Jerred Moon

Try Harder

Better Human Business Podcast

92: How to Plan an Effective Quarter

·

How to Plan an Effective Quarter: Lessons for Business Growth

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? If you haven’t already, it’s time to start thinking in quarters. Quarterly planning can be a game-changer, and I’m here to help you make the most of the current quarter.

I’m Jerred Moon, and in this blog post, I’ll share my experience and insights on how to plan an effective quarter. I get passionate about this stuff because I’ve seen the transformative effects firsthand in my own businesses.

But first things first – do you even have a goal for this quarter? If not, it’s time to define one! For consistent growth, I always recommend setting a revenue goal with a specific profit target.

Let’s Get into the Planning

When I first started doing quarterly planning, I’d focus on a bunch of different growth strategies at once. Guess what? It didn’t work. I felt like I was playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. It was exhausting and ineffective.

Here’s the strategy that changed everything, and it’s what I teach business owners to this day:

  • One overarching goal: Choose a revenue goal paired with a profit target.
  • Three key strategies: Choose three core strategies that align with your overarching goal. I recommend focusing on:
    • Revenue Growth: Drive sales and marketing to hit your numbers.
    • Business Health: Nurture customer satisfaction, maintain systems, and execute processes efficiently.
    • Leadership & Culture: Develop yourself as a leader and build a strong team culture.

Under each of these three strategies, you’ll define three tactics to execute over the quarter. No more, no less. Three focused tactics per strategy give you clarity and keep you from spreading too thin.

Why Three Strategies?

You’re probably so accustomed to focusing on growth that the other two seem less important. But trust me, they are vital! When you focus on business health and leadership and culture alongside your growth strategies, you stop playing whack-a-mole with your business. It all starts to work together instead of against each other.

Ready for More?

If you want a more detailed breakdown of how to plan your quarter, I’ve got something exciting coming up for you! I’m creating a video course all about planning effective quarters, months, weeks, and even years. This will be packed with valuable content and actionable steps. Want to be the first to know when it drops? Sign up for my newsletter at jared.com.

Time to Take Action

This quarter is yours for the taking! Get clear on your goals and prioritize revenue growth, business health, and strong leadership. You got this!

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

apple podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast
spotify podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast
overcast podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast

Timestamps (with 30-second intro)

  • 00:30: Intro
  • 01:00: Do you have a quarterly goal?
  • 01:30: My early experiences with quarterly planning
  • 02:35: The biggest problem I faced with my early plans
  • 04:15: The key to planning an effective quarter
  • 05:05: Strategy 1: Revenue Growth
  • 06:20: Strategy 3: Business Health
  • 07:50: Strategy 2: Leadership and Culture
  • 09:45: Why you need all three strategies
  • 10:10: Ready to go deeper?
  • 10:35: Call to action

91: You’re Average. Now What?

·

Don’t be average. Ever.

Are you living an average life? It’s a tough question to ask yourself, but it’s a question worth pondering. Most of us don’t want to think of ourselves as average. I know I don’t. However, being exceptional takes focus, effort, and a willingness to compare yourself to those who are crushing it.

I often think back to one of my favorite speeches by the famed industrialist, Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie, a true titan of industry, had a lot to say about effort and focus. He shared his insights on the secret to success. I want to read a small excerpt and break it down with you:

“It is a simple matter of honest work, ability, and concentration. There is no question about there being room at the top for exceptional men in any profession. These have not to seek patronage. The question is rather how can their services be secured? As with every profession, so in every line of business, there’s plenty of room at the top. Your problem is how to get there. The answer is simple. Conduct your business with just a little more ability than the average man in your line. If you are only above the average, your success is secured. And the degree of success is in ratio to the greater degree of ability and attention. Should you fail to ascend? The fault is not in your stars but in yourselves.”

Carnegie breaks down success so simply and eloquently. He talks about not scattering your efforts and focusing on excelling in one thing. But more importantly, he talks about being just slightly better than the average person in your line of work to secure an exceptional level of success.

Are You Above Average…Really?

Now let’s dive into the big question for today: Are you average?

The natural response for many of us is, “Of course, I’m above average!” When we compare ourselves to some vague notion of the “average American,” most of us probably do come out ahead in many areas of life.

But here’s where things get interesting. Andrew Carnegie doesn’t talk about comparing yourself to everyone. He emphasizes comparing yourself to those “in your line.” And that’s where the game changes.

What does it mean to be in your line? Your line is about the people you work with, the groups you’re part of, and your direct peers. Who cares if you’re above average compared to millions of people? The real question is, where do you stand amongst those who do what you do?

If you’re part of a high-performing team – whether as an employee, an entrepreneur, or in any other capacity – you need to re-evaluate your definition of average. Because…don’t be average. You might have always thought of yourself as above average, but now that you’re surrounded by other exceptional people, you might just be average.

It’s a humbling realization.

Shift Your Mindset: Don’t be average

Once you understand that “average” is relative to your current circle, it’s time for a mindset shift. I know it was for me, whether with my business mastermind groups or when I was selected for pilot training. Past “above average” achievements don’t matter anymore once you join a new group of high achievers.

So, how do you get above average again in this new context?

Here’s a simple exercise:

  1. Find Your Peers: Think about those you work with, compete with, or engage with in your field. If you don’t have a peer group, now’s the time to find or create one.
  2. Set a New Average: Your peer group’s habits and achievements define your new average. Notice who’s working out regularly, investing smartly, or scaling their business. That’s the new bar to clear.
  3. Be Slightly Better: Your goal isn’t to compare yourself to others and feel down. The goal is to rise above. If everyone wakes up at 6 AM, you wake up at 5:30 AM. If everyone reads a book a month, you read one a week.

By constantly striving to be just a little bit better than your new average, you’ll consistently elevate yourself. The key is to always be on the lookout for groups filled with people who inspire you and make you want to be more, do more, and achieve greater success.

Reject Complacency

Never think, “I’ve made it this far, so I can relax.” If you do, you’re already falling behind. Always be striving for more and finding those who can help you level up.

If you find that hard, remember: try harder.

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

apple podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast
spotify podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast
overcast podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

  • [00:30] Intro
  • [01:00] Understanding Andrew Carnegie’s philosophy
  • [03:00] Why being above the general average isn’t enough
  • [04:30] Defining average based on your line of work
  • [06:00] Are you really above average? A humbling exercise
  • [07:00] How to strive for the new level of average
  • [08:00] The importance of finding the right peer group

90: Why You Don’t Want Your Business to Be the Next Blockbuster – Focus on Value, Not Revenue

·

Why You Don’t Want Your Business to Be the Next Blockbuster: Focus on Value, Not Revenue

I’m really passionate about the idea of creating value for customers in business. Too often, I see companies get caught up in the chase for revenue rather than building something of true, lasting value. They try to squeeze customers for every penny, thinking that will lead to more growth. Ironically, that’s the fastest path to failure.

The cautionary tale of Blockbuster illustrates this well. Remember back in the day when Blockbuster video stores were everywhere? They were the place to rent movies on VHS tape. You probably remember two not-so-fond things about Blockbuster:

  1. Late fees: Forget to return that tape a day late, and you’d get hit with a charge.
  2. Rewind fees: No time to rewind the movie before rushing to the store? They’d charge you for that “service” too.

What did those fees really do? They generated more revenue for Blockbuster…but they also made their customers dislike the company.

Then Netflix came on the scene. They were all about convenience, no late fees, and later on, the whole streaming model. Sure, Blockbuster had the opportunity and passed, but the core reason for their downfall wasn’t just missing out on a good deal. It was that they were focused on revenue tactics over providing real value for the customer.

The Lesson: Value Always Wins

I’ve even seen this firsthand. A friend of mine, also in the fitness industry, had the “clever” idea of switching his monthly billing cycle to every four weeks. It meant an extra billing cycle per year, and therefore more revenue.

He got the extra revenue, alright. He also got the backlash. Customers were not happy and he lost a bunch of business. He ultimately had to apologize and switch back.

This stuff matters. If you’re trying to grow your business, your guiding star shouldn’t be “How do I make more money?” It should be “How do I offer more value?” When you offer true value, you build a happy customer base that will naturally lead to more revenue.

Create Value, Charge What It’s Worth

Don’t misunderstand me, you should definitely charge what your services or products are worth. But constantly thinking up fees and extra ways to bill customers when you’re not adding extra value? That’s a sign your business is already dying, even if you don’t see it yet.

Someone down the street, a competitor who truly focuses on the customer experience, is going to eat your lunch. You may not like it, your customers probably won’t even tell you why they left, but it’s the inevitable result when you lose sight of value.

If you want to grow a sustainable, successful business, it’s time to start thinking about value creation above all else.

If you haven’t yet, subscribe to my Try Harder newsletter! You can go to HERE to sign up.

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

apple podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast
spotify podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast
overcast podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast

Time-Stamped Show Notes

  • 00:30: Introduction
  • 01:00: The story of Blockbuster and Netflix
  • 03:00: Why customers hated Blockbuster’s model
  • 04:30: Example of the four-week billing cycle strategy
  • 06:00: Focus on creating value, not just revenue
  • 07:35: The bottom line

89: Optimal Fitness for the Entrepreneur (Your Biggest Competitive Advantage)

·

Optimal Fitness for the Entrepreneur

Optimal Fitness for the Entrepreneur: Your Biggest Competitive Advantage

I believe fitness is the biggest competitive advantage an entrepreneur can have. If you’re already exercising, you’re well on your way. But are you optimizing your workouts for mental sharpness and overall business performance? In this post, I’ll tell you why consistent exercise is so powerful for entrepreneurs and how much you really need to reap those key benefits.

Embracing Fitness as My Competitive Edge

I used to be interested in competitive CrossFit, but I realized that path would derail my entrepreneurial goals. The truth is, you can’t be both a world-class athlete and a world-class business owner (at least, not at the same time). I chose business. But I didn’t ditch fitness; I tailored it to optimize my entrepreneurial performance.

That means prioritizing brain health, daily energy, and the feeling of being ready to tackle whatever challenge comes my way.

The Science of Fitness and Brainpower

Here’s a scary fact: We lose 10 milliseconds of brain speed every decade starting at age 20. The difference between a healthy, lightning-fast brain and a sluggish one is only 100 milliseconds! So, we need to fight back against this decline.

Two books that transformed my understanding of fitness and the brain are:

  • Younger Brain Sharper Mind – This one delves into brain speed, mental exercises, supplements, stress management, and, of course, physical exercise to combat age-related brain slowdown.
  • Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John Ratey – This book shows how just 20-30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily can drastically improve cognitive function (even boosting kids’ academic performance!).

The Optimal Fitness Plan for Entrepreneurs

Forget about burning yourself to the ground every workout. As an entrepreneur, you need longevity. Here’s the framework based on the science:

  • Type: Aerobic exercise or heart-pumping strength training
  • Duration: 20-30 minutes daily
  • Intensity: Moderate – enough to get your heart rate up, but sustainable for a full hour

I personally train longer and harder, but I’ve built up to that over years. This dose is enough to give you the edge.

Why This Matters NOW

Technology is exploding. AI, robots… they’re going to make so many things easier. Sadly, that also means lower critical thinking skills for the average person. But here’s the thing: being a high performer in this future world will be shockingly simple. All you have to do is:

  • Exercise consistently
  • Think for yourself
  • Do those basic “try harder” things that everyone else is going to forget

If you want to dominate in your business, just be a better human.

Want More?

If you haven’t yet, subscribe to my Try Harder newsletter! You can go to HERE to sign up.

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

apple podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast
spotify podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast
overcast podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

  • 00:30: Intro to fitness as a competitive advantage
  • 01:04: My shift away from competitive CrossFit
  • 02:19: Why I focus on overall performance
  • 03:37: The science of brain speed decline & the book “Younger Brain Sharper Mind”
  • 06:47: “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” & optimal exercise dose
  • 09:19: Why entrepreneurs shouldn’t crush themselves at the gym
  • 10:26: Tech, the future of work, and why being a high performer will be easier than ever

88: How to Craft a Good Newsletter

·

How to Create a Good Newsletter

I think everyone with a business should be putting out a newsletter. I’m running one called the “Try Harder” newsletter and it’s been a major part of growing several businesses I’m involved with. Newsletters let you have higher open rates, create a real relationship with your audience, and give them something to look forward to.

But not all newsletters are create equal. Here’s what I’ve learned about putting together a newsletter that your audience will actually want to read.

What’s the Point of a Newsletter?

Before we dive into the “how” let’s talk about the “why”. Newsletters are important because they let you:

  • Stay top of mind: Sending a regular newsletter keeps your brand at the front of your audience’s mind, even if they don’t open every single one.
  • Build a relationship: Your email list is made up of humans, not just numbers. Your newsletter is a great opportunity to connect on a more personal and regular basis.
  • Get outside social media’s limitations: Social media platforms can throttle your reach. With a newsletter, those who want to hear from you are guaranteed to get your message.

Types of Newsletters

Newsletters can range from quick updates to long-form, in-depth content. Here are a few different styles:

  • Updates: A simple newsletter that lets your audience know what’s happening with your business or in your community. This can be great for brick-and-mortar businesses.
  • Curated Content: Share links to interesting articles, podcasts, or other resources you think your audience would enjoy. It’s a way to add value without creating all-original content.
  • Long-form Original Content: This type of newsletter is what I’ve built my “Try Harder” newsletter around. It lets you make a real impact, but it’s also more work to create.

The Right Way (and the Wrong Way) to Write Your Newsletter

The worst way to write a newsletter is to stare at a blank screen each week with no idea where to start. That’s a recipe for your newsletter to fizzle out. Instead, follow these tips:

  • Create a structure: Decide on a format that you can repeat each week. For example, mine often features insights on a podcast episode I released that week, or a workout for athletes. Having a format cuts down on creative burden.
  • Curate (if you want): If creating tons of original content isn’t for you, it’s okay to share resources from others (don’t just copy and paste, but share your insights on what you find valuable).

Get Them to Subscribe!

Don’t hide your newsletter signup in the depths of your website. Make it obvious! Tell people why it’s worth signing up, and follow through by delivering value. You can hear me plug my newsletter, jared.com, on this podcast and my socials.

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

apple podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast
spotify podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast
overcast podcasts, jerred moon, better human business podcast

Time-stamped show notes

  • [00:00:30] Intro
  • [00:00:56] Sign up for my newsletter
  • [00:01:25] My experience with newsletters
  • [00:03:00] Why newsletters matter
  • [00:04:04] Types of newsletters
  • [00:05:07] How NOT to do a newsletter
  • [00:05:49] Recommended newsletter styles
  • [00:09:37] Don’t forget to promote