Here’s a quiz question for you:  When is it time to talk to others about what you really feel about a conversation with a client?  An easy answer would be when the client leaves the room.

Having been on the wrong side of that answer on multiple occasions, I’m definitely not in agreement with that easy answer.   It’s embarrassing to admit how many times I’ve been with a colleague who thought the coast was clear, and launched into a rather loud and vocal response about what they really thought of that conversation!  It’s uncanny how often the individual or client materializes from nowhere, allowing them to hear things they definitely were not supposed to hear. We never know exactly how much they’ve heard, but they are rarely smiling when they do. Not only does it have a direct, negative impact on the connection you worked so hard to make, but it also makes for an awkward couple of moments.

How about when you get in the elevator, and those elevator doors close? Can you talk openly to your colleague now?  That would be a – no.  I was with a colleague of mine who came to watch me put on a workshop, and I had specifically asked for him to not to say anything about my workshop, or the audience, until we were clear of the building.  When the elevator doors closed, he had some not so nice things to say about the client, and he was speaking in a rather loud voice.  Unfortunately, he was speaking so loudly we didn’t notice the elevator had never actually moved and was just sitting there.  Twenty seconds into this particular diatribe, the elevator doors reopened. My client was standing right in front of us.  I’m not sure how much he heard, but strangely enough, he wasn’t smiling.

Once in the cab or Uber; surely we’re safe at this point!  Sorry, I need to give this one a big, fat – no-eeew!  Chicago, 2005.  I’m speaking at a big meeting with a casual friend who really wanted to see me deliver a seminar.  This person was unusually outspoken so begrudgingly I agreed to let her to attend under one condition.  She was not to comment about the seminar, or my client, or ask me any questions whatsoever until we were in the cab.  While we waited for the cab driver to finish loading the bags, my outspoken friend wasted no times mocking the audience and the senior manager of the company.  The same senior manager who hired me.  The windows were open, and on cue, as if to materialize from nowhere, in my peripheral vision there stood that senior manager. I don’t know exactly how much he heard, and although I left him inside smiling, he wasn’t smiling now.  He looked both hurt and angry, mumbled he enjoyed the presentation, and left quickly.  Oh, and we never did business again.

Ladies and gentlemen, ask me when is it time to talk to others about how you really feel about a conversation with a client, and I have two answers: If you feel a burning need to talk about a meeting, or a conversation you’ve had with others, I’m going to suggest the one block rule.  If what needs to be said is so darn important, then once you are out of the office, out of the elevator, out of the building, in the cab, and one block away, you can launch into your diatribes and have your discussions!

My second suggestion is to avoid having the conversation at all.  Remember, I’ve been using the word “diatribe” for a reason.  I’m not referring to positive conversations about our clients or ourselves.  A diatribe is usually angry, or critical, or bitter about someone or something.  Clearly, some situations are easier than others, but not only would I prefer not to criticize or speak unkindly about my clients a block away; I’d prefer not to do it at all. 

 

 

 

What do you get when combine energy, enthusiasm… and great content?  You get a “Pocket Sized Pep Talk!”  Tune in and you’ll hear a collection of BLArticles®, conversations, and interviews that are sure to teach, motivate, inspire, and oh yes; entertain!   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pocket-sized-pep-talks/id1497772972

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was also on, “It’s Not Rocket Science! Five Questions Over Coffee,” a fun podcast with Stuart Webb.   You can listen to the podcast here: https://thecompleteapproach.substack.com/p/five-questions-over-coffee-with-rob#details

If you are looking for something to listen to on your next coffee break you might enjoy this brief chat between me and Tom Bailey, Founder of Succeed Through Speaking and the Succeed Through Speaking podcast. Listen closely if you would like some high value ideas to boost your business results.

You can read the transcript here – https://bit.ly/3BOfU7o

You can watch the podcast here – https://youtu.be/w-QgGvweE2M

You can listen to the podcast here – https://apple.co/2YVGWuN

I Zoomed my way to India to speak with Motivational Diaries, and Ashish Janiani.  We spoke for about 30 minutes about sales processes and training for success. 

   Sales Process To Sales Success || Interview With Robert Jolles – YouTube

If you want to read some “Life Lessons” I was able to share in a recent interview, you’ll find them here:  https://worldclassperformer.com/short-life-lessons-from-robert-jolles/

I had the pleasure of appearing on Robert Miller’s, Follow Your Dream Podcast and thoroughly enjoyed the discussion.  We go way back in this conversation to my first memories of performance… at age four!  I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!  https://follow-your-dream.simplecast.com/episodes/rob-jolles-superstar-salesman

I took another spin on, “The Abundant Accountant” podcast, and talked about a number of issues including  why sales training so often fails found here:  https://theabundantaccountant.com/episode-101-why-sales-training-for-accountants-and-tax-firm-owners-fails-and-how-to-avoid-it-with-rob-jolles

I also mixed it up with a wonderful podcaster, Terry McDougall on her Marketing Mambo show.  As she puts it, we “Cha-cha-chatted!”  If you want to hear sales and marketing go toe-to-toe, you’ll enjoy this show. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1569061/8172686-the-art-of-influence-in-sales-and-marketing-with-rob-jolles

I recently did a podcast with a wonderful, new, and up-and-coming star named Jahmaal Marshall.  His podcast is called, “Listen Then Speak.”  I’ve done a lot of podcasts, but we got into topics I rarely talk about, and I’m quite sure you’ll enjoy the show!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-then-speak/id1550684472

I’ve appeared on the “Small Business Advocate Show” with Jim Blasingame for almost 20 years now, and you’ll find dozens of our conversations on his website.  We just sat down a few weeks ago for a great conversation about selling fundamentals and the strategic use of stories.  Here’s a link to over 100 interviews done over the years, including my most recent interview that explores our many behaviors we display that are based more on a default mechanism than actual logic. https://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/small-business-experts/rob-jolles-134

We posted a video series on delivering amazing online presentations with my friend, Jeremy Webb.  We go over some great stuff including:

• How to Select the Best Equipment for Online Presentations
• Pro Tips for Sustaining Interest in Online Presentations
• How to Look Like a Pro!
• Public Speaking Anxiety Tip
• Virtual Office Setup for Online Presentations

You’ll find the whole playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRO7BsBDl6oL-6ZPW3O01x-g5PiR38ljL

I was recently interviewed on the “Salesman Podcast,” which was a lot of fun. If you’re looking to Change Minds, check out this podcast: https://www.salesman.org/the-simple-step-by-step-process-to-influence-anyone-with-rob-jolles/

I loved talking about the book, Why People Don’t Believe You on a podcast that I’m sure you’ll like called Onward Nation: https://predictiveroi.com/podcasts/rob-jolles/

After 30+ years as a professional speaker and trainer, one of the most common questions I get is this: “How do we make sure the training sticks?”  Take a moment and listen to this podcast; “SalesChats” with John Golden.  If you want to know why most training fails, listen up! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR3dDOlTK7U&list=FLxBXKhqz0xBwbUPMqNthAJA&index=2&t=1293s