Saturday Success Series: Volume 12
Making life & money work for you.
Welcome back to the Saturday Success Series email!
In this edition we’ll have:
Five to Focus On: A quote, stock, book, show & a beer.
Master Yourself: Planting seeds vs. weeds.
Master Your Money: How you’re really paid.
And of course…
The Weekly Special: The 3 High Impact Skills You Must Have to Succeed in the Future
The goal here is maximum value, so let’s get to it.
Oh, by the way, if you’re feeling generous, please share this newsletter with a friend.
Five to Focus on:
In a noisy world, it’s hard to know what’s good out there. Let me help.
Quote to ponder: “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” - Dolly Parton
Stock to consider: MSOS (AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF).
First and only actively managed U.S.-listed ETF with dedicated cannabis exposure focusing exclusively on U.S. companies, including multi-state operators. The portfolio manager allocates across an investable universe of U.S. companies spanning a variety of cannabis-related businesses.
Disclaimer- this is not financial advice, I am not a financial advisor, and you should always do your own research.
Book to read: The Wise Men by Walter Isaacson.
Gives us the inside scoop on the decisions that led to some of our most historic events. Covered is the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan, the Marshall Plan, the Korean War, the Cuban missile crisis, and the Vietnam War.
Show to enjoy: The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window on Netflix.
This show is absolutely bonkers, and I love it for that. I haven’t really felt the desire to binge watch a show in awhile. This changed that. Every episode leaves me wanting to know what’s coming next.
Beer to sip: Ties the Room Together from Cape May Brewing.
This week is a White Russian inspired stout. And then there’s me, a Ukrainian. So this is awkward. But, good is good…and this stout is good! Not often you’ll find a white stout out in the wild, so grab them when you can. (8.5%)
Master Yourself
I’m basing this idea, albeit relatively loosely, off of Buddhism’s idea where within meditation you can either plant seeds or weeds in your mind. Weeds being negative thoughts and seeds being positive ones. I’ve taken it a bit further here with the idea that thoughts and actions can both be either seeds or weeds.
Seeds:
Things you do that lead to growth and beauty, within you and your community.
Weeds:
Things you do that ultimately need to be ripped out. They overgrow quickly and choke the life out of you, and those around you.
You can either plant one or the other, every day. Your day is full of choices, so make more good decisions than bad.
Below are some examples.
Working out
Weed: Working out to get a revenge body.
Seed: Working out to live a long, healthy life.
Seeking a Promotion
Weed: Wanting a promotion just to make more money.
Seed: Wanting a promotion because you believe you can help your team grow.
Thoughts
Weed: Being jealous of others success, wealth, etc. Wishing you had a different life.
Seed: Starting and ending each day with gratitude and well wishes for those you love.
Master Your Money
People misunderstand what they’re paid for when you do knowledge work.
You get paid for the value you create, not the time you spend.
I mean sure, you’ll get paid at your 9–5 for the hours you clock. But, if you’re running your own business, side hustling, etc. you’re getting paid for the value.
If your 9-5 isn’t paying you enough, understand they’re paying you relative to the value you bring.
Weekly Special:
The 3 High Impact Skills You Must Have to Succeed in the Future
A STEM background.
Science, technology, engineering and math. These big 4 are the foundation of the future. You need to know how to code, how to interact with (or even better, create) Artificial Intelligence. I myself do not have a STEM background, nor do I intend to go to school for one. I’m not strong enough in any of these fields to add any real value. I’ll be one of the folks following the future trends, focusing on the other 2 skills and investing in the future.
Learn the basics of coding.
Don’t go crazy though, unless you’re very good at it. The truth is only the top coders are getting PAID. But with coding basics you can apply other skills to your coding- such as simple website design/code with great marketing- and reap the rewards.
Educate yourself on future trends.
Google is your absolute best friend here. I Google future trends, tech trends, useful skills for the next decade, what’s hot for *next year*, etc. This way you can either A, know what to focus on or B, what to invest in.
Invest in technology ETFs- biotech, fintech, AI, robotics, etc.
And finally, the route I’ll be taking for the most part- investing in the future, that being mostly STEM related stocks. ETFs are an easy way to invest in trends instead of individual companies. Slightly less reward, but much less risk. Protect your money.
Knowing How to Sell
Selling is a skill. Don’t think of the typical used car salesman. Think of Go-Givers selling techniques (and read the book, it’s great). You’re here to help a client feel more comfortable about parting with their money. Make them feel they’re making a good decision, because they are!
Take a job at a company with a good sales training program.
SAS, Amazon, AT&T and Marriott all have great sales programs. It’s worth getting a job with great companies so they can teach you how to sell. Maybe you stay with them, maybe you don’t. Either way, that training is invaluable.
Think of how you like to be sold.
Do you like being pushed into a sale? Or do you like to feel like it’s a friendly conversation? Like you’re solving your problems with an authority on the matter? Take the things you don’t like from the times you’ve interacted with a sales rep and scratch that. Make sure you’re offering value and not pushing. View selling as a partnership. Their success is your success.
Ask for referrals.
People who have happily done business with you will happily suggest others do business with you- but they may need a prompt. There is nothing wrong with asking satisfied customers to recommend you, connect you with others and/or leave a review online.
Public Speaking Ability
By this I mean the ability to communicate clearly and persuade people. Know how to connect emotionally. Emotions drive decisions. You’re not here to focus on peoples’ needs, they’re easily taken care of. You’re here to serve their wants and desires. Give presentations that matter.
Take a public speaking course.
I did one in college recently. I also take every opportunity at work to speak…whether in a meeting or through our councils or University.
Here are some great options: https://www.businessinsider.com/affordable-online-public-speaking-courses#storytelling-for-social-change-3
Offer to speak publicly every chance you get.
Many schools will accept local speakers on various subjects. Speak to Boy or Girl Scout troops. Join Toastmasters. Give a toast at a dinner. Ask family and friends to come to a “presentation” you give. Just take any chance you get to speak in front of others.
Master virtual presentations.
Learn to get comfortable doing virtual presentations. These are weirder than in person, for me. You don’t get the same audience feedback and energy, for obvious reasons. But, I don’t think our virtual world is going anywhere and will only increase in the future.
Thanks for reading and if you found this valuable, please share with someone who could use it. See you next Saturday!