More great things!
I like this format ❤️
And apparently so do you. This week I’m doing four great things! Lucky you 🍀
One:
This interview with Christopher Nolan was introduced to me by a wonderful friend and it really pepped me up. As you may or may not know, I’ve been writing a novel for 4 years now (that feels like a depressingly long amount of time, but I also run a business and live in a foreign country, so I’m giving myself a little extra credit here), so this podcast really made me feel better about the writing process, how hard it is, and the many things you can do to get yourself back at your desk.
Christopher Nolan is a writer and director that has made some bloody good films (Interstellar, The Dark Knight, and Oppenheimer are my three favourites). He is also proof that you can be a wildly successful creative force without being a sex pest or a jerk. While I did feel very envious of his life as I listened (who doesn’t want to make magic?!) I reminded myself of one of my favourite personal growth mechanisms, which is to investigate envy instead of squashing it down. I hope you enjoy the episode, and that is motivates you to keep pursuing whatever it is that lights a fire in you.
(Be right back, just going to watch Interstellar {which has one of the best soundtracks of all time in my opinion} for the 1000th time. I got chills just watching the trailer!!)
Two:
I’ve been a self-employed sales strategist and consultant for five years now. I typically work with agency and consultancy businesses, but quite frequently, I receive requests from freelancers asking for my help. Most of the time I have to say no; they can’t afford me. I feel embarrassed saying this, but also, why should anyone work for less than their normal rates?
Luckily, last year, it occurred to me that I should run a public training program for freelancers.
I can’t believe that I didn’t think of this earlier!
The first cohort of this training program (creatively titled Sales for Freelancers) was not only a hit with my trainees, but a hit with me. It was so very rewarding. Connecting with freelancers that wanted to find more confidence and excitement about selling their services was awesome, because frankly, I’ve been there, I know how hard it is, and I wanted to help them avoid many of the common pitfalls that come with being self-employed. Here’s my wonderful first cohort of trainees:
It was amazing to be able to help these folks to learn to love the sales process! Sounds impossible, I know. I post a lot on LinkedIn, so if you want to get a feel for what I’m all about, check out my posts here.
And if you’re a freelancer and would like to join the 4-week program in March, I’d love to speak with you. Here’s my calendar so that you can book a time for a chat. The price point is super affordable and you’ll meet an amazing group of super lovely people. Can’t wait to meet you!
Three:
I haven’t read David Nicholl’s best seller One Day, but I watched the movie adaptation a few years ago. The book is hugely popular but I didn’t love the film, so I was surprised when I found myself clicking on the TV adaptation and ploughing through it in about 3 sittings. It was so, so good. I actually left a party early so I could come home and watch the last few episodes, even though I know what happens!
I have a low key obsession with the process of casting shows and movies, because the right cast can truly make or break it, and I gotta say, One Day hit it out of the park with this cast. The female lead was an interesting choice in my opinion, because she's pretty in a typical way, and we all know that for a woman to be a love interest in movies and TV, she usually has to be good looking. But Ambika Mod brought subtly, humour, wisdom, and beauty to this character and I cannot imagine anyone else in the role. That’s always my litmus test for casting choices: could I imagine another actor in this role? If yes, then I think the actor that was actually cast in the role was the wrong choice.
The other main character in the movie was the soundtrack. I was so happy to be reminded of songs that I had long forgotten, and had this one blasting for days afterwards. There’s no other word for it….it’s a banger!
I put the trailer here, but trailers these days spoil everything, so don’t watch it! Just go ahead and watch the show. Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Four:
This is a bit random, but I use the phrase “does that make sense?” all the freaking time, and I’m sick of hearing myself say it. Here are some other ways to get that idea across:
Do you need any further clarification?
What are your thoughts?
How does that sound to you?
Is that clear?
Do you have any questions?
What do you think so far?
Does that sound logical?
Are you following this?
Does that answer your question?
So….I hope that all makes sense!
Have a great week, and I’ll be back in your inboxes soon :)
✨