Talking about the US vs. EU event, it seems to me that Europeans generally find it harder to spend money on this stuff. In my surroundings, I'd say 4/5 people consider me to be a weirdo for spending so much money on the WM course (I always have to mention it was a discount hahah). With Americans, it seems different. I can also tell that from the way they act/ask questions in the ICM coaching calls.
Now that you've mentioned retainers and "being special", you've enlightened me a bit. I was freelancing before and got into retainers thinking that's what would make me money. But in all honesty, it sucked the life out of me so much so that I went into the regular employment. I did not know how to freelance properly and how to make money properly. Now that I have the knowledge from the ICM program, it's so hard to get back to building business because the fear atm is greater (for more reasons, which are not for public comments, obviously). That "being special" thought sparked a memory. I once participated in the photo contest and the award was a yearly access to the museum that organized the contest. I applied just to see how it works and if I could win it, and I won it. Guess what? I've never used my yearly ticket to that museum and I've been there numerous times before. 😅 That's the thing that happens with retainers. Clients think they can have you, you stop being interesting, you wear off...
Thanks for the episode, I do listen to these podcasts regularly, I never missed one, especially lately. They also provoke me most of the time to question where I'm at every time (last episode for example). So, yes, keep them coming!
Oh man, this is a great one. Thanks for the transparency. The all-access buffet model is always soul-destroying for the people delivering the actual work. If there is no scarcity, there is no respect. As good old Paddy Kavanagh put it:
We have tested and tasted too much, lover-
Through a chink too wide there comes in no wonder.
"At AJ & Smart we're really good launching things in a way that people actually want to buy them" my bank account can vouch for this hahah. Really interesting podcast - so much seems to come back to the ability to build momentum and can see why focusing on an epic launch would do that!
The retainer paradox (seemingly awesome steady stream of cash which ends up creating fatigue and animosity) is so true! I've always loved one-off project work way better.
Gotta think about that Zone of Genius - thanks for the spark.
Based in LA and yeah would be interested in learning how to business like AJ Smart.
Really great perspective as I build my biz plan. I appreciate the idea of positioning the business as a “special experience” for customers. I was stuck in the mindset of finding MRR and utilizing subscription models, but as a service provider it becomes exhausting to manage, especially since I like to customize.
Also, I live in West Hollywood in LA and would SO BE DOWN to participate in whatever you and Laura do!
Great episode! I think that the “not being special” anymore also applies to internal group dynamics… at least in my case I see that I am more appreciated when other teams ask for my help, it is new for them and they feel special as well…
I think I know the person that was upset not being able to renew the subscription to ICM 😉 it is a real shame for me, I hope to be able to come back… AJ&Smart is still super super special for me, subscription or no subscription 🧡
I love how you are trying things and seeing what sticks and discarding the things that just don’t feed the heart, souls and pocketbooks of AJ& Smart. Intentional Design Thinking😊. You always said how much you prefer in-person events.
Come to LA! Missed you last time. There are a few of us here who can help on the ground as well.
In regards to our ‘zone of genius’ - in simple terms - it’s so important for our own self-mastery, but also to understand others and be less frustrated when others don’t fulfill our exact expectations(think you mentioned the lanyard incident 😉in a previous podcast). The things we notice and/or do really well are pointers. Our unconscious expectation can be that others see and/or find it easy as well.
What we do well + our enjoyment and experience of flow = our zone of genius.
What is an actionable takeaway from Gay Hebdricks book so far?
🙏🏻 u for sharing - I like the Uncut Jonathon - no need to edit.
Talking about the US vs. EU event, it seems to me that Europeans generally find it harder to spend money on this stuff. In my surroundings, I'd say 4/5 people consider me to be a weirdo for spending so much money on the WM course (I always have to mention it was a discount hahah). With Americans, it seems different. I can also tell that from the way they act/ask questions in the ICM coaching calls.
Now that you've mentioned retainers and "being special", you've enlightened me a bit. I was freelancing before and got into retainers thinking that's what would make me money. But in all honesty, it sucked the life out of me so much so that I went into the regular employment. I did not know how to freelance properly and how to make money properly. Now that I have the knowledge from the ICM program, it's so hard to get back to building business because the fear atm is greater (for more reasons, which are not for public comments, obviously). That "being special" thought sparked a memory. I once participated in the photo contest and the award was a yearly access to the museum that organized the contest. I applied just to see how it works and if I could win it, and I won it. Guess what? I've never used my yearly ticket to that museum and I've been there numerous times before. 😅 That's the thing that happens with retainers. Clients think they can have you, you stop being interesting, you wear off...
Thanks for the episode, I do listen to these podcasts regularly, I never missed one, especially lately. They also provoke me most of the time to question where I'm at every time (last episode for example). So, yes, keep them coming!
It is always a pleasure to listen to you Jonathan: simple, direct, clear. You always manage to give me new food for thought, thank you!
Love your podcast and being able to listen to your weekly notes, I hope you go on sharing your thoughts with us!
Oh man, this is a great one. Thanks for the transparency. The all-access buffet model is always soul-destroying for the people delivering the actual work. If there is no scarcity, there is no respect. As good old Paddy Kavanagh put it:
We have tested and tasted too much, lover-
Through a chink too wide there comes in no wonder.
"At AJ & Smart we're really good launching things in a way that people actually want to buy them" my bank account can vouch for this hahah. Really interesting podcast - so much seems to come back to the ability to build momentum and can see why focusing on an epic launch would do that!
Love it. Will try jump on coaching call later to ask a follow up q on this!
The retainer paradox (seemingly awesome steady stream of cash which ends up creating fatigue and animosity) is so true! I've always loved one-off project work way better.
Gotta think about that Zone of Genius - thanks for the spark.
Based in LA and yeah would be interested in learning how to business like AJ Smart.
I aspire to be as unbothered as you are one day.
Appreciate you taking the time to record these, it's fun to get a glimpse into the inner workings of the company, and your mind.
Really great perspective as I build my biz plan. I appreciate the idea of positioning the business as a “special experience” for customers. I was stuck in the mindset of finding MRR and utilizing subscription models, but as a service provider it becomes exhausting to manage, especially since I like to customize.
Also, I live in West Hollywood in LA and would SO BE DOWN to participate in whatever you and Laura do!
Great episode! I think that the “not being special” anymore also applies to internal group dynamics… at least in my case I see that I am more appreciated when other teams ask for my help, it is new for them and they feel special as well…
I think I know the person that was upset not being able to renew the subscription to ICM 😉 it is a real shame for me, I hope to be able to come back… AJ&Smart is still super super special for me, subscription or no subscription 🧡
I love how you are trying things and seeing what sticks and discarding the things that just don’t feed the heart, souls and pocketbooks of AJ& Smart. Intentional Design Thinking😊. You always said how much you prefer in-person events.
Come to LA! Missed you last time. There are a few of us here who can help on the ground as well.
In regards to our ‘zone of genius’ - in simple terms - it’s so important for our own self-mastery, but also to understand others and be less frustrated when others don’t fulfill our exact expectations(think you mentioned the lanyard incident 😉in a previous podcast). The things we notice and/or do really well are pointers. Our unconscious expectation can be that others see and/or find it easy as well.
What we do well + our enjoyment and experience of flow = our zone of genius.
What is an actionable takeaway from Gay Hebdricks book so far?
🙏🏻 u for sharing - I like the Uncut Jonathon - no need to edit.
LA event in August? I might be down to go!
I'd definitely be interested in attending your L.A. event in August!
Appreciate the transparency and share, as always.
And yes, launching is fun! I call the afterglow of it "positive drama", because you never know what to expect post launch - in the best way possible.