Brent Richardson is a prankster. It started in childhood, the pranks increase in complexity through his work with teenagers, and then they flooded over into his workplace. This week, Brent shares some of his favorite practical jokes from small to elaborate.

Office Pranks Discussed

• First, how did pranks begin for Brent?
• Second, pranks from childhood: windshield wiper sprayers and fishing.
• Third, some favorite practical jokes Brent heard others share.
• Fourth, Brent explains his most consistent prank.
• Fifth, when the practical jokes became more elaborate.
• Sixth, computer pranks: email spam and messing with a mouse.
• Seventh, Icy Hot pranks.
• Eighth, a teenager gets revenge on Brent.
• Ninth, adding a hot surprise to a jelly roll.
• Tenth, fail-proof eating contests.
• Finally, the elaborate office prank, two years in the making.

 

Continuing Education focuses on why learning new skills is important, what to focus your efforts on, and how to pursue that learning in both formal and informal ways to increase your marketability within your industry.

Continuing Education Keys Discussed

• Brent shares why continuing education is important.
• Brent and Jamie debunk the "grow or die" mindset.
• If you want to be able to lead, you have to be willing to grow.
• Understanding what your company wants versus what your industry wants.
• Why and how to lean into your network.
• When to pursue an advanced degree.
• The value of online classes.
• How to utilize classes offered within your company.
• The value of using free resources like Wikipedia and YouTube.
• Brent's breakdown of where he spends his time in continuing education.
• The value of on-the-job training.
• How to use podcasts, books, and an app like Blinkist.

Networking for Extroverts tackles the complicated subject of how extroverts can harness their habits to become more successful in the workplace.

Networking for Extroverts Topics Discussed

• Firstly, Brent shares how to be self-aware about how you are perceived.
• Secondly, understand what a bully is in the workplace and how to avoid that perception.
• Thirdly, how to get feedback as an extrovert.
• Fourthly, avoid flirtatious tendencies.
• Fifthly, don't force introverts out of their comfort zone.
• Sixthly, sharpen your skills using the 60/40 rule.
• Seventhly, don't dominate the conversation.
• Eighthly, how to be inclusive.
• Ninthly, avoid being a gossip or cliquish.
• Tenthly, the value of being strategic with your time and conversations.
• Eleventhly, the importance of practicing your storytelling.
• Twelfthly, avoid provoking for shock value.

"Networking for Introverts" offers tips and tricks to help introverted people learn how to network more effectively. In addition, Brent and Jamie offer insight into what it feels like to be an introvert.

Networking for Introverts insights discussed

• First, Jamie's nightmare story from high school.
• Second, Brent's story of mistaken identity.
• Third, why networking is important even if you're an introvert.
• Fourth, how effective networking can encourage people to stay with an employer.
• Fifth, Brent shares the art of connecting with people.
• Sixth, the underlying meaning of what introverts say and do.
• Seventh, icebreakers for introverts.
• Eighth, how to practice networking skills.
• Ninth, how asking for help can expand your network.
• Tenth, the value of efficiency.
• Eleventh, how to leverage your boss to expand your network.
• Twelfth, the strategic advantage of introverts.
• In addition, how to set boundaries as an introvert.
• Finally, the eight "Big Don't" of networking.

Why am I here? focuses on finding the bigger purpose beyond a person's 9-to-5 job. In this episode, Brent and Jamie talk through roadblocks and common missteps people make when looking for the "why" of their life.

Why am I here? discussion points

• First, what does purpose have to do with business?
• Second, Brent learned why purpose matters when he quit his job.
• Third, what Brent learned about himself through his non-profit work.
• Fourth, what does Mike Tyson have to do with this?
• Fifth, why wealth is NOT the same thing as purpose.
• Sixth, why it's dangerous to have family be your purpose.
• Seventh, why it's dangerous for your job to be your purpose.
• Eighth, how to find your real purpose.
• Ninth, why Brent looks at his day job as fundraising.
• Tenth, "what do you want on your tombstone?"
• Next, Brent's favorite book on the topic of purpose.
• In addition, what would you do if you knew how your story ended?
• Why adjusting your direction is NOT a failure.
• Finally, Brent's thoughts on the importance of purpose.

Bad bosses can make even a great employee want to quit. The key is learning how to align with all kinds of people. In this episode of the Business Minutia Podcast, Brent Richardson walks listeners through tips for working with nine different management styles.

Bad Bosses Points Discussed

• First, Brent shares how to find out if a potential new boss might be a bad boss.
• Second, why is aligning with your boss essential?
• Third, the value of establishing deadlines.
• Fourth, how to deal with micromanagers.
• Fifth, dealing with the absentee boss and the unorganized boss.
• Sixth, how to deal with the non-verbal boss and the manager who steals your credit.
• Seventh, dealing with the boss who is impossible to please or the manager who leads with fear.
• Finally, how to deal with the unfair boss and the manipulative manager.

Small Business Regrets, Scaling, and Time Management centers on a 6-month check-in with Integrity Garage Door and Gate owner Brett Boyd. Listeners get honest commentary on the ups and downs of a young business.

Small Business Regrets and Lessons Discussed

• First, Brett shares what he loves and hates about owning his own small business.
• Second, he shares small business growing pains.
• Third, Brett tells Brent about his challenges as a salesman.
• Fourth, we dive into the need for backend growth.
• Fifth, Brett's biggest positive and negative surprises.
• Sixth, Brett breaks down his next big obstacles.
• Finally, we hear Brett's business advice to himself a year ago and his kids now.

"When To Quit Your Job" focuses on the signs of when it is time to consider a transition versus when you may be better off staying in your current role and making it work for you.

When Is It Time To Quit Your Job Discussion Points

• First, Brent discusses why it's important to love what you do.
• Second, why this topic is being discussed now.
• Third, Brent's Venn Diagram of the ideal job.
• Fourth, what makes people want to stay at a company?
• Fifth, what makes people want to leave a job?
• Sixth, the value of knowing what you're running from.
• Seventh, when does it make sense to leave?
• Eighth, Jamie's story of why and when she left her corporate career.
• Ninth, key takeaways from a listener who recently quit his job.

Customer service is essential to any company's success. This week, Brent Richardson talks to Gardner Tours owner Colby Gardner about the principles of customer service that have completely transformed his business.

Customer Service Tips Discussed

• First, why it's important to do the behind-the-scenes logistics well.
• Second, why hospitality is essential.
• Third, being genuine and transparent.
• Fourth, Brent shares the way he connects with new people.
• Fifth, Colby's trick for connecting with people.
• Sixth, what these principles look like in corporate work.
• Seventh, what to do when people don't respond to your relationship-building question.
• Eighth, dealing with angry customers.
• Finally, how to get in touch with Colby to experience Cuba with Colby's exceptional customer service.

Work-life balance is a challenge at any stage in a career. This week, BMP host Brent Richardson shares tips and tricks he has discovered through 20 years of corporate work.

Work-Life Balance Tips Discussed

• First, Brent and Jamie share their controversial experience on how travel has impacted their family.
• Next, how to define goals and objectives for your life.
• Third, defining your boundaries are non-negotiable.
• Fourth, how the seasons of life and work can affect your balance.
• In addition, identifying your warning signs.
• Sixth, how to restore yourself with healthy play.
• Moreover, the art of mental disciple.
• Eighth, what to do if your boss doesn't respect your time.
• Ninth, how to deal with reactive jobs.
• Also, the problem with losing your identity to your title, role, or family.
• Tenth, the problem with scorekeeping in relationships.
• Finally, Brent shares how to address an imbalance in an employee.