The Three Month Vacation Podcast

When you read a book about negotiation, it seems like you should be able to get exactly what you want. However, when you go out into the real world, your negotiating turns to custard. Others don't seem to agree with your terms, and you're left hanging. Often this problem arises because of a simple set of stages that we ignore. In this podcast, we look at those three stages and see how they boost our negotiating power, without us doing anything extraordinary.

When we create information, we tend to think of a single book, a single article—and may I say—a single podcast. That system works fine, but there's a method that is far superior. It's called a series. Here's why a series works so much better and how to go about creating a series of series.

We don't always realise it, but we go through precise psychological stages when we are becoming entrepreneurs. The biggest problem is that one stage is more deadly than all the other stages put together. It's the stage where we lose control because we are driven by outside forces. How do we know which stage we are in? And how do we prepare ourselves for the stage that is going to seriously rock the boat?

On any given day we will have some amount of chaos. And someday the chaos is just looking outside the door, but other days it forces its way through with an intensity that's hard to control. It seems like we are always juggling too many things, but there is a method where we can manage chaos in a less frustrating manner. Let's find out how we can look at chaos differently so that, in general, we have mostly wonderful days.

We often want to help others. It's a great trait to have in a world that is rather selfish. Yet, it can be a terrible idea when you're communicating with friends and clients. People rarely want your help. What do they want instead? Listen to the "hug, hear, and help" method to change the way you see the world and also the way the world sees you. Next Up: The Not So Obvious Angles For Succeeding In Life

Sometimes we think that we're just wasting our time writing articles or recording a podcast. Or maybe even the advice we give seems to go nowhere. You'd be surprised to know that you're making an impact beyond your wildest imagination

Do you feel like you're in the world where everybody is just angry with each other? How do you cope with a situation where you don't agree with the other person? You may not agree with their politics, their way of life, and you may have no intention of going over to the other side. The answer to most "aggressive conversations" is simpler than you would expect. And it's also a lot more fun and you get to stay friends. Let's find out how.

While writing an article, report or book, you're more than likely to need a metaphor. In fact, you may need at least a dozen. The problem with metaphors is that they're usually very predictable. How do you take a "boring method" and make a metaphor quite exciting? Let's find out.

The quickest way to get out of a rut is to have a deadline. The moment you don't have a deadline, you're in trouble. Soon, that blip becomes a blurb, which becomes a balabooza that you can't control. How do you get out of a rut quickly—really quickly? Let's find out in this episode. Next Step: Listen to—How To Get Unstuck Bit By Bit (And Why Speeding It Up Doesn't Usually Work)

We all want to praise others, but sometimes, it seems extremely difficult to do so. This is why we often resort to something like "great job" or "that's cool. And Facebook has trained us to just "like" everything. This means that the person you're praising rarely feels the impact of that praise. In this episode we'll look at how to go about praising someone, and especially how to give praise when you don't have much to say. Next: Let's look at How To Introduce Yourself At An Event (Without Describing Your Achievements)

Usually a "NO" feels like a door slammed in your face. However, in many cases, a "NO" isn't a forever thing. If you look at "NO" differently, there's a good chance you'll get a bucketful of "YESES". Here's my experience of going from "NO to YES". Next Step: Listen to Three Ways To Harness The Mastermind Mindset (And Use It Across Your Business)

You'd think that success parameters are everywhere—and they are. Yet, some of them are so obvious that we completely miss them. In order to turn things around and get people to get your clients—and yourself—to understand success better, you have to know the difference between ego and mastery. In this episode, that's what we explore and why it makes such a vast difference. Next Step: Find out How Ego-Killers Can Drive Clients Away

Have you heard yourself saying: I'm not good with names! Almost everyone you run into is likely to say something similar. Is it because we're bad with names and have terrible memories? Or is it a myth that we've been perpetuating? Let's find out in this slightly odd view of memory. Next Step: Have a listen to Why A "Lack Of Memory" Causes You To Be Less Talented In Life

The first line is what pulls us into an article. Yet we end up writing a really boring first line. What's worse is that you could use the power of story to create an intensely powerful first line in minutes. Don't believe me? Well, do you have 10 minutes? Let's start. Next Step: Don't miss the series on Writers's BlockWriter's Block Series: Why Discussion and Feedback Are A Writer's Secret Weapon (And How Professionals Use it to Their Advantage)

If we went back in time, we'd all feel a little less stressed out. We weren't being pounded with endless information all the time. There weren't a million courses, workshops, training and videos, let alone an endless parade of books. It seems like we'll never keep up. And no, we won't. But there's a way around the problem and it's quite permanent. Let's fix it, shall we? ________________________________________ Here is another podcast on Overwhelm The Overwhelm Virus: How To Get It Out of Your Daily Routine

I was chatting with a client, and he told me how he needs to improve his drawing. "I always draw stick figures", he said to me, "and somehow, I need to improve these drawings." This strategy struck me as odd because I didn't see a problem with his stick figures. The stick figures looked as good as they would always be, with little room for improvement. "You don't have a problem with stick figures," I said. "You have a problem with memory!" My comment confused him because he was talking about drawing and learning to draw, but I was referring to "a lack of memory". What is this "memory" bit all about? Let's find out. Once you finish listening, you may like this podcast too: Rapid Talent (How To Get There and What Holds Us Back)

The biggest underlying success factor of a business is repeat clients. Yet time and time again, we have to keep looking for new clients. This sorry situation is often because we are seduced by information, not results. We know results are important, but we still go in the "opposite" direction. How do we solve this ongoing nightmare? Let's find out. Next Step: How To Gain Momentum In Business Using The Subsets Technique (And Gain New Clients Too!)

Do you remember the story of the Three Kings in the Bible? You might have heard that they didn't come empty-handed. That's because they understood one of the core principles of living was "giving". Not all the advice you get is obvious. Today, let's look at some not so obvious ones, shall we? You can also listen to: Why You Should Pay Attention To Giving (And Why Receiving Is Just As Important)

We're told we need to practice if we want to get better. However, most of the times when we're practicing, we're quite bored. Instead, "play" is far superior in every way. It's not boring and like that kid next door, we "dribble" all the time. Let's look sideways at dribbling, instead of just practice, practice, practice. Next Step: Don't miss How To Get Results Like A Pro (Without Endless Practice)

Last week we heard about willpower and how ineffective it can be when we most need it. Today, we have guest—the first ever—Keira Menon. She not only gives you her version of willpower, but also tells you how she went about recording this podcast. This a fun listen so don't miss it. We had so many people write and tell us how much they enjoyed the episode. ___________________ OMG I did, and it made me smile so much. I know you have been involved in your niece's life for some time as Sean has mentioned her often in the past, to hear her sounding so grown up and mature! My first thought was noooo....surely not! and it instantly reminded me just how long I had been following your work. She did a fabulous job. Congratulations, and was an episode I starred becaue the podcast tips as well as brain tips. And I have quoted the "edamame beans, naan bread, chai tea" evidence used by Sean Nicky T ___________________

We're told time and time again that what we need is better willpower? Yet, science and endless studies have shown willpower to be ineffective. If you're tired, for example, you'll do things that you don't normally tend to do. Your willpower is completely ineffective in many situations. However, numbers help. How do they help and why are they so underrated? Let's find out.

No one needs to tell you how stress can take its toll. Yet there seems no easy way to ramp down the stress factor. If anything, we seem to be more stressed than ever before. The news closes in on us on all sides and we seem trapped. However, there's a way that can ease that stress considerably. It could even be considered a form of meditation. It's called "writing down what delights you". Let's find out how easy it can be to be delighted and decrease our stress considerably.

One of the biggest problems when starting up a speech is that you have to find something that captures the attention of the audience. Instead, what we often get is a round of introductions, blah, blah etc. All of which causes the audience to get restless. How do you get the attention of the audience instantly? Better still, how do you do it with a story that has already gotten a great response? Let's find out.

When we want to increase our sales, we search for new methods. However, that search is often quite unnecessary. What's needed instead is a tiny bit of common sense. With little or no effort, you can change the way the client perceives you and your company. Re-oxygenation isn't that hard. Check out this episode! You can also listen to: Why Restricting The Numbers Of Sales Increased Profits (And Will Give You More Downtime)

After three months of staying put in New Zealand, we finally made a long trip. Long in terms of distance, as well as duration. For the past three years, most of our travel has been within New Zealand and a week in Fiji. However, the month-long vacation is what brings out all the stories. And here are some stories from Spain! More travel stories: Bumpity-Bump Travel Stories

Often enough your client may need a transcript for a long video or workshop. Not everyone needs or wants a transcript, and it does cost a lot to produce transcripts for everything. In the past we've had AI driven transcripts, but they too have been untidy and it requires a lot of tidying up. However, Chat GPT is different. Learn how to use Chat GPT and YouTube to create a superb, accurate and very context-driven transcript for just about anything. More on Chat GPT Will AI And ChatGPT Replace You As A Writer?

All of us cringe at the thought of getting feedback. Yet, we all need feedback to improve. There are formulas for feedback but they don't work as well as they should. However, this method of balance is tricky. We can't praise people all the time, and we can't say what we really think. Is there a way out? Yes, there is, if you use this method of balance by Randall Stutman from Admired Leadership. His method works so well, you could give feedback all day and people will ask for more. More on Feedback: Listen or Read Why Clients Shy Away From Giving Feedback Despite Liking Your Products and Services

There are times when you need to introduce yourself, such as for a personal website, social media profile, or professional bio. That's where you and I often get stuck. We were told not to keep praising ourselves, and yet, without listing our achievements, how are we supposed to create an aura of expertise? The answer is simpler than you think. All you need to do is add a touch of surprise, and your blurb becomes super cool. Find out how in this episode. Next recommended podcast: How to avoid embarrassing time overruns when making presentations?

When we start writing, we know we're hopeless. However, in time, we all get to the stage where we're average. What does it take to become outstanding and then an absolute maestro in writing? The answer doesn't lie in "practice, practice, practice". Instead, it's something as mundane as a combination of "structure" and "confidence". But even as you try to get better, your brain won't let you progress. Why does all of this happen, and how do you get out of this rut? Let's find out in this episode. Next Step: Can you create expertise through article writing? Here is how: A mini-booklet that helps you quickly improve your article-writing

What if you ran into clients that have never heard of you? And what if they've never heard of your products or services? Would they still buy from you? It seems highly implausible, even impossible that you'd get a client interested. And yet, the reality can be remarkably different. A business philosophy can turn a client around and make them interested in you, after hearing just a single line. Let's find out how. Next Step: Here are three fun podcasts Psychotactics Philosophy The Crazy Philosophy Of Psychotactics (And Why It May Help You In Your Business)The Philosophy of Psychotactics—Part 2

It's more than likely that you've tried to create uniqueness before. Yet, it seems a bit of a pain, because it sounds so trite. Well, how about we look at uniqueness from a "construction" point of view. Instead of just trying to dream up the uniqueness, how about we look at it with "guardrails" so that we hit the target every time? Let's give it a shot because one—or two of these methods—will certainly work for you. More on Uniqueness: Why Being Contrarian Creates A Stunning Uniqueness Factor In Business

When a client buys a product, what goes through their mind? Often you'll notice they have a similar product, so why do they buy again? There are four reasons why your client (and you and I) keep searching for products. And no matter how saturated the market seems, clients will keep searching. This is good news for you, because if you give them what they want, they'll keep coming back. It seems irrational, but it's perfectly rational. Let's find out why this irrational behaviour exists. Once you finish listening to the podcast: Listen or read—Selling Strategies: How To Sell Without Selling In A Crazy Online Market

AI has sent a chill down the spines of many of those who create content for a living. —Won't so much content saturate the market? —And why would a client choose your work when some other work can easily be put together by AI? The reason why you needn't worry, is because people have not changed much.They still make their decisions based on specific logic. Let's see how you, me—we all make decisions. Next Up: Will AI And ChatGPT Replace You As A Writer?

Rerun 6: Three Unusually Zany Tips To Change Your Mindset (And Behaviour)