When training in Hong Kong recently, I got thinking about the tired-looking, middle-aged cabbie taking me to the airport.

Hong Kong taxis are generally pretty old, grimy and VERY well used. And, as you can imagine, there are thousands of them.

So, life as a Hong Kong cabbie doesn’t look very glamorous. But I thought I’d double-check my assumption. I learned that he spoke English reasonably well, and then asked him how he liked being a taxi driver there.

To my great surprise, he broke into a huge smile, and enthusiastically said, ‘Oh, very good! I like!’

I said, ‘Really? Why?’

He shot a cheeky grin over his shoulder, and said, ‘No boss!’

So there you have it. In his world, being his own boss was AWESOME.

Asking an extra question or two about (or to) the people you’re writing to can make all the difference. You might find a completely new angle or approach to take.