jerred

Why Questions Matter

It’s easy to fall into asking superficial or misguided queries. In my early online business days, I found myself fixated on, “How can I turn this venture into my full-time job?” While it seemed crucial, it narrowly confined my thinking and prevented broader insights.

The Guru Scenario

Imagine you’re granted one question to an all-knowing guru atop a mountain. The pressure of this single query would push you to contemplate deeply about what you truly need to know. What would you ask? This thought experiment shows the importance of crafting significant and impactful queries.

Elevating Business Queries

In business, moving beyond straightforward questions like, “How do I increase revenue by $1,000 this month?” to more expansive ones like, “What innovative strategies can revolutionize my market presence?” can lead to transformative solutions and breakthrough thinking.

Thinking Big

Setting monumental, long-term goals compels us to pose questions that challenge our current capabilities and expand our strategic horizons. It’s about stretching our ambitions and contemplating, “What steps are necessary to drastically exceed my current expectations?”

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to the importance of asking better questions.
• [00:01:30] Discussion on common pitfalls in the types of questions we often ask.
• [00:02:30] Exploration of the Guru Question thought experiment and its implications.
• [00:03:30] Insights on crafting impactful questions in business for substantial growth.
• [00:04:30] Closing thoughts on setting big-picture goals to foster innovative thinking and solutions.

What Exactly Is a Performance Professional?

A Performance Professional is not just a title but a mindset. It’s geared toward individuals dedicated to optimizing not just their personal performance but also influencing their professional environments positively. This term transcends traditional boundaries and is inclusive of various roles, from entrepreneurs to educators, who prioritize high performance in their fields.

Historically, performance optimization was the playground for elite athletes or high-income individuals. Today, it’s accessible to anyone interested in leveraging modern technology and methodologies to enhance their personal and professional life. From using wearables like Fitbit or Whoop to monitor health metrics to applying advanced psychological tools to boost mental performance, the tools and strategies available are vast and varied.

Why Focus on Performance?

The shift towards personal performance optimization reflects a broader societal shift. Individuals are increasingly interested in not just surviving but thriving in their environments. As technologies evolve, they democratize access to tools that were once exclusive, allowing more people to engage in self-improvement actively.

Join Our Community

If you’re intrigued by the idea of becoming a Performance Professional or you’re already on the path of optimizing various aspects of your life and career, consider joining our new community. It’s designed to support individuals like you, who are eager to push boundaries and redefine what personal and professional success looks like.

If you haven’t yet, head over to my personal website, jared.com, and sign up for the newsletter. You’ll receive updates on when the Performance Professional community officially launches and how you can be a part of it.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re deeply entrenched in your career or just starting out, embracing the mindset of a Performance Professional can significantly alter your approach to work and personal development. It’s about more than achieving success—it’s about redefining what success means on your terms and making the journey as impactful as the destination.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to the concept of a Performance Professional.
• [00:01:30] Explanation of how the term applies to various professional fields and its evolution.
• [00:02:30] Invitation to join the new online community and how to stay updated.
• [00:03:30] Closing thoughts on the importance of embracing a performance-focused mindset in personal and professional life.

What is Guerrilla Marketing?

Guerrilla marketing is all about leveraging unconventional, low-cost, and creative tactics to promote your product or service. It’s the art of standing out in a saturated market without breaking the bank. A classic example of guerrilla tactics success is the Blair Witch Project. The film’s marketers created a compelling backstory with fake police reports and news stories that blurred the lines between fiction and reality, massively boosting its visibility and intrigue.

Applying Guerrilla Tactics to Your Business

So, how can you apply guerrilla tactics to your business? It’s about thinking outside the standard sales funnels and processes. Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Personalize Your Approach: Reach out personally to people who engage with your content. A like or comment on social media can be the start of a personal interaction that might lead to a deeper business relationship.
2. Create Exclusive Experiences: Offer something unique to your leads that they can’t get anywhere else. This could be in the form of personalized videos, special content, or direct interactions that make them feel valued.
3. Go Beyond Automation: While automated marketing funnels are efficient, they lack a personal touch. Identify engaged prospects and reach out personally to convert interest into sales.

Why Try Harder With Guerrilla Marketing?

In today’s skeptical market, showing that you’re genuinely invested in your customers can set you apart. Guerrilla marketing isn’t just about being different; it’s about being more human and accessible. By focusing on creative, cost-effective strategies, you can enhance your marketing efforts and connect more deeply with your audience.

Implementing Guerrilla Marketing

To start, focus on these key areas:

• Attention to Individual Interactions: Show that you care about each prospect or customer by personalizing your interactions.
• Exclusivity and Personal Engagement: Make your leads feel special with exclusive offers or personalized communications.
• Skip Impersonal Funnels: Use direct interactions to build relationships and foster trust.

Embracing guerrilla tactics requires more effort and creativity, but the potential rewards in customer loyalty and brand differentiation are immense. As you experiment with these tactics, you’ll find that stepping outside the conventional paths can lead to substantial growth and success.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to effective marketing and guerrilla marketing strategies.
• [00:01:30] Deep dive into the definition and examples of guerrilla marketing.
• [00:03:00] Practical tips for applying guerrilla marketing tactics in your business.
• [00:04:30] The importance of personal touch in marketing and its impact on conversion.
• [00:06:00] Conclusion and encouragement to think outside the box and try harder with your marketing efforts.

Understanding Yourself and Your Career Path

Firstly, knowing yourself and your interactions with other employees is imperative. Before joining the military, I was warned by my parents about my issues with authority based on their deep knowledge of my personality. This personal trait made me question authority and inefficiency, which sometimes made my military career challenging. However, this same trait has been invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey, where autonomy and efficiency are prized.

For those like me who cherish independence and struggle under restrictive leadership, entrepreneurship might seem like the perfect escape. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean entrepreneurship is for everyone. It’s about finding the right environment where you can thrive, whether that’s a structured corporate setting or a flexible small business.

The Entrepreneurial Appeal and Its Realities

The allure of entrepreneurship often lies in the perceived freedom and control over one’s destiny it promises. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that being an entrepreneur is not devoid of risks. It involves a significant mental and financial toll that can affect all areas of your life. The responsibility of making every decision can be daunting and not suited for everyone.

Conversely, being a W2 employee provides a different kind of security and structure. Some individuals thrive in more predictable environments where the boundaries between work and personal life are clear. The ability to ‘shut off’ after work and enjoy personal time without the lingering stress of business responsibilities can be a significant advantage.

What Does It Mean for You?

Deciding between entrepreneurship and employment isn’t about choosing a superior path but finding the right fit for your personality, career goals, and life aspirations. Here’s what you should consider:

• Know Your Environment: Whether you prefer the dynamic hustle of startup culture or the steady pace of corporate life can determine your suitability for either path.
• Assess the Risk: Understand the level of risk you are willing to take. While entrepreneurship offers high rewards, it also comes with high risks.
• Consider Your Long-term Goals: What do you want from your life and career? Clarity on this can guide whether you choose to be an entrepreneur or an employee.

Embracing Your Choice

Ultimately, both paths offer distinct advantages and challenges. The key is to make an informed choice based on a deep understanding of your personal and professional needs. Whether you choose to be an entrepreneur or a W2 employee, the goal should always be to find fulfillment and happiness in your work.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to the dilemma between being a W2 employee and an entrepreneur.
• [00:01:30] Personal anecdotes and insights on personality alignment with career paths.
• [00:03:00] Analyzing the entrepreneurial appeal versus the structured employee pathway.
• [00:05:00] Guidelines on how to choose the right path based on individual preferences and risk tolerance.
• [00:07:00] Closing thoughts on embracing your career choice with confidence.

Embracing AI in Business

Initially, I dabbled in AI-driven tools out of curiosity, but they have since become integral to my business strategy. AI isn’t just about automation; it’s about augmenting and enhancing human capabilities in ways that were previously unimaginable.

1. AI-Enhanced Content Creation

My primary use of AI revolves around content creation. As someone who has shifted from writing to more audio and video content, finding time for traditional writing became challenging. Here’s where AI steps in—not to replace the human touch, but to complement it. For instance, after recording a podcast or video, I often want to disseminate the same ideas across different platforms, like Instagram or a newsletter. Instead of writing from scratch, I utilize AI to transform my spoken words into written content that retains my voice and essence.

AI does not just transcribe; it adapts and refines. I feed it a rough transcript of my thoughts and specify the tone and audience. The result? A well-crafted piece that feels personal and professional. This approach allows me to maintain a hands-on role in content creation, ensuring quality and authenticity.

2. AI in Data Analysis

The second key area where AI has proven invaluable is data analysis. With AI, I can upload business data—no matter how scattered—and ask complex questions that previously would have taken hours of manual effort to answer. AI helps me uncover insights about customer behaviors, spending patterns, and more, streamlining the decision-making process.

Why AI Matters in Modern Business

Incorporating AI into business practices isn’t just about keeping up with technology—it’s about staying ahead. AI allows businesses to operate more efficiently and creatively, ensuring they remain competitive in a fast-evolving landscape. It’s not about letting AI take over; it’s about leveraging AI to enhance what you’re already doing well.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to AI in business
• [00:01:30] AI’s capabilities in creating visuals and videos
• [00:02:30] Utilizing AI for enhancing content creation
• [00:03:30] AI’s role in streamlining newsletter production
• [00:04:30] Recording ideas for content using AI
• [00:05:30] AI’s utility in producing engaging content
• [00:06:30] Data analysis enhancements through AI
• [00:07:30] Real-world applications of AI in data management
• [00:08:30] Summary of AI’s current and potential impact