In Nicole's experience, networking and building relationships has been the single most valuable resource for her career. But let's be honest: networking is hard, and not always fun. That's where Jon Levy comes in. Jon is a behavioral scientist specializing in connection, and today he tells Nicole science-backed hacks for successful relationship-building.

Today's listener works at a big law firm, but is tempted by success stories of entrepreneurial friends who have started their own businesses. She's wondering: is it better to have the security of working at a big company? Or, is being your own boss everything it's cracked up to be? Jason gives us the tools to answer this question for ourselves. 

This episode turns into a Sliding Doors special; today's helpline caller worked with Jason at a local newspaper over two decades ago. Since then, his career hasn't had the linear upward trajectory he hoped for— which has left him making about half the salary he wants. Today, Jason and Nicole break down how to play catch-up.

Today's caller wants to apply for a particular job, but he doesn't have all of the qualifications required. Should he even bother applying? Jason's answer: absolutely! Jason hands over the cheat code for making the argument that you're right for a job— even if, on paper, you're not.

Today, Nicole rings the helpline to get Jason's advice: she's struggling with overwhelming stress around making sales calls for the very podcast you're listening to right now. Even though you won't find "sales" in Nicole's job title, it's still a part of her work. This is true for all of us; even if your job doesn't involve convincing someone to buy something, no matter your role, you will need to convince others to buy into your ideas. Jason shares how a "soft sales" approach and a particular mental framework can help Nicole, and you, with the next sales pitch.

Running a business with friends can be a whole lot of fun.... until it's not. Today's caller wants to know: how can you protect against business hurting a friendship?

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Nicole gives you three steps to take your woodworking/travel blog/macrame empire from part-time to big-time.

Can you live “happily ever after” if you and your partner have completely different definitions of work-life balance? That’s the listener question Jason tackles head-on in today’s episode. If you’re feeling like you have to choose between being a good romantic partner and a good business partner, Jason has some tips for you. 

No one likes to think about getting laid off, but the worst-case scenario is that you get laid off and it takes you completely by surprise. A better scenario (although still a sucky one), is to get laid off, but be prepared to chase your next opportunity. Today, Nicole shares six signs that your company might be announcing layoffs.

Today’s guest sent Jason a cold DM over LinkedIn pitching himself for a writing gig. There was just one little problem with his initial message. Jason takes the guest through a masterclass in cold outreach and gives you hacks you can use to write emails that people actually respond to.