Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Debate the argument, not the rules.

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imagesIn last weeks newsletter I talked about 3 things I learned at the International Public Debate Association National Tournament. I was talking with a friend after the newsletter went out, she mentioned that within 48 hours she’d already quoted one of my points to someone. So I thought I’d make sure you caught it…

Debate the argument, not the rules. In one round a debater said, “the IPDA bylaws 6.1 state he can’t do that.” Buck up camper, not everyone plays by the rules. Not everyone will play by the rules, and you can choose to debate the rules and fairness, OR the resolution at hand. Have a solid argument, back it up with facts, and let the judge decide.

How often do you debate the rule instead of the argument?

You Know What Assuming Does…

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Welcome to Arkansas!This past weekend I had the pleasure of judging at the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) National Tournament in Arkansas. It was GREAT! I had a lot of fun and learned a ton from the kids (you’ll see in tomorrows newsletter). One thing that I was reminded of is how often we make assumptions about our audience. My favorite, of course, was the debate about how Facebook has changed the culture. And the assumptions both sides made on the argument, using terms and phrases without defining them.

When you meet with someone for the first time, especially outside your industry, make sure to define the terms. Don’t make assumptions about what they do or don’t know. There’s polite ways to ask and define terms without making assumptions. Try not to alienate your audience, they could be your next big client.

Fun, Overwhelming Schedules

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Hank uses a security blanket
Hank uses a security blank

I feel like I’ve been running around like crazy over the past month. I leave for Arkansas on Thursday (it’s a weird story, but I promise there will be photos), and so I’ve been spending this week trying to get as much taken care of for clients as I can. I’m in a state of reaction which is NOT a great mode for me and on top of it all, my car is in the shop. Life is GOOD.

So why am I telling you?

Because we all get this way. And in the moment sometimes you don’t think it’ll end. There’s a long list of things I need to get done. New clients are coming out of the woodwork right now. Which is FANTASTIC, but managing all the clients, and my schedule, and setting REALISTIC expectations is a challenge. So at the moment, no new clients till April. And spending 15 minutes going over all the work I need to do for each client helps to make sure I’m not letting anything fall through the cracks.

Lists are my best friend. Always have been, always will be. but especially when I’m busy, write it down, keep a list, over communicate, this is how I make it through.

When you’re busy and stressed and on deadlines how do you manage it?

The new JT album is helping, I’ll tell you that much!