the meantime, read it and decide for yourself.

At MB Piland, we know that when communications and promotions are created as an outgrowth of your brand's "soul," they really click. That's because they're really authentic. We help clients figure that out all the time, because it can be hard to see inside yourself without some good diagnostics. Luther's book helps you see how he identified this soul—what he calls Strategic Heartbeat—and used it to take his companies to great new heights. This is good for self-examination. —Martha

At MB Piland, we know that listening is a critical ingredient in great account leadership. We also know it's a skill that's intentionally developed. We ask lots of questions, listen between the lines, then ask again to be sure we've asked the right questions.

We also find that asking questions of all the right people is important. Clients, of course—but customers, referral sources, distributors, bloggers—and others will also tell us a lot if we just pay attention and listen. This gives us a much more accurate view of what's really going on "out there."

It's the highest praise when a client says "How did you know that's exactly what I wanted? I didn't even know." That means we're doing our job. Today's Harvard Business Review features an article by John Baldoni on asking better questions. It's a worthwhile read. —Martha

A book I pick up again and again. My friend Patti Bossert is a very successful businesswoman. She recommended this book to me and I confess I still have her copy. Subtitled "a little book that teaches you when to quit (and when to stick)" the dip offers insights into whether that setback is merely a temporary occurrance, or a Cul-de-Sac that you will never leave, no matter how hard you try.

Godin says what sets superstars apart from the rest of the pack is their ability to recognize and escape dead ends quickly—moving on to achievements that really matter. Contrary to the adage, Godin says winners do quit. They quit fast—and often—because they recognize where their effortts are better spent. This is a quick read that provokes self examination in a new light. —Martha

Today, a good article on saying no to a request for an introduction. Sometimes, it's hard to know how to handle a request you don't feel comfortable facilitating. Here are some tips to  help you be honest, straightforward, and helpful! Read it here. And consider signing up for HBR's regular updates. We can always use more tools for being smarter and more innovative.