The Art of Charm

Matt Komo’s YouTube Channel

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How to Land Your Dream Job - Matt Komo Dec 30, 2019

Show notes

Finding your voice as a creative can be difficult and frustrating, so how do you stay true to yourself while pushing the boundaries of your work, what can you do to balance the quantity of output versus the quality, and how do you get buy-in on your creative vision when you’re just starting out?

What to Listen For

Who does Matt Komo draw inspiration from and how did he get started in film?
What can you do to develop your confidence as a creative when it feels like you’re surrounded by people making better content than you?
How do you balance quality vs quantity as a content creator?
How do you find the balance between your creative side and the business side
What can you do get buy-in on your creative vision and get the necessary support to follow through to completion?
How much of telling a story falls on the medium itself and how do you change the way you tell a story from one medium to the next?
What can you do to handle the creative differences that inevitably arise between you and a client?
How do you open yourself up to larger possibilities if you have no frame of reference for what is possible?
How do you self-assess the difference between arrogance and confidence?

As a creative, it can be easy to get bogged down by comparing your work to that of other people, especially in today’s world where a simple search can result in countless examples to top-notch work. Fortunately, only you have your perspective on life and your story to tell, so your truth and your voice are unique to you. It will take time and hard work to find your voice, but once you do, no one can take it away from you.

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Resources from this Episode

Matt Komo on Twitter

Matt Komo on Instagram

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Johnny on Twitter

Episode 790 How To Resolve Conflict Like A Martial Artist with Judy Ringer

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How To Pitch Your Idea In Just 3 Minutes with Brant Pinvidic Dec 16, 2019

Show notes

You are pitching anytime you attempt to convey an idea, and pitching effectively in today’s world of short attention spans is getting harder and harder, so what can you do to break every pitch down into 3 minutes, improve your own pitching skills, and make sure that next pitch doesn’t cost you a job, an idea, or a relationship?

What to Listen For

What can we do to practice our pitching skills?
When are we NOT pitching our ideas or ourselves?
How do you stand out in a sea of dozens or hundreds of other pitches?
What are the two forms of information being conveyed in a pitch and what can you do to balance them so one doesn’t overpower the other and ruin your pitch?
Why are the first 3 minutes of a pitch the most important and how do you make them count so you don’t waste your time?
What does it mean to have an inform and lead approach to your pitch and why is it so important in today’s world of hyper-sensitive consumers?
What are statements of value and how can using them change your career forever?
What is the WHAC acronym, how does it relate to the statements of value, and how does it bring everything together to help you build the ultimate 3-minute pitch?
How should you approach follow up after you’ve made a pitch and what should you avoid doing at all cost?
What is the telephone challenge and how can you use it to understand what parts of your pitch are the most valuable and least valuable?

You are pitching anytime you are trying to get other people to believe an idea you have. It doesn’t matter if those people are your coworkers, friends, potential customers, or a board of directors - you are pitching, and to be great at pitching requires a different approach now than it did in the past. The era of smooth talking salesmen making grandiose claims and trying to reel you in is over. Our attention spans are shrinking and we have become desensitized to ideas that sound too good to be true. It’s time for the facts.

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Resources from this Episode

Brant Pinvidic’s website

The 3-Minute Rule by Brant Pinvidic

Brant Pinvidic on Twitter

Brant Pinvidic on Instagram

Check in with AJ and Johnny!

Episode 697 - High Value Conflict Resolution

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How To Resolve Conflict Like A Martial Artist with Judy Ringer Dec 09, 2019

Show notes

Conflict resolution is not a skillset that comes naturally for most of us because our egos will always want to defend us by proving we’re correct at the expense of actually working to a resolution, so what can we do to understand the psychology of conflict resolution and improve our conflict resolution skills?

What to Listen For

What core psychological principles cause unnecessary conflict and what can you do to deal with them?
What are the different phases of conflict resolution?
What can you do to develop the skills required for effective conflict resolution and how can they save you from sabotaging your jobs, friends, or relationship?
How did Judy Ringer get her start in conflict resolution?
During conflict, why do we default to wanting to be right instead of being curious about the other side, and what can we do to flip that switch so we can deal with conflict more effectively?
How can using open questions instead of statements or closed questions lead to an environment better suited for conflict resolution?
What does it mean to take responsibility for a conflict even if you’re not actually at fault for what happened?
How do you reflect on recent conflicts in order to learn from them and develop your conflict resolution skills?
What can you do to journal your conflict resolution journey in a way that helps you grow?
What simple tips can you implement to start redirecting conflict toward resolution rather than escalation?
As a manager, how do you ask the right questions when trying to resolve a conflict between your employees?
What markers can you look for to detect conflict under the surface that might not be apparent at first glance so you know when to step in and stop a spark from growing into a wildfire?

Conflict resolution is a skill most of us have to work on intentionally and consistently because our default as humans is to “resolve” conflicts by proving we’re right rather than trying to understand both sides and come to an actual resolution cooperatively. The best place to start is by recognizing the moment a conflict arises and making the decision to ask questions instead of proving you’re right.

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Resources from this Episode

Judy Ringer

Turn Enemies Into Allies: The Art of Peace in the Workplace

Check in with AJ and Johnny!

Frame Analysis: An Essay on the Organization of Experience

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Building Blocks To Becoming A Leader Dec 02, 2019

Show notes

Leadership skills is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot yet can mean many different things depending on the person using it, so what does “leadership skills” really mean, what does the science say about the value of leadership skills, and what can you do.

What to Listen For

What traits do you need to bring to the table as a leader and what can you do to develop them?
Why is a strong frame necessary for effective leadership?
What does it mean to have a strong frame and what can you do to build one?
What tools and techniques can you start using today to be a more effective leader?
How do you build leadership skills?
Are leadership skills applicable outside of the workplace?
What is the CAKE equation and how can you use it to build confidence?
What does science say about the value of leadership skills?
What are the two leadership styles and which one do we tend to associate with leadership even though it’s not as effective as the other in the long run?
How do you work on or start building your leadership skills in your personal life?

It might come as a surprise to some that leadership skills are just as important in your personal life as they are in your professional life because being a leader doesn’t automatically imply ordering people around. That is a specific aspect of leadership and one that great leaders rarely resort to. Being a leader within your social circle can just mean taking the initiative in organizing the next poker night or girls’ night out instead of waiting for someone else to do it. Being a leader can also mean encouraging and supporting your friends in hard times and celebrating them in their successes. Leadership means having the confidence in yourself to raise up those around you without expecting anything in return.

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Resources from this Episode

Check in with AJ and Johnny!

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How To Ask Better Questions with Laura Beil Nov 25, 2019

Show notes

Storytelling might seem like a skill reserved for dinner parties and family gatherings, but we actually use it in our everyday lives, many times without really knowing it - so what can you do to be more aware of when you’re using it, when you should be using it, and how not using it could be leading you to miss out on crucial opportunities for professional and personal growth?

What to Listen For

How did Laura Beil get her start in podcasting?
What level of skepticism around the modern healthcare system is appropriate in today’s day and age where you can find countless horror stories throughout the internet?
How can you guide people you’re interviewing to tell better stories in response to your questions?
What kinds of questions can you ask someone if you want more in-depth answers or explanations?
How can you improve your empathy in situations where you’re listening to someone talk about a tragic event in their life?
What can you do to bring fresh energy into meetings with your storytelling skills?
How do you keep a conversation interesting and lively for hours with someone you have little to nothing in common with?

We use storytelling abilities in our everyday lives because we are either asking other people about themselves or vice versa. A good storyteller knows how to answer questions in a way that intrigues people and keeps them engaged in a conversation as well as ask people the right questions that get them to open up and feel comfortable talking about themselves, both of which deepen the connection between them.

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Resources from this Episode

Laura Beil’s website

Dr. Death - podcast by Laura Beil

Bad Batch - podcast by Laura Beil

Check in with AJ and Johnny!

Daniele Bolelli’s website

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How To Set Your Storytelling Skills On Fire with Daniele Bolelli Nov 18, 2019

Show notes

Many of life’s most powerful lessons come from stories of men and women living through dark and ugly periods in history - but why do we relate to these stories so strongly, what’s the best way to tell a story from your own life about adversity or a struggle you endured, and how do you know when such a story is ready to be told?

What to Listen For

What story from history first hooked Daniele Bolleli into pursuing history?
How do you remove the bias or spin from news stories in today’s digital era?
What made Daniele Bolelli realize he wanted to start podcasting?
How do you tell a story in a way that people actually care about the characters involved?
How do you find or build in a hook when you’re trying to figure out the best way to tell a story?
How do you balance the dark side of a story with the lighthearted side so neither one pushes the audience away?
What can you do to add humor to dark stories in a way that doesn’t feel forced or out of place?
What can you look for in a story you want to tell if you want to know if it’s ready to be told?
How has Daniele Bolelli’s experience in podcasting influenced his own personal storytelling?

Stories from history provide us with archetypes and allow us a glimpse into the human spirit to see what we’re capable of when faced with insurmountable odds or overwhelming tragedy. And one of the most valuable lessons we can take away from all of the stories from history is that everyone involved was human. This is important to remember because we as humans have a habit of disconnecting from people who have accomplished great things and committed great atrocities. When we’re able to identify with the person on a basic level we can be inspired to act as well as develop empathy for those whose lives lead them down dark paths.

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Resources from this Episode

Daniele Bolelli on Twitter

History on Fire Podcast - most recent episodes available on Luminary

Check in with AJ and Johnny!

JPUniversity - David JP Phillips’s school for storytelling

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786: How To Evoke Five Powerful Hormones Through Storytelling With David JP Phillips Nov 11, 2019

Show notes

Humans are storytellers by nature, so the ability to tell a great story is something we can all learn and develop over time - but where do you start if you want to become a great storyteller, what is the structure of a great story, and how do you practice if you’re not already a public speaker?

What to Listen For

What does science tell us about why storytelling is so powerful?
What can you do to be a more compelling storyteller?
What steps can you follow to tell unforgettable stories?
What are the 4 basic steps of storytelling and how can you apply them in everyday life to become a great storyteller?
What simple game can you play with family, friends, or strangers to test and improve your storytelling ability?
Why are emotions such a crucial aspect of great storytelling and what can you do to incorporate them into your stories?
What is the Angel’s Cocktail and how does it make for an unforgettable story?
How should you approach storytelling in a professional setting like a networking event versus a personal setting like hanging out with friends or being on a date?
How do you tell an engaging story when Powerpoint is involved and what should you avoid doing at all costs?
What are the key things you should pay attention to in the audience when presenting?
What are the 5 layers of communication and how does knowledge of them tell you who is trustworthy and who is not?
What mindset should you adopt to better handle the Q & A after a talk or presentation?

Storytelling is a skill like any other, but that means to become great at it requires you to practice it - how can you become good at anything without adequate repetition? But unlike many other skills, storytelling is something you can practice every single day with anyone you talk to. Just think about something that has happened in your life, large or small, and tell the story of it through the 4 basic steps discussed in this episode.

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Resources from this Episode

How to Avoid Death by Powerpoint - TEDx Talk

The Magical Science of Storytelling - TEDx Talk

The 110 Techniques of Communication and Public Speaking - TEDx Talk

David JP Phillips

Check in with AJ and Johnny!

The Art of Charm Bootcamp

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785: How To Tell A Great Story In 8 Easy Steps Nov 04, 2019

Show notes

Storytelling is the glue which has held humanity together over tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years - but why are stories so important to us, what goes into creating a great story, and what can you do turn any story from your life into a great story worth telling?

What to Listen For

Why is storytelling such a valuable skill to have in personal and professional relationships?
What can you do to tell engaging and compelling stories?
Why is your storytelling ability important for making new friends, building a network, and dating?
How does your storytelling ability make or break your performance in sales?
Why do many of us focus on the wrong things when telling a story and how is it hindering you socially and professionally?
Why are stories so powerful in conveying information and connecting us?
How do you structure a story so you’re captivating the listeners and they can’t help but remember you?
What is the Hero’s Journey and how has it been used throughout history to structure famous stories in mythology, religion, and literature?
What are 8 steps can you follow to turn any story into a great story?
How do you turn an average story into a great story?
What are the do’s and don’ts of storytelling?
What do people connect with most in stories and what puts them off?
What is the “curse of knowledge” and how does it hurt your ability to tell great stories?

Humans have likely been telling stories since we first stepped foot on this earth. It is one of our defining features in the animal kingdom and it is the thing that enables us to live and work together in groups, from families to communities to companies to nations.

Storytelling is indeed an art, but an art with a structure. This structure has been passed down through the ages and can be found throughout the world in various cultures, which means it can be taught and learned. If you want to create strong relationships in your personal life and professional life, then you need to become a great storyteller.

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Resources from this Episode

Cooperation and the Evolution of Hunter-Gatherer Storytelling

Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey

Check in with AJ and Johnny!

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784: Expert Networking for Introverts with Karen Wickre Oct 28, 2019

Show notes

Networking can seem like a daunting task for introverts, so what strengths do introverts bring to the table that extroverts do not, what value can you bring to a network if you are just starting out, and how can you utilize today’s technology to amplify your networking ability?

What to Listen For

How can you stand out as an introvert when networking?
What is one of the most effective ways to build a network in a fluid job market like Silicon Valley where almost no one stays at one company for more than a couple years?
Can you be a master networker if you’re an introvert?
What value can you bring to a network when you are just starting out in a new field or career?
What strengths do introverts bring to networking that extroverts do not?
What can you do to improve your listening skills to make you a better networker?
What tools in today’s day and age should you be using to grow and maintain your network?
Is email dead?
What is the “loose touch” habit and how can you use it to grow and strengthen your network?
What is a “third place” and why is it important for you to find yours?
How do you balance creating an online brand with oversharing and putting you in a position where companies don’t want to hire you?
Why is LinkedIn so pivotal to the world of networking?
What questions can you ask yourself when it comes to how you present yourself on social media?
How do you set networking goals before attending a conference?
What questions should you be asking when meeting new people at a conference or networking event?
What do you need to stop doing now when it comes to networking and keeping in touch?
What should you be doing when building or growing your network online?
What is the “double opt-in” and how can you use it to grow and strengthen your network?
What’s the best way to reinitiate contact with people in your network you haven’t talked to in a while?

Networking doesn’t have to be hard if you’re an introvert. Many people tend to think about networking and imagine being at a crowded bar or massive conference, making small talk with dozens of people and amassing business cards, phone numbers, and emails.

But it doesn’t have to be that at all. Simply focus on the people you enjoy working with and share good memories with, and try to have good interactions with them. Go out for coffee every now and then, schedule a lunch, or stay in touch via email. The key is consistency. Stay in people’s lives and make an effort to connect.

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Resources from this Episode

Karen Wickre

Taking the Work Out of Networking by Karen Wickre

Check in with AJ and Johnny!