Today’s guest is Neen James, the first ever Aussie on the show! She rides a Harley, has a ton of sass, an accomplished speaker and author of 8 books including the latest, “Attention Pays”.  Neen is an expert on attention how and leaders can profit by paying attention to what matters in business and life.

“Pay attention to people and listen with your eyes. Make them feel like they are the most important person that you have ever been with in that moment” - Neen James

Neen and Jesse have a passion for marketing strategies. For Neen, it’s about paying attention and doing things just a bit differently. If you can grab the attention of others, by default, it ends up coming back to you. For Neen, it’s all about giving first.

“I’m obsessed with getting the world to pay attention.” - Neen James

When Neen first arrived in the states from Australia, she had no clients and no money.  One of the first things she did was send a jar of peanut butter and jelly to one of the most senior executives at Comcast Cable in their Philadelphia office and she ended up getting the business!

It took a bit of stealth research. Neen connected with the HR developed and volunteered to speak for City Year, it’s like Peace Corps for kids. Her job was to teach them how to market themselves after school and in college.

Neen started asking questions like who is in charge of Comcast’s learning and development and what is his favorite thing to eat is. Neen bought a jar, sent it to his address in the building with a note asking for a lunch meeting to eat peanut butter and jelly. Ten years later and they are still a client. All from a jar of peanut butter and jelly!

1. What have you done differently in your life to stand out?

“Pay attention to people and listen with your eyes. Make them feel like they are the most important person that you have ever been with, in that moment.”

2. What advice would you give someone to stand out in business and in life?

“Be themselves and be the best version of you. Everything about you that is amazing, be that best version of you. ”

3. The best advice you have ever received?

“I was told I needed voice coaching if I wanted to speak. But her mentor said just be you. Keep your voice it is unique to you.”

4. How do you want to be remembered?

“As someone who made everyone feel as if they are the most important in that moment when we met.”

To hear how attention can pay for you personally and in your business, download and listen to the show!

Connect with Neen James:

Neen James

Book: Attention Pays

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Jesse Cole is a passionate and engaging business leader sharing other leaders messages, tips and fresh ideas on Business Done Differently. Subscribe to hear more front runners doing it differently and remember to leave him a rating and review on iTunes.