Hitting Pause and the Five-P Pickle.
Taking a break from news and social networks (but not Substack).
"Talk to someone about themselves, and they'll listen for hours." – Dale Carnegie.
Hi Nice Maker,
This is a quick reminder that I will deliver Leveraging AI for Small Business Growth: Content Creation & Strategy on May 7th. Annual paid subscribers of the Nice Maker are welcome to join for free. Hit reply, and I will send you an invite.
⭐ I’m also delivering The Root Down, my ADHD-inspired process and presentation to know, respect, and connect yourself, on May 9th at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. This is a free event that I hope will be sold out soon. Get your ticket now.
🤝 See you soon?
In Denver, CO? I’m hosting a Nice Maker coffee meetup on May 13th. Details here.
In Brentwood, TN? Our next meetup is on May 23rd. Details here.
❤️ HITTING PAUSE
To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm taking time off social media and the news to focus on myself and how serving you can bring the most value to the world. I've been especially distracted by the news and curated feeds of our edited lives across social networks lately, which has triggered feelings of imposter syndrome, jealousy, and anxiety. Stepping away is the best foot forward.
I wrote this in my journal, "You will never escape yourself and your thoughts, but you can change your thoughts, which will change yourself."
The most beneficial way I can spend my time is on my health, family, and friends, as well as by serving you at Futureforth, writing to you here, attending special events, and hosting the Wise Squirrels podcast.
You can support me by becoming a paid subscriber. This means a lot to me and helps confirm that you are enjoying the Nice Maker. Thank you for this.
🧠 The Five-P Pickle
In the realm of business interactions, there exists what I call the Five P's that define whom I am meeting with Peer, Pal, Partner (hi, Laura), Professor, or Prospect. I was going to call this conundrum a problem or a plight (I'm a sucker for alliteration), but calling it a pickle seems more fitting. Let's define each "P" to provide clarity as to what I'm going on about.
Peer: A professional acquaintance within your industry.
Pal: A close friend whom you trust.
Partner: Someone you collaborate with on projects or ventures.
Professor: A mentor or advisor who provides guidance and expertise.
Prospect: A potential client or business opportunity.
As someone who values human connections and aims to please, I would be entangled in this pickle during meetings. My initial aim is to forge new relationships, ideally transitioning them into pals. However, this approach presents challenges when business slows down, and I, as a sole proprietor or solopreneur, must take charge of sales. Yes, each person you meet with could fall into multiple categories, but focusing on one will help guide your meeting and the outcome.
This year has been particularly slow for my business, prompting me to confront the Five-P Pickle head-on. The crux of the issue lies in balancing my desire to assist others with my need for support. I genuinely want to help when meeting someone but also require assistance. This creates a quandary: how do we ask for help without jeopardizing our relationships?
As a pal, you might provide valuable advice or emotional support, easing my worries about the uncertain future. As a peer, you could share your experiences and insights, offering guidance on overcoming challenges. As a professor, you might provide mentorship, accountability, and introductions based on your expertise and connections. And as a prospect, you could hire me for a speaking engagement, workshop, or coaching.
However, navigating these dynamics can be a pickle. How do you initiate conversations without coming across as opportunistic or desperate?
The key lies in effective communication and a balanced approach before, during, and after each meeting:
Try this for yourself if you suffer from the Five-P Pickle.
Define Your Objectives: Clarify your intentions before the meeting. Are you seeking advice, mentorship, introductions, collaboration, or business opportunities?
Set Expectations: Express genuine interest in the other person and transparently communicate your business situation.
Be Specific: Clearly articulate your needs and how the other person can assist you.
Offer Reciprocity: Demonstrate your willingness to reciprocate assistance.
Respect Boundaries: Understand that not everyone can fulfill your immediate needs, and respect their boundaries.
Follow-up: After the meeting, express gratitude and summarize any agreements or action points. Consider the value you can bring to the other person; networking is a two-way street.
Diversify Your Network: Maintain a diverse network of contacts to tap into various resources and support systems.
Adapt and Learn: Continuously refine your approach based on feedback and experiences.
By approaching meetings with clarity, respect, and a willingness to give and receive, you can effectively navigate the Five-P Pickle and cultivate meaningful connections in both slow and busy business periods. Join the chat below, and let’s talk about this.
NICE SONG
NICE MAKER of The Week.
Susan Baier helps thought leaders build ROI and reputation with research with her company, Audience Audit. She’s bright, friendly, outgoing, down to earth, a straight shooter, brilliant, and all-around lovely. Susan is an absolute must to work with to help you define or gain clarity on who your audience is. In just one session, she patiently removed the fog from my head. She helped me gain insights I hadn't seen.
THIS SHALL PASS...
If you ever feel blue, contact me or someone close to you. Understand that as crappy as life can get, it does get better. If you get very dark and are considering suicide, visit 988lifeline.org or call 988. Or Google for support where you are.
Thank you for being here.
Be nice.
Dave.