Why chefs always sharpen their knives

(please excuse this issue's self-promotion, back next time with more real-world business lessons)

In every kitchen, everywhere, chefs are CONSTANTLY sharpening their knives. 🔪🔪🔪

It's one of the big differences between professional cooks and home cooks.

Even though professionals have the training and knife skills to easily julienne a red pepper with a dulled blade, they know that staying sharp not only makes the work easier, but also enhances the end result.

I'm doing the same thing.

I already write a lot of new material for my keynotes, far more than most presenters. Each year, I write a nearly 100% new program to reflect the changing expectations of customers, and the shifting needs of audiences.

But now, I'm doing my most sharpening EVER.

The core of what customers want from your business is fairly constant. But HOW you give it to them is changing dramatically, fueled in part by AI. 

Recognizing that hitting the stage with yesterday's material is like hitting the kitchen with a dull knife, I have rewritten and revised ALL my keynote offerings:

• New stories
• New data
• New perspectives

🎤 So we're back on the road with these four topics for 2024 and 2025. Of course, in addition to the revisions I've already done, I massively customize my material for each audience. 

Quick. Clear. Kind. The 3 Unbreakable Rules of Customer Loyalty

Time IS Money: How to Exceed Customers' Need for Speed

Ignite a Word of Mouth Wave: How to Stand Out and Create Customer Conversations

5 Ways to Embrace Complaints and Boost Your Business

Also, if you want to see some short clips of some of my greatest hits on stage, I have an all-new Videos section on my website!

If I can help you with your event, please let me know. Just reply to this email, and I'll connect you with my super agent, Michelle Joyce. 

I've always felt the concept of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" is inherently dangerous, because it assumes that what got you there will keep you there. 

I'm committed to continue getting better, and sharpening the knives. 🔪🔪🔪

Is there an area in your own business where this might be a choice to consider?

I'd love to chat about it with you. Just reply and I'll be there. Indeed, I read EVERY email you send, personally.

Now See This

In addition to reworking all of my programs, I also lowered my speaking fee. 

I raised it at the beginning of the year, and it had....unintended consequences.

😂 Please watch this video from my wife, Alyson, about that. 

Jay's Faves

This one has REALLY helped my work recently. 

It's just for Mac (sorry PC folks), but Granola is a huge help in note-taking and focus during meetings. 

You might have been on a Zoom or Teams or Meet session where someone invites their AI bot to take notes? Awkward.

Granola uses the audio input/output from your computer as its source. Much more elegant. 

It transcribes the entire meeting, then INSTANTLY creates a summary, including action items. And the whole thing is searchable using AI to find hidden gems. 

25 meetings free, and then $10/month. Game-changer for me! 

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