Pocket Sized Pep Talks

The other day, I had a lunch with an old friend. We talked about all sorts of things, and near the end of the meal, I noticed something that revealed a lot about our communication behaviors. In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I’ll tell you what I learned that day... and watch out for all the time!

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: An initial definition of what value-add really is.   How the concept of value-add has changed over the years. Some of the first programs Dana created and how his concept for programs like this has evolved.  A definition of reciprocity and what they really means in business.  Dana's personal philosophy on reciprocity. Some classic mistakes made by compan...

There you are, working hard on a presentation, to make sure nothing goes wrong. It’s a noble cause, but you might want to be careful about what you wish for. In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk I’m going to remind that these unscripted moments can be extremely valuable for so many reasons...

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: A working definition for OKR’s.   The key to goal setting!   Why so many people end up working on the wrong things. How focusing around customer's needs enables clear guidance on what to work on. How teams work through the OKR-creation process. What key principles guide your OKR implementation. How OKRs give people the autonomy to learn their way forwar...

One of the most important parts of giving a presentation is strangely one of the most overlooked. I can assure you; this matters! In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, and I’ll tell you what is so overlooked, and I’ll tell you how to exceed everyone’s expectations when you implement it!

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: What inspired Mitchell to study and write about credibility and turn that focus on leadership development.    How he sees the role of credibility evolving in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. How he help clients integrate credibility practices into their daily routines and decision-making processes. How leaders leverage credibility to inspire...

Let’s face it, there are some people in this world we are destined to not get along with. Try as you might, it just isn’t meant to be. In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk I'll try and go against your instinct, the desire to win over certain people, and remind you this can have disastrous effects on others... and this is never more true than in front of an audience. Stay with me, and I...

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: How crucial it is for us all to have three things: faith, focus, and follow-through."   When someone’s had a setback, how people can shift their attitude into looking for opportunities instead of what was lost. How a person can adopt a positive outlook. How to turn a setback into a comeback! The pivotal moment in Dr. Jolley's life that inspired him to f...

Think about the last time you went into a high-pressure environment; you struggled to remain calm and you worked hard to connect with the individual or the audience. What if you had one simple thought that would calm your nerves and bring out the best in you. In this quick, four-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I'll remind you there is, and I’ll tell you exactly how. Easy-peasy!

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: Although Mike grew up shy, with a severe stutter,  that brought on social anxiety, he chose an opposite path pursing a career in sales, and by doing that, stepped into the person you didn’t know you were capable of becoming.  His story is an interesting one! What inspired him to write this book. How his upbringing impacted his confidence and what inspir...

Have you ever had a habit you’ve tried to address, but for some reason, it just didn't seem to want to go away? Join the club. What if there was a way to make that bad habit go away? In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I offer a solution that works for presenters and now, all my clients are using it!

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: Writing is usually a solitary journey, but you'll hear what brought both of these talented authors together to write this book. What are some of the key differences between the new edition of the book and the previous versions. Common mistakes managers make when it comes to career development, and how can they avoid them.    Information on the new chapt...

Let me make one thing perfectly clear; I’m not a great golfer. But you didn’t need to be a great golfer to enjoy the Ryder Cup. In this quick, seven-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I'll take you back a few years ago when the US had a great win and a great lesson in the power of teamwork... one my dad taught me many years ago. I think you'll want to hear this...

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: What triggered Jessie's interest and pursuit of social media?   How she see's the landscape of social media evolving over the next few years. The impact of AI on social media marketing. Some of the key components of a successful social media strategy. Some common mistakes small businesses make on social media, and how can we avoid them. Is there still v...

One of the most important skills to master is how to ask others for referrals. Strangely enough, although it is a critical skill to master, the vast majority of us don’t know how to do it the right way. In this quick, six-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I’ll tell you the mistake most make, and exactly how to fix it.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: How human nature reveals what your customers value and what they will happily pay more for.   How to uncover your business’s hidden value and how to turn it into profit.  One example of a pricing hack that can increase revenue by as much as 100% How to confidently shift the conversation away from price toward value. Multiple ways to handle price objecti...

When I say, “life insurance agent,” what comes to mind? Remember, you are going to be listening to a former life insurance agent, and that industry taught me a very valuable lesson. As a matter of fact, if you are trying to help someone else, it is one of the most valuable lessons anyone can possibly learn. In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I’ll not only tell you what that lesson i...

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: The inspiration behind Manny's book; businesses that were doing just “fine,” with slow growth and profit, but that wasn't enough... What is meant by realistic goal setting. Some lessons learned working with large companies that translate to small business clients. What it means to sustainably grow a business. Two common mistakes businesses make when try...

It seems that so many lessons in life come at a cost; sometimes, a heavy cost. But what if that cost could be reduced or perhaps eliminated. In this quick, six-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk I'm ready to show you how to do just that, and it begins with the removal of an old phrase that I believe has seen its better days...

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: Recurring themes Margot was able to discover.   Ways to shorten the learning curve for parents, and let children choose their passion and work. Why it’s important to let children compete. How Margot recommends we teach children about losing. Why is it important to encourage children to be curious and think of new ways to solve problems. What inspired Ma...

One of the most frequently asked questions a professional speaker hears is this: “How do you keep from getting nervous in front of an audience?” In this quick, four-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk I'll share the one, simple thought running through my head that has always served me well. I'm quite sure it will help you the next time you step up in front of a room.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: How Scott found his calling through comedy.    The son of a salesman, Scott shares some lessons he learned from his father. Some of the differences between a professional speaker giving a keynote, and a comedian giving a keynote. The reality of bombing in a comedy club, which is really part of the business, and bombing in a corporate keynote. What Scott...

Think about the last time you had something very important you wanted to ask someone else. You obsessed and practiced what to say, but the opportunity never seemed quite right. You ended up never saying what you wanted to say. In this quick, five-minute, Pocket Sized Pep Talk I believe we can fix this because I’m guessing you practiced the wrong words. I'll teach you the right ones!

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn: We are in some tough times, and most of us are led to believe that “tough times require tough leaders.”  Joe responds to that premise and reminds us, it's not quite that easy.  Why Joe wrote this book. How a generous leader differs from a traditional, unilateral leader.  Joe discusses two of the seven traits of a generous leader.  Some innovative strate...

Many years ago, I worked as an usher and I was paid to watch you while you were watching your movies. I found I learned a lot about audience behavior from that experience including how quickly attention could be gained or lost over the course of a movie. In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk I'll tell you how many of those same lessons apply to how you communicate!