From pleasing to serving

If we are going to be people of our word, we need to learn to say no. Today we'll explore some times and methods of using that NO muscle.

In professional services we say we are in the "client service business." But too many folks have interpreted that to mean we should always keep the clients happy. Today I talk about the distinction of pleasing versus serving. Instead,

Sometimes you need something from a client, or collegue, when they need to want to help you. In today's episode we talk through how to prepare for, and execute that conversation.

Today's episode is an exercise. You'll need 5 minutes of quiet with a pencil and a piece of paper to do it. Get that now, then dig in to find a new awareness of how to have more days where you are showing up as your best self. 

Today I pick up a topic I talked about previously, The Rollercoaster. The extreme ups and downs that owners and CEOs experience. I'm amplifying my prior comments based on a post by Ben Horowitz (https://a16z.com/the-struggle/) and another by Arzhang Kamarei (https://www.kamareiadvisory.com/post/ldr-trauma) If you are experiencing the kinds of conditions described in this episode, give me a call. There is a better way!

The way we are being in our business development conversations can make all the difference in your results. Today we talk about how to lead the conversation with your actions, and demeanor, to get better results.

There's a distinction between being present, where we're grounded and working from a place of non-judgment and performing where we're outside of ourselves, and evaluating how we're being perceived. Today I try to define that distinction. 

This is the audio of a presentation I gave at David Baker's MYOB conference in October 2024. In it I talk about 3 big fears that inhibit growth in your agency. Enjoy.

For clients thinking of selling their business someday, I'm sharing some of the things I learned over 10 years buying and selling business.

Mindfulness practices (like meditation) are hard to get started with. Today I give you 5 mindful practices that don't involve sitting on a pillow!