Strike a pose…
“Respect is how to treat everyone, not just those you want to impress.”
-Richard Branson
The First Sip
Good morning, Sunday Brewers!
In this issue we’re diving into inter-generational friendships, power poses, Elon’s new title (Hail to the… King?), how to *really* disconnect and much more.
Let’s dive in!
Generational differences can be hard to overcome.
Elderly people often can’t understand why “teenagers” constantly have their noses in screens.
Likewise, many young adults can’t comprehend why their parents and grandparents say and do things that are no longer “cool.”
Recently, I saw a story about a 99-year-old woman and a high school student in British Columbia forming an amazing friendship and it made me smile.
The unlikely relationship began when Myrtle MacDonald (99) signed up for a local program designed to connect lonely and isolated individuals with other people.
The entire goal of the program is to give people someone to talk to.
Myrtle was elated when she was paired up with 17-year-old Jaelyn Bjornerud-Brown, who shares a common interest: nursing.
“I just found her more interested and less in a hurry than I expected. It has filled an empty spot,” Myrtle says.
The program recommends participants spend at least 30 minutes per week speaking with their senior friends.
But Myrtle and Jaelyn’s conversations go wayyyy beyond that…
“I love and look forward to getting to talk to her every week. [We talk] about an hour and 15 minutes, the time just goes by so quickly,” says Jaelyn.
And while Jaelyn is certainly a fountain of joy for Myrtle, this is far from a one-sided relationship.
The bright-eyed teenager picks up incredible life lessons every time they speak.
“In high school they kind of say you go to school, you get a job, you have kids. It’s a linear thing [but] talking to her has made me realize I don’t have to limit myself to one thing. I can have it all,” she says.
Just goes to show you…we all have something valuable to share with those around us.
What can you share with someone this week to lift their spirits and help them grow?
1 Caffeinated Neurohack
I’m all about tech…
As you know, I run my entire business virtually – and my focus is on helping insurance and financial advisors do the same.
So while I believe in the power of technology and encourage advisors to make the most out of social media, email, apps, smartphones, etc., I also realize the importance of disconnecting.
As difficult as it can be – and as impossible as it may sound – I’d encourage you to try a screen-free weekend soon.
What’s a screen-free weekend?
Well, it’s precisely what it sounds like…no smartphone, no laptop, no table, and no TV.
Researchers have studied the power of disconnecting from screens for 24-72 hours and have discovered it yields benefits like:
- Closer interpersonal relationships
- Increased productivity
- Enhanced focus
- Higher self-worth
- More mindfulness
- Lower stress and anxiety
- Improved physical health
I know what you’re thinking…
That sounds great, but I run a BUSINESS! I can’t possibly go off the grid for an entire weekend.
But I’d challenge you to figure out a way. Here are a few tips:
- Hire a virtual assistant to serve as your “triage” person for any issues that may occur over the weekend.
- Change your voicemail greeting to explain that you’re taking some time off and that all urgent matters can be directed to your assistant.
- Set up an email auto-responder to do the same thing.
- Unplug your home’s internet router.
- Turn off your devices and put them out of reach.
I know…it still sounds a little crazy, but will you give it a try?
Technology is great, but we have to learn how to set boundaries.
If you’re willing to unplug for a couple of days, I’m confident you’ll come back refreshed and focused. (As a result, you’ll be able to serve your clients better.)
Marketing Psychology Quick Hit
Think about a time when you walked into a meeting with a prospect or client and were totally unprepared or “out of your element.”
How did it make you feel?
Now contrast that with a time when you started a meeting with total and absolute confidence.
You had done your research on the prospect…
You knew exactly what you were going to say…
And you believed in your message…
How much better did that meeting go?
I believe confidence plays a HUGE role in success.
Yes, you have to be knowledgeable, but confidence is integral.
And in some situations, all you have to do is PORTRAY confidence.
In other words, if you can present yourself as being a confident advisor, people are going to take you more seriously and listen more intently.
I truly believe that…
So that begs the question: How can you portray confidence…even if you aren’t totally sure of how the meeting will go?
According to researchers, it starts with POSTURE.
Research from two Ivy League business schools shows that posing in an expansive “high-power” pose (like a Superman pose) for 2 minutes prior to a meeting can stimulate testosterone AND lower levels of cortisol.
Likewise, they found that power postures lead to increased feelings of power and a much higher tolerance for risk.
So next time you’re preparing to go into a meeting, close the door to your office and spend some time in a power pose.
It might feel weird at first…but hey…you can’t argue with science!
Weekly Industry Catch-Up
Stocks enjoyed a strong start to the week before tumbling off in the latter half of the week. Just par for the volatile course these days!
Here are some noteworthy items of interest from the past week:
🔹 Okay…let’s do 30 more days. Think tensions are high in the offices of the IRS? Not only are they dealing with a backlog of 6.7 million returns, but they’re also in the middle of dishing out $150M worth of stimulus payments, waiving taxes on the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits, and figuring out how to handle the new child tax credit…
So on Wednesday, an overwhelmed IRS screamed “UNCLE!” and decided to push the tax-filing deadline back to May 17…with one caveat:
The extension only applies to federal income tax payments. Many states have already moved their own deadlines out to July…but you’ll have to check with your state.
🔹 It’s happening…! Well, kind of…sort of…almost. Morgan Stanley has become the first major U.S. bank to offer its clients access to Bitcoin funds. But again, there’s a little caveat:
Only Morgan Stanely’s wealthiest clients – those with at least $2M in assets will be able to invest in the funds. The higher-ups are going on the record as saying BTC is only suitable for those with “an aggressive risk tolerance.” Okay…we’ll call it progress.
🔹 All hail the ‘Technoking!’ Elon Musk doesn’t want to be called a CEO anymore…he prefers the title “Technoking of Tesla.” He even filed it with the SEC this past week. His CFO, Zach Kirkhorn, now goes by “Master of Coin.”
In related news, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess says they’re going all-in on electric vehicles and will “get close and then overtake” Tesla. (What, no respect for the Technoking??)
What’s New With Advisorist
[📝 ] 36 Tips Insurance & Financial Advisors are Using to Generate 5+ Appointments Every…Single…Week
In your corner,
Jeremiah
