18 May
Brian Parsley Happiness

Happiness and Inner Peace: The Not-So-Serious Guide to Living Your Best Life

Let’s be real: we all want to be happy. And not just any kind of happy, but the kind of happy where you’re skipping down the street with a big goofy grin on your face, feeling like you’re living your best life. But how do you actually get there? Well, I’m no expert, but I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way. So, here are my top five keys to cultivating a joyful life, served up with a side of sass:

  1. Meaningful Relationships: No, I’m not talking about swiping right on every profile that pops up on your dating app. I mean actual, human connections. Friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, or even your weird cousin who’s really into taxidermy (hey, no judgment). The point is, we’re social creatures, and we thrive on connection. So, put down your phone, grab a cup of coffee, and spend some quality time with the people who matter most to you.
  2. Fulfilling Work or Purpose: Look, I get it. Work can be a drag. But it doesn’t have to be. Find something that lights you up, whether it’s a career that makes a difference, a hobby that brings you joy, or just helping others in small ways. And if you can’t find fulfillment in your work, find it somewhere else. Volunteer, take up a new hobby, or just make it your mission to spread a little kindness wherever you go.
  3. Gratitude: You know what’s easier than complaining about all the things that suck in your life? Being grateful for the things that don’t. Take a moment each day to appreciate the good things in your life, whether it’s a hot cup of coffee, a kind word from a friend, or the fact that you made it out of bed this morning (hey, we all have those days). Keeping a gratitude journal or even just making a mental note of what you’re thankful for can help you cultivate a more positive outlook on life.
  4. Mindfulness and Meditation: Alright, I know what you’re thinking: “Ugh, meditation. That’s just sitting around doing nothing, right?” Wrong! Mindfulness and meditation can help you cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, and improve your ability to cope with stress and negative emotions. Plus, it’s an excuse to take a few minutes to just sit and do nothing. And let’s be real, who doesn’t need more of that in their life?
  5. Physical Health and Well-being: Okay, I know this one sounds like a total snooze-fest, but hear me out. When your body feels good, your mind feels good. So, find some form of physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s going for a run, taking a dance class, or just going for a walk around the block. And don’t forget to fuel your body with healthy, nourishing foods (yes, that includes vegetables), and get enough restful sleep. Trust me, your body (and your mind) will thank you.

So, there you have it. Five keys to cultivating a joyful life, served up with a side of sass. And hey, if all else fails, just remember: life is too short to take everything so seriously. So, go ahead and dance in the rain, sing at the top of your lungs, and eat that extra slice of pizza (you deserve it). After all, the secret to happiness is just being yourself and enjoying the ride.

04 May
Brian Parsley Customer Service, High Value Customers, Loyalty, Success

From Casual Clients to Lifelong Fans: 5 Ways to Make Customers Stick Around

Listen, you’ve put your heart and soul into building your clients, and now it’s time to focus on the key ingredient to long-term success: customer loyalty. So, how do you turn a one-time buyer into a raving fan who just can’t get enough of your brand? Well, I’m here to share five fabulous ways to make your customers feel like they’re part of an exclusive club they never want to leave. Ready to become the talk of the town?

Stellar Customer Service: It’s Like a Warm Hug for Your Customers

1.  What does that mean? You know that feeling when someone goes above and beyond to help you out? That’s the kind of customer service that turns casual customers into loyal fans. Equip your team with the knowledge and resources they need to resolve issues like superheroes, and watch your clients sing your praises.

Picture this: A customer contacts your support team with a hiccup, and your all-star representative not only fixes it but follows up to make sure everything’s peachy. They even provide tips to prevent future issues. Now, that’s a customer experience worth sharing! And by the way, even if you don’t have a team. Consider how you handle these situations.

Personalization: Make Them Feel Like the Only One in the Room

2. There’s something special about feeling seen and understood, and that’s where personalization comes in. It’s like giving each customer a virtual high-five that says, “I get you!”

Imagine you’re a clothing retailer who sends out personalized email recommendations based on purchase history and browsing behavior. By curating items that cater to individual tastes, you’ll have customers clicking “add to cart” with glee. The secret here regardless of your profession is customizing the experience based on that individual.

Consistent Quality: The Key to Their Hearts (and Wallets)

3. There’s nothing more disappointing than a beloved product or service that loses its charm. Keep customers coming back by delivering consistent quality they can rely on. But you must understand how they define what quality means to them personally.

Take a local restaurant with a signature dish, for example. By maintaining top-notch taste and preparation, the restaurant keeps its devoted patrons coming back for more. Listening to customer feedback and making tweaks ensures that the star dish never loses its sparkle. You must remember that comfort destroys progress. Always challenge yourself on how to get better.

Engage Like a Social Butterfly: Be Their Go-To Brand

4. Engaging with your customers is like sending them a virtual hug, and it can go a long way in building lasting relationships. Think of it this way. If you don’t wag your own tail, no one else will. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and be seen.

Consider a skincare brand that hosts live Q&A sessions on social media and shares helpful tips and tutorials. By creating a sense of community and connection, they make customers feel like they’re part of something special. And by responding to comments and messages, they show they genuinely care. When you respond to clients (especially online) don’t be generic. Be personal and specific in your responses.

Delight with Unexpected Perks: The Icing on the Cake

5. Everyone loves a pleasant surprise, and exceeding expectations can turn casual customers into lifelong fans. The secret here is to anticipate and exceed expectations of your clients.

Picture a hotel chain that gives a complimentary room upgrade to a couple celebrating their anniversary. They also arrange a bottle of champagne and a personalized note to greet them upon arrival. These delighted customers are sure to spread the word and return for future stays.

So there you have it! Five fabulous tips to win over your clients and turn them into brand advocates for life. By focusing on exceptional customer service, personalization, consistent quality, engaging communication, and delightful surprises, you’ll create an irresistible brand experience that keeps them coming back for more.

As you put these tips into action, watch your customer loyalty soar and your fanbase grow. After all, there’s no better marketing than a happy customer singing your praises. So, go on and show your customers the love they deserve! Your business, your customers, and your heart will thank you for it.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to roll up your sleeves and make some magic happen. Your future fanbase is waiting! And as you witness your customers evolve from casual shoppers to die-hard brand advocates, you’ll know that your efforts have truly paid off.

At the end of the day, building a successful business is all about cultivating relationships and making genuine connections with the people who keep you in business. By going above and beyond to treat your customers like the VIPs they are, you’ll create a sense of loyalty that’s priceless.

So, don’t hesitate to put these strategies to work. Your customers will thank you, and you’ll be beaming with pride as your customer retention rate climbs higher and higher.

In the end, fostering loyalty and trust is a winning recipe for success. So, roll up your sleeves, implement these tips, and watch as your clients become ambassadors for your brand.

26 Apr
Brian Parsley Success

Get Your Soul in Gear: How to Find Success with a Side of Sass

Oh, you want to find success from the soul? Look at you, getting all deep and introspective. Well, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll explore how to align your purpose, values, and passions with a side of sass. Let’s get started.

Reflect on Your Values (And Don’t Be Basic About It)

First things first, let’s reflect on your values. Don’t just go for the basic stuff like “honesty” and “integrity.” Yawn. Dig deeper and ask yourself what you really stand for. Are you all about being a rebel and going against the grain? Do you value a good sense of humor and not taking life too seriously? Whatever it is, own it and use it as a guide to make decisions that align with what’s most important to you. Don’t be basic, be bold.

Define Your Purpose (And Make It Sizzle)

Defining your purpose is key to finding success from the soul. But let’s not make it sound like a boring mission statement. No, no, no. Let’s make it sizzle. What lights your fire? What gets you pumped up in the morning? Maybe it’s making a difference in your community or building something from scratch. Whatever it is, define it in a way that makes you feel alive and inspired. Your purpose should be like a flame that fuels your soul.

Follow Your Passions (And Embrace the Weird)

Following your passions is essential to finding success from the soul. But let’s not be basic here either. Don’t just follow the crowd and do what everyone else is doing. Embrace the weird and unique things that make you, well, you. Maybe it’s collecting vintage vinyl records or knitting sweaters for your pet hedgehog. Whatever it is, don’t be ashamed of it. Lean into it and find ways to incorporate it into your life. You never know, your weird passion could lead to something amazing.

Embrace Your Strengths (And Flaunt Them)

Embracing your strengths is key to finding success from the soul. But let’s not be humble about it. Don’t just brush off your talents and skills like they’re no big deal. Flaunt them! Show off what you’re good at and use it to achieve your goals. Whether it’s public speaking or baking the perfect batch of cookies, embrace your strengths and use them to your advantage. You’re a rockstar, so act like it.

Cultivate Self-Awareness (And Get Real with Yourself)

Cultivating self-awareness is essential to finding success from the soul. But let’s not sugarcoat it. Don’t just give yourself a pat on the back and call it a day. Get real with yourself and ask the tough questions. What are your weaknesses? What are the things that hold you back? By being honest with yourself, you can identify areas for growth and make positive changes in your life. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

Set Meaningful Goals (And Make Them Sexy)

Setting meaningful goals is key to finding success from the soul. But let’s not make it sound boring. Don’t just write down a list of goals and call it a day. Make them sexy. Yes, you heard me. Make them exciting and challenging. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. When you set meaningful goals and take consistent action toward achieving them, you’re more likely to feel fulfilled and accomplished.

Practice Gratitude (And Give Thanks Like a Boss)

Practicing gratitude is essential to finding success from the soul. But let’s not make it sound like a chore. Don’t just go through the motions of writing down a few things you’re grateful for. Give thanks like a boss. Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for in your life, and really feel the appreciation and joy that comes with it. Whether it’s a great cup of coffee or a supportive friend, take a moment to soak it in and feel grateful. By practicing gratitude, you can cultivate a positive attitude and focus on the positive aspects of your life, even in challenging times.

Well, there you have it. How to find success from the soul with a side of sass. By reflecting on your values (and not being basic about it), defining your purpose (and making it sizzle), following your passions (and embracing the weird), embracing your strengths (and flaunting them), cultivating self-awareness (and getting real with yourself), setting meaningful goals (and making them sexy), and practicing gratitude (and giving thanks like a boss), you can live a life that is aligned with your true self and find fulfillment and happiness in your work and personal life. And, of course, you can do it all with a little bit of sass.

17 Apr
Brian Parsley Leadership

Leadership is a lot like gardening

Just as a gardener carefully tends to their plants, a leader must carefully tend to their team to help them grow and thrive. And just like a garden, a team’s culture can either flourish or wither based on how well it’s nurtured.

If you’re a leader looking to improve your organization’s culture, here are five tips to help you get started:

1. Set Clear Goals and Expectations
In any garden, you need to know what you’re growing and what you want to achieve. The same is true in a team setting. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to set clear goals and expectations for your team. This helps everyone understand what they’re working towards and how they can contribute.

When setting goals, be specific and measurable. Don’t just say “we want to improve customer satisfaction” – set an expectation like “we want to increase our customer satisfaction scores by 10% by the end of the quarter.” This gives your team a clear target to aim for.

And when setting expectations, be clear about what behaviors you want to see. If you want your team to be more collaborative, don’t just tell them to “work together.” Instead, define what collaboration looks like, such as “team members actively seek out others’ opinions and ideas.” You never want to “assume” others define your expectations the same.

2. Provide Support and Resources
No garden can flourish without the right tools and resources. The same is true for a team. As a leader, it’s your job to provide your team with the support and resources they need to be successful.

This could mean providing training or mentorship to help your team members develop new skills. Or it could mean investing in tools or technology to help them be more efficient.

But providing support isn’t just about giving your team things – it’s also about being there for them when they need help. Make sure you’re available to answer questions and provide guidance, and be willing to roll up your sleeves and work alongside your team when needed.

3. Encourage Creativity and Innovation
Gardens are full of surprises – sometimes a plant grows where you didn’t expect it, or a new flower blooms in an unexpected color. The same can be true in a team setting. Encouraging your team to think creatively and take risks can lead to new ideas and innovations.

To encourage creativity, create a culture where it’s safe to share ideas, even if they’re unconventional or initially seem unrealistic. Hold brainstorming sessions or team-building exercises to help your team members think outside the box.

And when your team does come up with new ideas, be open to them. Even if an idea doesn’t seem feasible at first, it could spark a different, better idea.

4. Recognize and Reward Success
In a garden, it’s important to celebrate the blooms as they appear. In a team setting, it’s important to celebrate successes as they happen. Recognizing and rewarding your team’s achievements can motivate them to keep working hard.

This could mean giving bonuses (they don’t have to be monetary) or recognition to team members who go above and beyond. Or it could mean publicly acknowledging their hard work and contributions at team meetings or company-wide events.

But recognition doesn’t have to be formal or expensive. A simple “I appreciate you” or a shout-out in a team email can go a long way in making your team members feel appreciated.

5. Lead by Example
Finally, just like a gardener must lead by example by showing their plants how to grow, a leader must lead by example to show their team how to succeed.

This means modeling the behaviors you want to see in your team. If you want your team to be more accountable, take ownership of your own mistakes and work with your team to find solutions and prevent similar mistakes from happening in the future. If you want your team to be more communicative, make sure you’re communicating clearly and openly with them.

Leading by example also means being transparent and honest. Be upfront with your team about what’s going on in the organization, and don’t shy away from tough conversations. Your team will appreciate your honesty and trust you more if they feel like you’re being open with them.

And finally, leading by example means being willing to roll up your sleeves and do the work alongside your team. If your team is working late to meet a deadline, be there with them. If there’s a big project that needs to be done, don’t just delegate it – be a part of it.

Improving your team’s culture isn’t something that happens overnight – it takes time, effort, and patience. But by setting clear goals and expectations, providing support and resources, encouraging creativity and innovation, recognizing and rewarding success, and leading by example, you can create a culture that your team will thrive in. And just like a well-tended garden, a thriving team culture will produce beautiful results.

07 Apr
Brian Parsley Business

Real Courage Comes from Asking for Help: Why Entrepreneurs Should Embrace It

As an entrepreneur, you’re probably used to being a go-getter. You have the drive and determination to create something out of nothing, and often pride yourself on being self-sufficient.

But that can also mean that you avoid asking for help when you need it. Perhaps you worry about appearing weak or incompetent, or fear that others won’t take you seriously.

However, real courage comes from asking for help when you need it. As Oprah Winfrey once said, “Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength because it takes courage to admit you don’t know something or need help.”

So when should you ask for help? Here are three signs that it’s time:

  1. You’re dealing with a problem you can’t solve on your own. But you must first be willing to have the sensory acuity to realize there’s something wrong.
    As an entrepreneur, you’re used to solving problems on your own. But there may be situations where you simply don’t have the expertise or resources to figure out a solution. Rather than struggling in silence, seek the help of someone who can offer expertise, advice, or a fresh perspective. This could be a mentor, consultant, or even a trusted friend or colleague. The easiest way to ask for support is this simple question. “Would you be against helping me with a problem?” Remember, two heads are often better than one.
  2. You’re feeling overwhelmed or burned out.
    Entrepreneurship can be a 24/7 job, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of working long hours and neglecting your own well-being. But if you’re feeling constantly stressed or burnt out, it’s a sign that something must change. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether that means delegating tasks, hiring additional staff or seeking the support of a therapist or coach. Your health and well-being are essential for your success as an entrepreneur. But yet, we ignore this sign many times because we believe it’s easier to just do it yourself. That is the biggest mistake most people make. Check the ego and allow yourself to be aware of your stress tolerance.
  3. You’re ready to take your business to the next level.
    Every entrepreneur wants to see their business grow, but it’s not always easy to know how to get there. That’s where seeking help can be invaluable. Whether it’s attending networking events, reaching out to potential investors or seeking the guidance of a business coach, reaching out for help can provide the support and resources you need to take your business to the next level. You and your business are a direct result of the people you are surrounding yourself with. But in addition to that it’s tied to how often you’re willing to ask for help. Most people only push themselves to where it feels uncomfortable. Rarely to they push themselves past that point unless they’re inspired or encouraged to do so. When you ask for help you’ll find your encouragement.

Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. As an entrepreneur, it’s important to recognize when you need help and to have the courage to seek it out.

By doing so, you’ll gain new perspectives, expertise, and resources that can help you overcome challenges, achieve your goals, and ultimately succeed in your business.

Embrace the courage it takes to admit you don’t have all the answers and watch your business and personal development thrive.

30 Mar
Brian Parsley Fear, Motivation

Why Fear is a Great Motivator

Fear is a normal emotion we all experience throughout our lives. It could be fear of failure, fear of the unknown, or fear of taking risks. As an entrepreneur, it’s important to embrace your fears, understand them, and use them to fuel your success.

What if I told you, fear can be a great motivator when used correctly. It’s up to you to define what fear is to you and decide whether you’ll allow it to limit your progress. I want to explore three ways you can leverage fear to achieve your goals.

One of the best outcomes of fear is its ability to help you focus.

When you’re afraid of something, it’s difficult to think about anything else. Your mind is fixated on the object of your fear, and you become hyper-focused. Instead of fighting this feeling, you can use it to your advantage.

Begin to ask deeper questions when it begins to creep in your head. What am I really afraid of? Has this happened before? What are the outcomes if I ignore versus address the fear?

Use your fear to really hone in on your goals and what you need to do to achieve them. Fear can be a great motivator to push you forward and help you stay on track.

Fear can also assist you take action faster.

When you’re afraid, it’s easy to become paralyzed and do nothing. However, it’s important to recognize that taking action in spite of your fears is one of the best ways to overcome them.

Fear can be a powerful motivator to take action and face your fears head-on. If you’re afraid of public speaking, for example, force yourself to speak in front of others until you’re comfortable.

This sounds easy in theory but it’s not. I have suffered from panic attacks most of my life. It seems simple to say “face the fear”, but unless you’ve experienced the overwhelming fear from a panic attack it’s difficult to understand why we want to avoid the pain. You could say fear has power over our actions. So, it’s important to take the emotion out of the internal head chatter. What would you say or advice you would share if that same situation happened to a friend? Detach from the outcome and focus on the process.

The more you face your fears, the less power they have over you.

Fear can actually help you grow.

Facing your fears can be uncomfortable and scary, but it’s also one of the best ways to grow and develop as a person. By pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, you’ll learn new things about yourself and discover what you’re truly capable of. Fear is a great motivator to pursue personal and professional growth, and to achieve your goals. This is only true if you decide you’re going to look at fear as a tool and not a weapon against yourself.

So, the simple statement is fear is a great motivator when used correctly. Never let your fears limit your progress as an entrepreneur – instead, embrace them, understand them, and use them to your advantage.

By focusing on your goals, taking action, and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, you can use fear to achieve great things.

Remember, your definition of fear will determine your outcomes. Don’t let it hold you back!

21 Mar
Brian Parsley Fear, Success

Do You Feel Like a Fraud?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that affects many individuals, regardless of their background, education, or experience. It is characterized by feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and the persistent belief that one’s success is due to luck or manipulation rather than their own abilities.

Imposter syndrome isn’t recognized as a clinical disorder, but it can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health and well-being. Those who experience it often feel like they are frauds, constantly waiting to be discovered or exposed. This can lead to increased stress levels, decreased self-esteem, and decreased motivation, all of which can contribute to decreased performance at work or in personal life.

While anyone can experience imposter syndrome, it is especially common among high-achievers and individuals in competitive fields.

It’s not uncommon for successful individuals to feel like they do not deserve their success or that they are not as competent as others perceive them to be. This can be especially true for those who have achieved success early in their careers, as they may feel like they have reached the peak of their abilities and that their future success is uncertain.

However, I look at this as a positive. You can use this feeling to push yourself to try harder and know it’s okay to have thoughts of uncertainty. By the way, if you don’t doubt yourself occasionally, you may suffer from a major issue called narcissism. I say that with tongue and cheek, but it’s true.

The fear of being discovered as an imposter can be particularly intense for some individuals, as they may feel like they have to work twice as hard as their peers to prove themselves. I struggled with this for many years because of my grades in high school. Crazy when you think about it. Something that happened decades ago that means nothing in life, but it continued to impact me for years.

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate self-doubt, there are several strategies that individuals can use to manage their symptoms and build self-confidence.

These include:

  1. Reframing negative thoughts: Individuals can challenge their negative thoughts by reframing them in a more positive light. For example, instead of thinking “I don’t deserve this promotion,” they can think “I earned this promotion through hard work and dedication.”
  2. Focusing on achievements: Individuals can keep a record of their accomplishments and remind themselves of their successes when they feel like imposters. This can help them build confidence and counteract negative thoughts.
  3. Seeking support from others: Individuals can reach out to trusted friends, family members, or a therapist for support and encouragement. Talking about their experiences can help individuals feel less alone and more understood.
  4. Practicing self-compassion: Individuals can practice self-compassion by being kind and understanding towards themselves when they make mistakes or experience setbacks. Instead of beating themselves up, they can remind themselves that everyone makes mistakes and that it is a normal part of the learning process.
  5. Celebrating successes: Individuals can celebrate their successes, no matter how small they may seem. This can help them feel more confident and less like imposters.

Just know it’s a common experience that affects many individuals. While it can have a significant impact on an individual’s well-being, focus on the strategies that can be used to manage its symptoms and build self-confidence.

At the end of the day, you’re very normal and we all struggle with most of the issues around how we view ourselves.

11 Mar
Brian Parsley Happiness

Why Do People Chase Happiness?

Even though people have many reasons to chase this elusive concept. It’s a fundamental human desire and a natural instinct to strive for a fulfilling life. Happiness is subjective and can mean different things to different people, but for the majority of us, it is a state of well-being, contentment, and joy.

The pursuit of happiness is not a new concept. For centuries, philosophers and theologians have been discussing the importance of happiness and its place in our lives. From Aristotle to Immanuel Kant, they all agree that happiness is the ultimate goal of human existence. It is the foundation of a good life and the key to our personal and collective well-being.

In modern times, the pursuit of happiness has taken on a new significance. With the advancements in science and technology, our society has become more materialistic and consumer-oriented, and the quest for happiness has become more intense. People are constantly searching for ways to improve their lives and achieve greater levels of happiness.

One of the reasons why people chase happiness is due to the influence of societal norms and expectations. In our society, happiness is seen as a symbol of success and a measure of one’s worth. People are constantly bombarded with images of happy and successful individuals in the media, and it is natural for us to want to emulate those lifestyles. We are told that if we work hard, accumulate wealth, and acquire material possessions, we will be happy. This belief is deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness, and as a result, many of us feel compelled to chase happiness.

Another reason why people chase happiness is due to the absence of it in their lives. For many, happiness is a fleeting and elusive experience, and they are constantly searching for ways to recapture it. This may be due to external factors such as a difficult life situation, financial difficulties, or relationship problems. Alternatively, it may be due to internal factors such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. Regardless of the reason, the absence of happiness can be a driving force for individuals to pursue it.

People also chase happiness in an attempt to escape negative emotions and experiences. Life can be challenging, and we all experience difficult situations, pain, and loss. In an effort to avoid these unpleasant feelings, people often seek happiness as a way to escape their reality. They believe that if they can attain a state of happiness, they can avoid the negative emotions that come with life’s challenges.

The pursuit of happiness is also driven by a desire for personal growth and self-improvement. Many individuals see happiness as a way to better themselves and reach their full potential. They believe that by attaining happiness, they can become the best version of themselves. They see happiness as a way to unlock their true potential and live life to the fullest.

Finally, people chase happiness because it is a natural part of the human experience. We are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. The pursuit of happiness is a basic human instinct that is ingrained in our DNA. From a biological perspective, happiness is associated with the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation, and they drive us to seek happiness.

In conclusion, people chase happiness for a variety of reasons. Whether it is due to societal norms, the absence of happiness in their lives, a desire to escape negative emotions, personal growth, or basic human instincts, the pursuit of happiness is a universal phenomenon.

While the pursuit of happiness can be a challenging and often frustrating journey, it is ultimately a rewarding one that can bring greater meaning and purpose to our lives.

03 Mar
Brian Parsley Communication, Personal Development

Building rapport with Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

There’s a pseudo science called Neuro-Linguistic Programming. This approach to communication and personal development first appeared in a book called, The Structure of Magic in 1975.

It found there is a direct relationship between neurological processes (neuro), language (linguistic) and behaviors that have been developed (programming). What was most interesting is that these can be changed to achieve specific outcomes in your life.

So how does this relate back to you? Think of it this way. Have you ever tried to communicate with someone who spoke a different language and they couldn’t understand what you wanted to say? Imagine you wanted to order a salad and ended up with BBQ instead.

This same example happens everyday in our own unconscious mind. We want to believe we are “ordering” amazing things for our lives like better relationships or amazing careers. But somehow it gets lost in translation from the conscious decision and what your mind actually hears.

I will play the devil’s advocate and present a different perspective on how you can build more meaningful relationships using NLP.

First, it’s important to remember that NLP is a set of techniques and strategies that are used to understand and influence human behavior and communication. While NLP can be a powerful tool in building rapport, it is not a silver bullet and should be used with caution.

One of the key principles of NLP is to match and mirror the communication style and body language of the person you are communicating with. This can help to establish rapport and build a connection, but it is important to avoid crossing the line into imitation or manipulation. If the other person feels like you are trying to be someone you are not, it can undermine the rapport that you are trying to build. A basic example of this is if you’re talking with someone who is sitting back with their arms crossed. You casually mirror that same body language. This may sound a bit silly, but people like people are similar. So the unconscious mind is thinking….“They are like me.”

Another NLP technique for building rapport is to use the same language patterns and terminology as the person you are communicating with. This can help to create a sense of common ground and make the other person feel understood and valued. However, it is important to be authentic and avoid using language or terminology that you are not familiar with, as this can come across as insincere. Authenticity is the key for any relationship. But like the mirroring technique this is easy to do and actually forces you to listen with more intent as well.

It is also important to remember that NLP is not a substitute for genuine interest and empathy. While NLP techniques can help to build rapport, they will not be effective if you are not truly interested in the other person and their perspective. To build genuine rapport, it is important to actively listen, show empathy, and be authentic in your interactions.

At the end of the day, NLP can be a useful tool in building new relationships and strengthening your current ones.

By matching and mirroring communication style and language patterns, using authentic language and showing genuine interest, you can build rapport and create meaningful connections with others. However, if you have nefarious intentions or are not genuine in your communication, it’s manipulation.

I am passionate about this topic and work with many students to assist them to master the art of relationships. If you have an interest in learning more, please give me a call directly.

24 Feb
Loyalty in Business: The Most Important Factor for Success
Brian Parsley Business, Loyalty

Loyalty in Business: The Most Important Factor for Success

In today’s fast-paced business world, many companies prioritize profit, growth, and market share over everything else. While these metrics are certainly important, it is crucial that companies don’t overlook the value of loyalty within their operations.

Loyalty, whether it be among employees or customers, should be the foundation on which a business is built, as it can provide numerous benefits that cannot be achieved through any other means. Unfortunately, it also is the most undervalued or at least the most misunderstood part of success.

One of the most important benefits of loyalty is how it creates a sense of stability and security. When employees feel loyal to their company and committed to its success, they are more likely to work harder, be more productive, and stay with the company for a longer period of time. Gallup does an incredible Q12 survey that identifies and shows how actively engaged or actively disengaged employees currently are in your business.

Why is this so important? It’s actually pretty simple. When people are engaged and feel valued it helps to reduce turnover rates and the costs associated with hiring and training new employees. It’s easy to believe someone is leaving because they can earn a little more money somewhere else. But the reality is that’s just a symptom of missing the basic human values people crave.

Similarly, when customers feel loyal to a company, they are more likely to continue doing business with it and refer others, which can help to drive long-term growth.

Another benefit of loyalty in business is that it fosters a culture of trust and transparency. When employees feel that their contributions and hard work are valued and appreciated, they are more likely to trust their superiors and the company as a whole.

This, in turn, will assist to create an environment where people are more open and honest with one another, which can lead to more effective communication and collaboration. Similarly, when customers trust a company, they are more likely to provide valuable feedback, which can help to improve products and services and drive innovation. Your goal is to have more “Instagram” worthy posts and less bad “Google” reviews which forces you into a defensive posture online.

Finally, loyalty in business creates a strong brand image and reputation. When employees are loyal to their company, they are more likely to act as ambassadors and promote it to others. This helps to build a positive image and reputation, which can attract more customers and investors. Similarly, when customers feel loyal to a company, they are more likely to recommend it to others, which can help to spread the word and grow the brand.

If you think about it, loyalty in business should be a top priority for companies of all sizes.

By fostering loyalty among employees and customers, companies can benefit from a stable and productive workforce, a culture of trust and transparency, and a strong brand image and reputation.

So, the next time you’re making strategic decisions for your company, remember that loyalty should be at the forefront of your mind and not just profits.

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