Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of MacThrive, your go-to podcast for all things tech and career. I'm going to do something a bit different today. I'm going to be sharing a thought that's been percolating in my mind for some time now, a revelation that came from my years as a consultant, cloud architect, and Microsoft expert. Interestingly, it's not tied directly to any of these roles. Instead, it's about the art of selling. Yes, you heard me right, selling!

Now, let me be clear. I've never been a salesman in the traditional sense. No quotas, no closing deals, none of that. But as I navigated through my professional life, I started to see a pattern. Regardless of our official roles, we're all involved in selling in one way or another. Whether it's selling our skills and traits during a job interview or convincing people about the efficacy of a new system we're implementing, the element of selling is omnipresent.

I know, I know. You're thinking, "I'm a techie, not a salesperson!" I've been there too. But here's the thing - the notion of separating technical expertise and sales is a bit of an illusion. Whether we're comfortable with it or not, sales permeates our work, our careers, and the success of the companies we work for.

In this episode, I'm going to challenge the stereotype that equates sales with dishonesty. Newsflash: it doesn't have to be that way. Indeed, the best sales experiences are often marked by honesty and transparency. And for all my fellow techies out there, I'll share two powerful insights that have not only helped me navigate sales-related situations with more confidence but also transformed how I view my expertise and its value.

Firstly, we'll delve into the importance of owning your knowledge. It sounds simple, but we often undervalue the knowledge we bring to the table. As tech experts, we're an invaluable asset in any discussion, bringing insights that few others can. You'll discover how to use this to your advantage, turning complex tech jargon into clear and engaging conversations that highlight the value of your work.

Then, we'll examine the crucial role of honesty in sales. Contrary to popular belief, my experience has shown that the more honest you are, the better the sales conversation goes. I'll share how being upfront about my non-sales background has positively impacted the dynamics of meetings and fostered an environment of trust and mutual understanding.

Remember, being a techie in a sales situation is not a catastrophe. It's an opportunity. So, join me in this episode of MacThrive as we change our perspective on sales together. Whether you're in tech, business, or any other field, this episode promises to provide valuable insights. And of course, I welcome your thoughts and experiences. Let's make this a conversation, not a monologue!

Let's continue to thrive and learn together. Every transaction is an opportunity, and even if you're not a salesperson, you can sell. Until next time, this is your host, signing off from another enlightening episode of MacThrive.

In this episode, we dive into Part 2 of my learning framework, focusing on step #4, #5 and a special "bonus step". If you haven't listened to the previous episode, I highly recommend going back to catch up on the steps we've covered so far.

Step #4 is all about identifying a real-life challenge that requires mastering the new skill you're after. The more it's connected to the outside world, the better. Think about a work scenario or a personal challenge, and then list down different scenarios or issues that need solving. Choose one and focus on it, knowing that as you solve it, other problems will become easier to tackle.

Now, I want to share a couple of disclaimers: (1) If you need to continue learning and broadening your knowledge, simply select the next issue from your list, and (2) Remember, you can always modify your list as you go – nothing is set in stone!

In the episode, I share my personal experience with learning about warehousing and how I applied this learning framework to become proficient in the topic. We also dive into step #5, which is all about planning and scheduling. This step includes creating a process map and setting a consistent schedule for learning.

As a bonus, I offer step #6, which is all about staying accountable and keeping yourself on track. I share five valuable tips, such as tracking your progress, setting external expectations, checking your "True North," celebrating your achievements, and recognizing the "painful sweet spot" in learning.

In the first of 2-part episode "My Learning Framework to Get Proficient at Any New Skill," I'm sharing my personal five-step process that has helped me become a whiz at any skill or profession I've set my mind to. This process is super adaptable and has been designed to cater to people with specific goals. So let's dive in and explore how this learning framework can work for you too!

I've always believed that everyone has something they're good at, but many people just haven't found that thing yet. I want to help you discover your potential and provide clear, easy-to-follow guides that have worked for me and can work for you too.

So, I recently discovered this amazing five-step process to help you get proficient at any skill or profession. This process has worked wonders for me, and I'm confident it'll do the same for you. I'll be using my experience as an ERP consultant to illustrate each step, but trust me, this technique can be applied to any career path or learning goal.

Step 1: Build a strong foundation by identifying your True North, North Star, and Goals. Ask yourself why you want to learn this new skill and whether it aligns with your long-term goals. For example, I had to learn warehousing in the ERP system. By understanding why I wanted to learn it, I became more motivated and disciplined.

Step 2: Aim and find your skill stack. Recognize what exactly you want to learn and how this new knowledge can complement your existing skills. In my case, learning warehousing gave me a better overall understanding of business processes.

Step 3: Identify your sources of knowledge. Seek out people, courses, books, and social networks related to your learning goal. Be mindful not to over-research; sometimes, just a few resources can get you started. Don't forget to explore relevant certification exams to prove your newly-acquired skills.

Now that you've got a sneak peek into the first three steps of this incredible process, make sure to stay tuned for the second part of this episode where I'll cover the remaining steps. As always, stay consistent, keep learning, and let's MacThrive together!

Hey everyone! In today's MacThrive episode, we're tackling something that many of us have experienced at some point in our professional lives – imposter syndrome. You know, that gut-wrenching feeling of being a fraud despite our accomplishments and skills? Yeah, that's the one! So, join me as I discuss the ins and outs of this psychological phenomenon, share some valuable insights, and reveal a simple technique to help you break free from imposter syndrome and its sneaky counterpart, the Dunning-Kruger effect.

Throughout the episode, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the importance of self-awareness and accurate self-assessment, as well as some practical ways to combat imposter syndrome. From documenting your accomplishments and seeking external validation to reflecting on your growth and creating a support network, I've got some fantastic tips to help you realize your true potential.

But wait, there's more! I'll also be diving into the fascinating world of the Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias that leads people with limited expertise to overestimate their skills and knowledge. We'll explore how both imposter syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger effect highlight the importance of self-awareness and accurate self-assessment, and how a simple, non-emotional solution can help you conquer both.

So, if you're ready to shake off that feeling of being an imposter and embrace your true value in the professional world, don't miss this episode of MacThrive! Tune in as we discuss the importance of stacking undeniable proof of your achievements and learn how to outwork your self-doubt. Let's conquer imposter syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger effect together and thrive in our professional lives! See you there!

In this episode of MacThrive, I'm going to talk about something that's been on my mind for a while: work-life balance. You know, that elusive concept we all chase after, but can never seem to achieve? Well, I've been thinking, and I've come to realize that maybe the idea of work-life balance itself is what's holding us back.

Instead of trying to find a perfect balance, I'm going to share my personal journey of discovering the value in making work-life choices that align with my individual goals and priorities. Join me as I recount my early career experiences, the struggles I faced with the traditional 9-to-5 mindset, and how I eventually broke free from the "waiting for Friday" mentality. I'll also dive into the importance of finding your North Star and how embracing purpose-driven choices can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Throughout the episode, I'll be sharing some valuable lessons I learned along the way, including the impact of understanding the consequences of our choices and how we spend our time. I'll also be discussing why it's crucial to avoid comparing ourselves to others and instead focus on our own unique paths to success.

So, if you're tired of the never-ending quest for work-life balance and are ready to explore a new perspective on managing your career and personal life, this episode is for you! Tune in to MacThrive and let's redefine what it means to live a purposeful and fulfilling life together. See you there!

In this episode, you'll learn:

Join us on this eye-opening journey and discover how the power of networking can transform your life.

Hey there, welcome to the MacThrive podcast! In this super interesting episode, "System - my favorite word; everything's connected, the sooner you realize it, the better," I'm going to share with you my personal journey and fascination with systems and interconnectedness. We'll explore how understanding systems can help us make sense of the world around us.

So, I'll take you back to my university days, where I discovered Murray Bowen's System Family Therapy. It totally captivated me with its comprehensive framework for understanding family functioning. I'll give you a rundown of the 8 interrelated concepts at the heart of Bowen's theory, like differentiation of self and triangles, which provide a roadmap for understanding family dynamics.

Now, here's the cool part - these concepts aren't just limited to psychotherapy. They apply to all sorts of fields and aspects of life. I'll dive into the five building blocks of understanding family as a system, such as maintaining balance, feedback, subsystems, boundaries, and rules. These foundations can be applied to any organization or environment, be it a family, a workplace, or even your own goals.

As an ERP systems specialist, I've had some amazing experiences in analyzing organizations through the lens of interconnected systems. I'll share how finding balance, identifying feedback loops, understanding subsystems, recognizing boundaries, and evaluating rules within an organization can make all the difference.

So, join me in this thought-provoking episode, and let's give the perspective of systems a try together. Open your mind to a higher level view of the world around you, and discover the connections, rules, and boundaries that influence your life. Learn to navigate relationships more effectively and embrace the power of understanding systems in both your personal and professional life. Tune in to MacThrive, and let's explore the world of systems together!

Link to the written episode summary: https://www.macbetlinski.com/system-my-favorite-word-everythings-connected

Unleash your inner entrepreneur and align your personal and professional goals to boost your career growth. Learn how adopting an intrapreneur mindset can lead to increased opportunities, more satisfying work experiences, and greater success in your field. With insights from experts like Gary Vee, Grant Cardone, and Alex Hormozi, this episode provides valuable advice on adopting a proactive approach in your career, making decisions with confidence, and leveraging your skills to generate value for your organization. Tune in and transform your career with the power of intrapreneurship!

Link to the written summary: https://www.macbetlinski.com/how-to-make-decisions-rather-than-take-decisions-as-an-intapreneur

In this MacThrive podcast episode, we explore the often-painful process of change and how it is more like a series of steps than a smooth slope. Dive into the world of PROSCI's Change Management methodology and discover how it can be applied to individual professional growth for a successful career transformation. We'll guide you through the three phases of PROSCI (Prepare, Manage, and Sustain) and the ADKAR model, providing actionable insights to help you navigate change and adapt to the ever-evolving job market. Don't miss this opportunity to learn valuable strategies for embracing change, mastering new skills, and unlocking your full potential in today's competitive professional landscape. Tune in now and start your journey towards a more fulfilling and successful career!

My website: https://www.macbetlinski.com/

Episode written summary: https://www.macbetlinski.com/change-is-a-painful-process-thats-like-steps-not-a-smooth-slope

In this gripping episode of the MacThrive podcast, we dive into the powerful lesson of facing failure fearlessly and cultivating an unstoppable, relentless attitude. Taking inspiration from the indomitable spirit of the Doom Slayer, the iconic protagonist from the Doom game series, we explore how embracing failure and learning from it can lead to immense personal growth and success.

Link to the written summary of the episode: https://www.macbetlinski.com/face-the-failure-with-no-fear-be-restless-and-relentless