This morning, I got access to Chatgpt 4o.
According to Open AI, it is a better, faster and most advanced model yet.
But that is a talk for another day.
Today’s newsletter will be a bit lengthy.
Instead of 3 frameworks, I will share 6.
Since I missed yesterday’s newsletter due to an emergency, I am writing yesterday’s frameworks today.
These days my focus is on LinkedIn events.
And you should focus on them too.
Live events, such as:
- Webinars
- Q&A sessions
- Panel discussions
Offer a different way to engage your target audience and generate leads.
Most authority leaders and Top Voices are happy to hop on a call with you.
And if you are comfortable with video events, you can go with audio events.
Both LinkedIn and Twitter have this option.
Audio events are better.
If your audience has internet or bandwidth issues, they can easily connect to an audio event as compared to a video event.
Here’s how to effectively use live events to capture high-quality leads:
Step 1: Event Planning and Promotion
If you haven’t defined your target audience or who you want to attract, please do so.
This is important.
Tailor the event’s theme to the interests and needs of your audience.
For example,
Most freelancers and agency owners want to learn how to get more clients.
So, you can talk about “How to get more clients from social media”
For example,
Most freelancers and agency owners want to learn how to get more clients.
So, you can talk about “How to get more clients from social media”
Then, you need an authority figure to talk about it.
A good approach is to partner with industry influencers who can draw a crowd.
Their endorsement will lend credibility and extend your reach.
Use organic posts and paid ads on LinkedIn and Twitter to promote your event.
Highlight the value and unique insights attendees will gain.
Step 2: Engage During the Event
If you want to make your event successful, make sure it is not about you or the speaker.
Instead, it is about the needs, problems, challenges, goals or aspirations of your audience.
Structure your event to be interactive.
Give voice to the audience through Q&A sessions, live polls, and challenges to keep the audience engaged.
Address common challenges in your industry and share potential solutions to it.
Provide event-specific incentives like
- Free consultations,
- Trial subscriptions, or
- Discounts on services
Exclusively for attendees who sign up or express interest during the event.
Step 3: Follow-Up for Lead Conversion
The magic and results will come after the event.
This is where you will sign up people for your offer.
After the event, send a thank-you note with a summary of the event and a call to action within 24 hours.
I like to send it within an hour or two.
And if you promised them an incentive, share that as well.
Continue the conversation with a series of nurturing DMs or emails.
Provide additional value, encouraging leads to take the next step in your sales funnel.
Framework – Event-Driven Lead Generation Matrix
It’s a 3-step process.
Events are great for positioning you as an authority and trustworthy figure.
Each phase should take you about 2-3 hours.
And the ROI on this time investment is high.
Pre-Event
Planning and promotion strategies aligned with targeted lead profiles.
Things to do at this stage:
- Identify target audience
- Create content that addresses specific pain points or interests of your target audience.
- Use different marketing strategies to promote the event and get more people to attend it.
- Outreach
- Social media posts
- Email your list
- Partnership promotion with influencers or industry leaders.
- Make sure attending the event is easy.
- Send a reminder message to everyone before the event.
During Event
Engagement tactics tailored to capture lead information and spark interest.
Things to do at this stage:
- Keep the audience engaged during the live event:
- Polls
- Q&A sessions
- Live discussions
- Adjust the flow of the event based on audience interaction levels to maintain interest.
- Deploy lead capture mechanisms during the event, such as offering downloadable resources or exclusive offers.
Post-Event
Follow-up processes that nurture leads towards conversion, using personalized and value-focused communication.
Things to do at this stage:
- end a thank-you DM to all participants within 24 hours of the event’s conclusion.
- Keep nurturing participants after the event through a series of DM strategies that include a mix of educational content, special offers, and invitations to future events.
The question is, how to manage all of this?
Well, we have Notion to manage everything:
- Event timelines
- Checklists
- Pre-event prep
- Follow-up actions post-event
Pro tip: Integrate this dashboard with your existing CRM system to streamline data flow and ensure that all lead information is captured and utilized effectively.
A lot of people in the service industry are defrauded by the name of automation.
When it comes to automation, people think that they will just sit and relax.
Things will run on autopilot.
This is certainly not the case.
What automation means is that your repetitive tasks, such as adding leads data to your CRM or just sending out DM or email to the masses would be automated.
So, tasks which are repetitive and require a lot of manual work will be automated.
And this boosts productivity.
You save a lot of time on trivial tasks without spending a fortune to hire a VA to do these things.
Recently, Notion has worked a lot on automation.
And you can also use 3rd party apps like Zapier or make.com
Their free version will get the work done.
You do not need to buy pro accounts.
Here’s how to set up automation in Notion to streamline your workflow:
Step 1 – Identify Repetitive Tasks
First of all, audit your workflow.
Take a week to note down all repetitive tasks you perform.
This could be anything from updating project statuses to scheduling meetings.
This might feel like a cringe in the start but you will thank me later.
Not everything can or should be automated.
Choose tasks that are time-consuming and don’t require creative input, such as data entry, task assignments, and regular updates.
Step 2: Set Up Automation in Notion
Previously, you had to connect your Notion with tools like Zapier or Automate.io to link with other apps.
Now, you can create automation directly in Notion.
This new feature has made Notion cool.
▶️ For example,
automatically update a Notion database when a new lead is added to your CRM.
Or, set reminders for project deadlines, invoice dates, or regular check-ins.
Notion can send notifications directly to your email or mobile device.
I use templates for almost anything – New clients, new projects, new journal entries, and new content pieces.
You should too. It saves time and takes out guesswork.
Step 3: Refine and Optimize
No efficiency is achieved without periodic refinement and improvement.
Set a time regularly to review how much time you’re saving and adjust your automation as needed.
I do a weekly audit of my time.
This usually involves tweaking the triggers or actions in my automation setup.
As you become more comfortable with automation, gradually expand them to include other areas like customer feedback collection or regular reporting.
Framework – The Notion Automation Matrix
Now, this tip would be incomplete without a framework.
The Notion Automation Matrix consists of three main components:
- Input Automation
- Process Automation
- Output Automation
Input Automation
Automate data entry tasks.
Input automation focuses on capturing and logging data automatically.
This could include emails, meeting notes, or new leads.
By automating these tasks, you ensure data is consistently entered into your system without manual effort, reducing errors and saving time.
▶️ Examples
– Emails to Notion: Automatically log emails into Notion for easy tracking and follow-up.
– CRM Integration: Capture new leads from your CRM and add them directly to a Notion database.
– Meeting Notes: Use tools like Zapier to automatically add meeting notes to Notion after a calendar event.
Tools required to setup Input Automation – Notion, Zapier, Make.com
Process Automation
Automate workflows that trigger actions within Notion.
Process automation manages workflows by automating actions based on specific triggers.
This component helps in maintaining consistency and ensuring that routine processes are followed without manual intervention.
It’s particularly useful for task assignments, status updates, and setting reminders.
▶️ Examples
– Task Status Update: Automatically change the status of a task when a related document is uploaded.
– Task Assignment: Pre-assign tasks to team members when a new project template is created.
– Reminders: Set reminders for project deadlines, invoice dates, or regular check-ins.
Tools required to set up process automation – Notion, Native Notion Automation.
Output Automation
Automate report generation and notifications.
Output automation focuses on generating and distributing information based on specific triggers.
This helps in keeping everyone informed and ensuring that critical data is readily available without manual compilation.
▶️ Examples
– Reports: Automatically generate weekly performance reports in Notion from collected data
– Notifications: Send notifications for upcoming deadlines, project updates, or task completions directly to your email or mobile device.
Tools required to set up output automation – Notion, Zapier, Email/Mobile Notifications.
I like to run fast.
I started walking earlier as a toddler.
I am quite ambitious.
I am a high achiever and performer.
These are the kind of phrases you will hear from my friends and family.
Truth is, I am nothing of the sort.
My secret is measuring my performance and then reviewing it in a weekly and quarterly basis.
This helps me:
- Keep on track
- Keeps me focused on my goals
- Identifies areas for improvement
And a lot of credit goes to Notion for streamlining this process, making it more efficient and impactful.
Here’s how to set up a Quarterly Personal Review process in Notion:
Step 1 – Create a QBR Template
Develop a template in Notion that includes sections for review metrics, objectives assessment, challenges, and future goals.
This standardizes the review process and ensures consistency.
I have already shared my OKR and goal-planning template with you.
Include financial performance, client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and productivity metrics.
Step 2 – Collect Data and Prepare for the Review
Integrate Notion with your other business tools (like CRM, and financial software) to automatically update key metrics in your template.
Or, just add fields for mapping down data manually. I do it manually.
Because I do a weekly review and then use those weekly insights to review my quarter.
Step 3: Conduct the QBR
Most people do a quarterly review. And that is enough.
I recommend doing a weekly review to gather insights for quarterly review.
Set recurring dates each quarter in Notion’s calendar.
Use your template to foster open discussions about what worked, what didn’t, and how to address challenges. Align on objectives for the next quarter.
Step 4: Actionable Follow-Up
End each quarterly review with clear action items and assign owners.
Notion can track these tasks with deadlines and reminders.
Use the OKR and goal-setting dashboard in Notion to monitor the progress of action items and the impact of strategic decisions made during the quarterly review.
Framework – The Strategic Alignment Framework
- Review: Analyze the past quarter’s data to identify successes and areas for improvement.
- Align: Ensure that the team’s efforts and goals are aligned with the overall business strategy.
- Plan: Set actionable goals for the upcoming quarter, with clear metrics for success.
- Execute: Implement the plans with continuous monitoring and adjustments as needed.
Managing Client Expectations with Transparent Communication During Project Delays
I hate to miss deadlines.
I dread this more than anything.
As a freelancer or agency owner, project delays can be inevitable.
However, how you handle these delays can make or break client relationships.
In such scenarios, I am always honest. Open communication is key to maintaining trust and managing expectations effectively.
Why Open Communication Matters
When delays occur, clients can feel anxious or frustrated, impacting their overall satisfaction.
By being upfront and transparent about delays, you can mitigate these negative feelings and foster a sense of trust and reliability.
Here is a simple approach to managing such a crisis.
Step 1 – Immediate Acknowledgment
As soon as you realize there will be a delay, inform your client immediately.
This shows respect for their time and keeps them in the loop.
▶️ Example
“Hi [Client],
I wanted to inform you that we are experiencing a delay due to [specific reason].
I understand this might affect our timeline and I wanted to keep you updated.”
Step 2 – Provide a Clear Explanation
Explain the reason for the delay clearly and concisely.
Avoid jargon and be honest about the situation.
▶️ Example
“The delay is due to [specific issue], which has caused a setback in our progress.
We are working diligently to resolve this.”
Step 3 – Offer a Revised Timeline
Give your client a realistic new timeline for the project’s completion.
Ensure that this new timeline accounts for potential unforeseen issues to avoid further delays.
▶️ Example
“We anticipate that this issue will be resolved by [new date], and we aim to complete the project by [revised deadline].”
Step 4 – Communicate Progress Regularly
Keep your client updated on the progress being made to resolve the issue.
Regular updates reassure the client that you are actively working to get back on track.
▶️ Example
“We have made progress on [specific task], and we are confident that we will meet the revised timeline.”
Step 5 – Offer Solutions or Alternatives
If the delay significantly impacts the client’s plans, offer alternative solutions or compensatory services.
▶️ Example
“To minimize the impact on your project, we can [offer alternative solutions, such as additional features, a discount, or expedited services once the issue is resolved].”
Step 6 – Seek Client Feedback
After resolving the delay, ask for feedback on how the situation was handled.
This shows your commitment to improvement and client satisfaction.
▶️ Example
“We appreciate your patience during this delay.
Could you please provide feedback on how we managed the situation and any suggestions for improvement?”
Framework – The Transparent Communication Model
- Proactive Notification – Immediately inform clients about delays. Be honest and specific about the reason.
- Clear Explanation – Use simple, jargon-free language. Ensure the client understands the cause of the delay.
- Revised Timeline – Provide a realistic new deadline. Account for potential issues to avoid further delays.
- Regular Updates – Keep clients informed about progress. Reassure them that you are actively working to resolve the issue.
- Solutions and Alternatives – Offer compensatory services or solutions. Aim to minimize the impact on the client’s plans.
- Client Feedback Loop – Seek feedback post-resolution. Use insights to improve future communication and handling of delays.
- Documentation and Monitoring – Keep detailed records of all communications. Monitor the effectiveness of different strategies and adjust based on feedback.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage client expectations during project delays, maintaining their trust and satisfaction.
A few months back, I read about marketing assets online.
And I was hooked.
Why?
Because I was looking for assets to invest in.
As a marketer, this seemed like the one with the most ROI.
One that I can create easily weekly.
Marketing assets remain relevant and valuable, continuously driving traffic to your site.
Unlike trendy topics that quickly become outdated, marketing assets provide long-term benefits, ensuring a steady stream of visitors and engagement.
They will help:
- Establish your authority in your niche
- Improves SEO
- Provides consistent value to your audience.
By focusing on topics that are always in demand, you ensure your content remains useful and engaging over time.
Here is a step by step process to create marketing assets.
Step 1 – Identify Evergreen Topics
Write on problems that every generation faces. Like time management.
Challenges every business has, such as sales or marketing.
Focus on topics with lasting relevance and consistent interest.
Use tools like Google Trends, AnswerThePublic, and keyword research to identify subjects that people frequently search for.
▶️ Example
“How to Create a Successful Content Marketing Strategy,”
“Beginner’s Guide to SEO,”
“Essential Tips for Remote Work Productivity.”
Step 2 – Prioritize Quality and Depth
Then, stay ahead of your competitors by creating comprehensive, in-depth content that covers the topic thoroughly.
High-quality, detailed articles are more likely to rank well in search engines and attract backlinks.
They also position you as a thought leader and an expert in your field.
▶️ Example
Write a detailed guide on “How to Improve Website Speed” covering everything from basic to advanced techniques.
Step 3 – Use Clear and Timeless Language
Never show off by writing complex terminologies. Instead of writing in plain and simple English.
Avoid using slang, jargon, or references that may date your content.
Use clear, straightforward language that remains relevant over time.
▶️ Example
Instead of saying “latest trend,” use “commonly used method.”
Step 4 – Update Regularly
Periodically review and update your marketing assets to keep it accurate and relevant.
Add new information, update statistics, and ensure all links are current.
Maybe do this every three or six months or so.
▶️ Example
Schedule a quarterly review of your top-performing articles to refresh outdated content.
Step 5 – Optimize for SEO
Despite AI and other trends, SEO has never disappointed.
Sure it is complex at first like content but it will pay off hugely.
Use SEO best practices to ensure your content ranks well.
Focus on keyword optimization, meta descriptions, internal linking, and high-quality images with alt text.
▶️ Example
Optimize an article on “Email Marketing Best Practices” by including relevant keywords, adding internal links to related content, and using descriptive alt text for images.
Step 6 – Promote Across Multiple Channels
Promote your content through various channels, including social media, email newsletters, and guest posts.
Continuous promotion ensures your content reaches a wider audience.
I strongly feel like I should write a guide on content promotion.
It is a pretty big yet the most underutilized marketing tool.
▶️ Example
Share your “Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing” across your social media platforms, and feature it in your email newsletter regularly.
Framework – The Marketing Assets Model
- Topic Selection – Identify topics with long-term relevance. Use tools like Google Trends and keyword research.
- Quality and Depth – Create detailed, high-quality content. Ensure comprehensive coverage of the topic.
- Timeless Language – Avoid slang and jargon. Use clear, straightforward language.
- Regular Updates – Review and update content periodically. Add new information and update statistics.
- SEO Optimization – Focus on keyword optimization and meta descriptions. Use internal linking and high-quality images with alt text.
- Multi-Channel Promotion – Promote content across social media, email, and guest posts. Ensure continuous visibility and reach.
When I was growing up, my father labelled me sensitive and weak.
He wasn’t wrong.
I had no idea how to act or survive without my comfort zone.
So, he spent a great amount of time to help me become resilient.
Which is essential for surviving in the world of business.
His efforts helped me a lot when I started navigating the challenges of freelancing or running an agency.
Today, I want to share those golden nuggets with you.
These will help you improve your ability to
- Cope with stress
- Stay focused
- Maintain a positive outlook
To become resilient, you must practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness helps you stay present, manage stress, and improve emotional regulation.
By incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine, you can build resilience and maintain a healthier, more balanced mindset.
I learned the following strategies from my father, neuroscientists and psychologists worldwide.
Step 1 – Start with Mindful Breathing
Begin your day with a few minutes of mindful breathing.
This simple practice helps centre your mind and prepares you for the day ahead.
▶️ Example
Spend 5 minutes each morning focusing on your breath. Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts.
Step 2 – Practice Mindful Listening
During meetings or conversations, practice mindful listening.
Learn NLP techniques for mindful listening.
This means giving your full attention to the speaker without planning your response or getting distracted.
▶️ Example
When on a call with a client, focus entirely on their words and tone, ensuring you understand their concerns and needs.
Step 3 – Incorporate Mindful Breaks
Take short breaks throughout your day to practice mindfulness.
Or use a Pomodoro timer when working so that you have scheduled breaks.
These breaks can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
▶️ Example
Every 30-minutes, take a 5-minute break to stand up, stretch, and take a few deep breaths.
Step 4 – Engage in Mindful Movement
Incorporate mindful movement practices like yoga or walking into your routine.
These days, I am focusing a lot on stretching.
I feel dull on days I am not stretching.
These activities combine physical exercise with mindfulness, promoting both mental and physical well-being.
▶️ Example
Spend 15 minutes doing yoga or taking a walk outside, focusing on the sensations in your body and your surroundings.
Step 5 – End Your Day with Gratitude
End your day with a gratitude practice.
I have a journal for this.
You can rewind your day in your mind.
Reflect on the positive aspects of your day, no matter how small, to cultivate a positive mindset.
▶️ Example
Before bed, write down three things you are grateful for.
This helps shift your focus from stress to appreciation.
Framework – The Mindful Resilience Model
This would be incomplete without the framework in place.
- Mindful Breathing – Start each day with focused breathing. Use a simple pattern: inhale, hold, exhale.
- Mindful Listening – Give full attention during conversations. Focus on understanding, not responding.
- Mindful Breaks – Take short breaks to practice mindfulness. Use these breaks to stretch and breathe.
- Mindful Movement – Engage in activities like yoga or walking. Focus on the sensations and surroundings.
- Gratitude Practice – End the day by reflecting on positive aspects. Write down three things you are grateful for.
By integrating these mindfulness practices into your daily routine, you can build resilience and maintain a balanced, positive mindset.
This approach not only helps manage stress but also enhances overall well-being, making you more effective in your professional and personal life.
A friend shared a piece of advice with me and it has stuck with me since then:
“It’s okay if things are going great right now. You can’t control your past or your future. All you can control is the present. Make the best of it. Take mindful and well-thought actions today to shape your tomorrow. Focus on this”
And this is solid advice for anyone looking to breakthrough.
