One of the key distinctions between self-employed businesses and other business is that most other businesses are transaction-based. But our businesses are usually relationship-based. Relationships begin with conversations. So it’s in your best interest to learn how to master the art of conversation. With that goal in mind, I speak in this episode with Lou Diamond, author of the new book, Speak Easy. In our conversation about conversation, we talk about how the lessons we’ve both learned as podcasters have helped us be better conversationalists, how the length of a conversation is not necessarily correlated to the quality of the connection that is made, and the importance of asking the right questions. We also talk through the 7 Cs of Engagement and the critical distinction between a presentation versus a conversation.

 

Lou Diamond is a highly sought-after speaker, connector, leadership & performance mentor, and podcaster. Author of the international best seller Master the Art of Connecting and CEO of Thrive, Lou has made it his life’s work to help businesses, leaders and brands thrive through the power of connecting.

His innovative, connecting tactics have helped hundreds of companies across the globe explode their sales, retain their clients and build a thriving culture. Lou’s boundless energy and motivation has inspired audiences to feel they can conquer the world and make tons of great new connections doing it.

And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.

Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com. 

Lou Diamond, thank you so much for being here!

  Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself. Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world.     Guest Contact –

• Lou Diamond on LinkedIn (in/ThriveLoud)
• Lou Diamond on Instagram (@ThriveLoud)
• Lou Diamond on Facebook (@ThriveLouD)
• ThriveLoud.com
• SpeakEasyBook.com

Contact Jeffrey –  

• JeffreyShaw.com
• Books by Jeffrey Shaw
• Business Coaching for Entrepreneurs
• The Self-Employed Summit
• Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!

    Valuable complimentary resources to help you –  

• The Self-Employed Business Institute — You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out!

• Take The Self-Employed Assessment! — Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap.

• Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! — Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO!

 

Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.