Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 02/21/2022
Many years ago I perpetuated a myth. I thought at the time it was ridiculous and funny but, as often happens, I was proved wrong.
I told people that I was an introvert. I pointed out that I’d rather be home with a bad book than at a party. And while it’s true that “small talk” causes my eyes to roll back in my head, it’s clearly untrue that I’m an introvert: “a person predominantly concerned with their own thoughts and feelings rather than with external things.”
People cited my introversion, reflected on it with others. It became a matter of fact, a trait to consider, an aspect of my description as “factual” as my brown eyes.
Yet, what is the empirical evidence? I drive exotic cars. I dress (I’m told) well and I engage at cocktail parties and events. I’ve been called “flamboyant” on stage. One of my brands is that of contrarian and I’m constantly poking at established beliefs. I can be very funny, absolutely charming, and the life of the party. (I have references.)
Finally, one day, a group of my clients were all sitting in first class on an American flight that was boarding to take us to a retreat in the Caribbean. I was kibitzing and joking with the people coming down the aisle headed for coach, having a great time. Just before takeoff, one of my party stepped over and said, “You are no introvert!”
I was exposed. Perhaps the empyrean was to be denied me for being duplicitous.
This little ruse I perpetuated got out of hand, but for goodness sake, how can you look at me and my lifestyle and conclude I’m an introvert?! When I coach people who hold invalid beliefs I tell them, “Despite all evidence to the contrary….”
Be careful about what you advertently or inadvertently create about yourself and your passion. The answer to “Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?” is often stunningly wrong.
And, by the way, my eyes are kind of hazel.
We live in such a gullible world. Anything that’s written, anything that’s posted, anything pictured that is interpreted one way is taken as truth. —Keri Hilson
The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatsoever that it is not utterly absurd. —Bertrand Russell
Million Dollar Consulting® for the World: I’ve provided 14 modules with videos from me, from your colleagues globally, slides, and text. They include everything from launch to self-esteem, proposals to fees, closing business to creating a brand. No upsells! It’s only $115. What do you think about a 10,000:1 ROI? milliondollarconsultingcourse.com We have over 500 people from 43 countries.
The Role Play Workshop: Join me in Dallas on April 29 in an intimate setting for a day of role play where we exchange roles and practice from “both sides.” We’ll deal with sales meetings, referral requests, networking discussions, expansion business, advisory offers, overdue payments, rejecting scope creep, and whatever else is on your mind. We’ll also be adjusting language to reflect today’s new realities in terms of technology, remote meetings, social mores, economics, strategy, and much more. For example, do you realize there’s a vast difference between “budget” (always strained) and “money” (always available)? alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/role-play-workshop/
Beyond Thought Leadership: Six “stars” from my community from five countries will be interviewed by me in this live, 2.5 day experience. I’ll be introducing new IP, case studies, and role-plays. And the final interview will be with me. This is one-time only, it was difficult to organize. Limited participation, in Miami in November, register now, no one else can offer this experience for your growth. alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/beyond-thought-leadership/
Ferocious Time Management: I’m tired of wasting my time hearing people tell me they have no time!!In a rare appearance in San Diego, I’m going to help you ruthlessly organize yourself so that you have time to close business, deliver a remote speech, create a book outline, and learn to tame wild beasts before lunch. Seriously, time is “elastic,” and you can stretch it to accommodate what you need to accomplish. Moreover, most people work too hard to achieve too little. Discretionary time is wealth, not money, but we’re prone to work so hard chasing money that we erode our wealth. Create greater output in a 20-hour week! alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/ferocious-time-management/
By Invitation Only: This year I’m accepting six people for a 2.5-day meeting, June 14-16 in the Caribbean, and 12 people for a 2.5-day meeting September 6-8 at a resort of the group’s choosing. I have two seats open in June and eight in September. We stay at great resorts, work for a half-day on personal and business issues with peers, and socialize with great meals and wonderful surroundings. Spouses and partners are welcome but not mandatory! Write me to apply and/or visit here: alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/developmental-experiences/invitation-only/
Monday Morning Sneak Peak: I’m planning to be in Australia in October facilitating a variety of experiences. Drop me a line if you want an advance view and a great discount. I’m thinking Brisbane.
