After Wednesday 31st July, The Jolt Masterclass that trains you to build powerfully persuasive pitches in around 90 minutes, goes back to its full launch price. As Jolt readers, you can still get an exclusive discount of 50% off the price for 48 more hours by clicking below (P.S. we just got a testimonial from a senior Chief Employee Experience Officer who took the class and simply said “Wow!”, and they know a thing or two about recruiting talent). Link is here:
Now and then, we like to bring you a rapid-fire list of Jolts. We like lists. They’re easy to read and understand, and even if we only pull one piece of advice from them, we know we just got a little bit smarter.
We had a natter over the weekend about common sense, and where the hell it has gone. Here are 7 perennial pieces of advice that remind us that success in business and life comes down to doing the basics.
Swallow The Frog. The frog is the thing you really don’t want to to do, but you’ve been ignoring for too long. Procrastination affects the best of us. But we’re going to take it up a level; try swallowing your bosses or clients frog. Figure out what they hate doing, and then offer to take it off their plate.
Be Old Fashioned. Look people in the eye. Don’t be late. Have a firm handshake. Don’t gossip. Don’t interrupt. Be polite. Do the things your parents taught you, but do them at work. It’s has an amazing gravitational pull.
Take Action First. Strategy is a good map, but action propels the path. Many of us have fallen into the rabbit hole of thinking too much, when doing would have got us to the destination quicker - and it’s OK to strategize as you go. I launched my consulting business by focusing on actionable outcomes, not strategy.
Learn How To Pitch And Tell A Story. We have a huge bias to this, because we know how effective it is. Successful business people are exceptional at turning data, strategy & action into crystal clear communication (shameless plug: Masterclass Final Chance. Honestly, it’ll have an impact on how you approach starting anything new).
Ask Good Questions. Build a reputation for being someone who figures sh*t out because you ask good questions, do the research, and then get it done. Our favorite question?…“I’m curious about X, tell me more”. Getting sh*t done is how you become actively sought after by people in your business - and outside.
Arrive Early, Then Hang-Around. It’s a meeting technique all of us at The Jolt use. Get in the room early. Make the personal connection. Listen for the unspoken. Then hang-around at the end to be part of the solution. Before and after meetings is where most decisions are made. And if you’re on a video call; dial-in early. Not everyone uses a waiting room. I just joined a Teams call this morning where I got to chit chat with the host, and was able to make a personal connection before anyone else joined.
Make A Habit Of Opening Doors . In our experience, when you see a crack in any door of opportunity - take it. Jump at it. Say, “I’ll do that”. You can always walk away if you don’t like it. We sometimes forget that it's OK to walk-away. The key is opening the door in the first place and having a good look around.
With 7 Helpings Of Common Sense,
The Jolt.
PS Final plug for the Masterclass. We respect you and won’t bug you again.