If you think you know the answers, then there's no need to diversify your approach.

You just do what you know.

When you don't have the answers, you're much more likely to try different things until you find out what works.

In the context of today's business environment especially, it might be a real good idea to assume you don't know the answers...even though you might think you do.

With so much uncertainty in the world right now, having some diversity in your approach is probably a good thing.

If you do, you should be more able to adapt when it turns out that you didn't know the answers.

What was true before simply may not be true tomorrow.

The More You Know, The Less You Diversify #1206

The Answer is The Question.

And the Question is...Why Do You Care?

If you're having trouble getting started writing that article, creating that content or even completing that job application...the Answer is that Question...

Why do you care?

Because if you can find the answer to that question, then you'll find you just start speaking from the heart, not the head.

Why do you care about that job or that company or that subject?

Tap into that and you can unlock the answers to the questions you're being asked.

This Question Is The Real Answer... #1236

Thanks to the internet and social media, anybody who wants to have a voice can have one.

If you want to add your thoughts to the debate, you can.

But just because you can...doesn't mean you should.

Unless you can add something of value to the discussion, then you're really just adding to the noise.

To be clear, 'value' doesn't have to be new data or research or knowledge.

Simply saying the same thing a different way can actually be of value.

But if you have nothing of value to add...maybe you should just do that...add nothing.

If You Have Nothing Of Value To Add...Then Do That! #1268

Last week there were lots of lots of cyclists on the road here in Kuala Lumpur.

Why?

Because Malaysia won a Silver Medal in Cycling at the Tokyo Olympics and all of a sudden, cycling was on everyone's mind.

Anytime you have a sentiment like this, there's an opportunity for you to leverage it for your business.

And you don't have to be selling sporting equipment either.

Here in Malaysia, it could be as simple as doing a Cycling-focussed promotion. 

'Send us a photo of you and your bicycle for a 20% discount!'

But hurry. This Olympic sentiment may only last a few weeks or months.

Carpe Diem!

Seize The Moment To Leverage The Olympic Sentiment #1351

They say that money can't buy happiness...

but it can!

If having a fancy handbag or a driving a luxury car makes you feel happy and you've got the money, then yes, your money absolutely can buy you happiness.

Of course, there are other elements and levels to our happiness.

And we can argue on the moral virtues of using that money for something else.

But for you as an individual, IF those things make you happy and IF you have the money...then go ahead and buy yourself some happiness.

It's ok.

If Your Money Can Buy You Happiness…That’s OK #1388

If you have a tendency to overthink things, to overcomplicate things...write it down.

By writing down your thoughts, it helps you to clarify them, rather than having those thoughts just running around in your head.

BTW - if you don't like to write, just saying your thoughts out loud can work the same way. Maybe record a short video of you speaking your thoughts.

And conversely, if you oversimplify things, or underthink them...read.

Do some research. Google it. 

The more you learn about your topic, chances are, you'll realise how much you don't know.

NB: Credit to @AlexandBooks on Twitter for the inspiration.

If You're Overthinking, Write. If You're Underthinking, Read. #1411

Wolf.Game is the latest craze in the world of Web 3.0.

It's a game. Or at least it will be. Hopefully. And it lives entirely on the blockchain.

But right now it's all about accumulating the assets to be able to use in the game.

Over the past 48 hours there's been an insane amount of chatter and clatter in their Discord server.

The FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) on this thing is incredible.

People have already made big profits by buying and flipping these game assets.

But of course, that also means that many other people will end up losing lots of real money on this.

NB: I AM NOT MAKING?GIVING ANY SUGGESTIONS/PREDICTIONS/ADVICE!

But I am saying, if you want to get an idea of what all the fuss is about in this space, it would be well worthwhile clicking on the links below to just sit back and watch what's happening.

It's fascinating. And kinda scary.

Be careful out there!

Here's the Twitter account - https://twitter.com/wolfdotgame

Here's the Discord - http://discord.gg/wolfgame

And here's the main Game website - https://wolf.game/

Beware The Insanity Of Wolf.Game #1453

A great quote from @steph_feels over on Twitter...

"Stop taking responsibility for things people do to you. Start taking responsibility for what you do to you ; that is where your power is."

We spend so much time worrying about what other people think about us, say about us, what they do to us.

We can't control that. 

We can influence it. Absolutely. But we can't control it. So there's not much point worrying about it.

Instead, focus on the things that you do to you.

A nice sentiment to end the year on...and maybe a good resolution to take with you into 2022.

Happy New Year!

Only Take Responsibility For What You Do To You #1492

Well known tech investor Chris Dixon has a great explanation of Web3 in the context of Web1 and Web2.

web 1 = read

web 2 = read & write

web 3 = read & write & own

To expand a bit...

Web 1 was the early days of the internet. It was really just a place to go and read information online.

Web 2 saw the arrival of social media platforms - blogs, YouTube, Facebook, etc. And with that, we were now able to write and post our own content.

Now, in Web 3, thanks to blockchain technologies and NFTs, we have digital ownership.

Exciting Times.

Enjoy!

Consider The Evolution From Web 1...Web 2...Web 3 #1493

I think that statement is super relevant and highly applicable to most of us today, perhaps more than any other time in the past.

The sort of questions employers really need answered today are, What are you capable of? What can you do? Can you show me examples of your work?

Where you have been before matters much less than what you can do today.

And for those of us with access to technology such as the internet, laptops, smart phones, etc, we can build, create, network our way to whatever future our skills and hard work will take us.

Of course, it's worth mentioning that there are still many countries around the world where this kind of access does not exist. 

For them, it is much harder.

But for the rest of the world, more than ever, it's about where you're at.

It's Not Where You're From...It's Where You're At #1494

In a world where there is so much focus on political correctness and being aware of everyone's sensitivities, sometimes we can lose sight of the need for a critical review.

If you are not just a little embarrassed about some of the work you have put out there...

If you are not just a little ashamed of the way you handled some of your personal interactions...

then maybe you're just not being critical enough.

Don't beat yourself up too much.

Don't over-judge yourself.

But don't give yourself a free pass either.

Maybe You Should Be Just A Little Embarrassed #1495

Those who don't really spend much time in the Crypto / Web3 / NFT space, often take the view that it's all just one big scam.

It's a dangerous place. Full of scammers.

And with NFTs appearing to go on a bit of a bull run right now, we are again seeing a number of big scams being run on the community.

But let's get real for a second.

NFT projects themselves aren't bad. The people using them to run scams are bad.

Sure, it's often easier to run a big scam in this space, for various reasons.

Ultimately, however, always remember...

NFTs don't scam people. People scam people.

NB: As always...Do Your Own Research

Crypto Doesn't Scam People. People Scam People. #1496

Focussed Missions are great. 

That's how we get stuff done.

They're not always the most insightful journeys....but...

They're not designed to be.

However, when you choose a meandering path, you have time explore, engage, unravel, etc.

And it is precisely in those meanderings, that powerful insights can be found.

The key to success in life is to ensure that you have a nice balance of Focussed Missions and Insightful Meanderings.

Consider Insightful Meanderings Vs Focussed Missions #1497

We are constantly being pressured to...

ACT NOW!

BUY NOW!

DON'T MISS OUT!

Whether we're buying something online or just making a decision of any sort, the sense of urgency is often overwhelming.

So, next time you feel the pressure...Stop. Take a Breath. And ask yourself...

What's the Last Responsible Moment at which I really need to make a decision?

Because if you can actually wait a little longer, in that time, you may be able to get some more data, some better information or even come up with a better plan.

FOMO is real. Don't let it get you!

Leave It Until The Last Responsible Moment #1498

"I don't care who is doing better than me. I am doing better than I was last year. It's me Vs me."

Michael B Jordan (actor)

Great perspective.

Of course, it's probably an attitude that won't help you much if you're trying to climb the corporate ladder.

Because there, it is very much about You vs The Other Girl.

But if you can get to a place where you're genuinely satisfied with being a bit better than you were yesterday, last week, last year, then you're going to be happy.

And after all, isn't that what it's really all about?

Ultimately It’s Just You Vs You #1499

WOW! 1,500 Episodes. That's a lot.

This whole show started with the idea to publish one piece of content every day...for one year. That's it.

And here we are now...1,500 consecutive days later.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who has tuned in over the years to listen, or watch or read any of these episodes.

As I say at the end of every episode, 'I do thank you for your time...'

And I genuinely do. Thanks.

NOW...to the big announcement I promised...

Tomorrow's episode...Episode 1,501...

Will be the LAST episode of the show!

Yep. I've decided to hang up the mic.

Why? 

Well, the answer is the same as it was for why I started the show in the first place...no reason.

I just feel like it's run its course. That's all.

So why not just end today...on 1,500?

Two reasons...

1. I wanted to end on a real show, consistent with the theme of the show. Which has always been about a daily thought, idea, insight. I didn't want to just finish on an anniversary type show.

2. When people ask me in the future, 'How many episodes of that show did you do?', I can now honestly answer them...

'OVER 1,500 episodes!'

:-)

So, I do thank you for your time.

And I will be again (one last time) tomorrow...

Celebrating The 1500th Episode Of Trent365! #1500

Yep. This is it. The last episode of Trent365!

And the message I want to leave you with, as I depart is...

Just Start!

So often we talk ourselves out of starting something because we worry that it won't be any good, or that nobody will like it, or that you won't be able to keep it up.

It doesn't matter. Just Start.

If it sucks, make it better. If that's too hard, then stop. 

It's ok to stop too.

Whether you stick with it for a day, a week, or OVER 1,500 episodes...you will learn from it.

You will learn about the process. And you will learn about yourself.

The one thing we are not getting any more of is time.

And one of the most toxic emotions you can have is regret.

You don't want to wake up one day and realise that you've run out of time and you regret not trying.

So...Just Start.

Thanks for the ride!

This Is The End. So Start. #1501

In Episode #16 - I catch up with Motti Essakow, the Founder and Chief Imagineer, Rythms by Design and Rythms House, to talk about responsible luxury in the hotel, spa &amp; wellness sectors. Eco &amp; Green is yesterday. Today it's Sustainable &amp; Responsible.

Motti Essakow Interview_Part 1 | Ep. #16

In Episode 25, I continue my chat with Nicolas Ronco - Founder &amp; CEO of YeloSpa in New York City. This week Nico shares the story of how he went from concept to reality. You'll hear the lessons he learned, the successes &amp; the challenges.

The Story of YeloSpa with Nicolas Ronco _Part II | Ep. #25

Daily thoughts, ideas and insights on spa, wellness, business and beyond. From the hotel spa guy compelled to ask Why and who refuses to accept the Status Quo

Ep - 326 - Are - You - Rocket - Fuel - -e88aaa57026c1

I believe Nestle is as well positioned as any company to become a Global Wellness Brand.

Some think the pending sale of their Skin Health Division suggests they don’t want to go that way.

I disagree.

#wellness #mergersandacquisitions #skincare #skinhealth #brandstrategy

Ep. 536 - Trent365! - Nestle - Abandoning Or Doubling - Down On Wellness

I saw a great quote that I think provides a good hint.

“Write drunk, edit sober” - Peter De Vries

No, I’m not suggesting you get everyone drunk.

But maybe harnessing the altered state you’re in when raw emotions come out, could have a similar effect.

#creativethinking #creativity #innovativethinking #emotions

Ep. 542 - Trent365! - Key To Unlocking Creativity

If you shop online via Amazon Smile, they will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to your chosen charity.

Like they say...You Shop. Amazon Gives.

It doesn’t cost you any extra.

Just go to https://smile.amazon.com/ and log in with your Amazon credentials, select you charity and you’re all set.

Thank you.

#amazonsmile #corporatesocialresponsibility #charitablegiving

Don't Shop Amazon. Shop Amazon Smile. #581

Upsells are simply a good measure of the effectiveness of your spa team to sell.

This metric is expressed as %

And calculated by Number of Treatment Upgrades Sold / Total Treatments Sold

Upgrades can be sold any time after the initial booking is requested, right up until the time the treatment begins.

They can also be made by any member of staff.

It's a popular KPI to incentivise. But if you're going to do that, just make sure you're very clear on exactly when an Upsell takes place. Otherwise it can be easy to game the system.



#spabusiness #hotelspa #spametrics #KPI

Can Your Team Sell The Dream? #619

Cloud Kitchens are essentially shared kitchen spaces that support delivery only. They offer no dine-in facilities or services.

And they are becoming really popular.

I believe there is an opportunity here for hotels to make better use of their kitchen facilities, resources & training.

Similar to what I first discussed may back in Ep. 13 of the Trent365 Show, where I spoke about the opportunity for hotels to win the Gig Economy.

Here's that episode if you'd like to revisit it...

https://trentmunday.podbean.com/mf/play/jjmtbs/s_b353d0_podcast_play_80070_https_3A_2F_2Fs3-us-west-2_amazonaws_com_2Fanchor-data_2Fstationexports_2Fpodcasts_2FEp-13-Hotels-Win-Gig-Economy--5a49ef3899296.m4a

How Hotels Can Dominate The Cloud Kitchen Space #722

If you're in a consumer-facing business, chances are you spend a lot of time thinking about the environment you create for your customers.

What's on the wall? How's the lighting? What music is playing in the background? What ambience are you creating for them?

Why? Because it matters.

But what are you doing in your office space?

What's on YOUR wall?

This matters too. And I'm not just talking about those stock-standard motivational posters. I'm talking about the images & momentos that you see every day. They are having an impact. The question you need to ask is, what is that impact.

Here's what's on my wall...

What's On Your Wall? When Did It Last Change? Why Does It Matter? #753

Do you have a Surprise and Delight Strategy in place for 2020?

If not, you really should.

Malaysia's KLIA Airport had a great one in place. On two incoming flights, just a few days before Christmas, while the passengers were waiting for their luggage, the carousel filled up with individual presents for each and every passenger.

Brilliant.

Stuff like this makes a great impact because it isn't expected.

The amplification factor is also significant as people will talk about it.

You can even do a barter deal for giveaway. 

Here's more about the Malaysia Airport story..

https://says.com/my/news/klia-passengers-waiting-to-collect-their-luggage-surprised-with-lavish-gifts-instead

Surprise And Delight - Good For Your Business And Your Brand #766

Some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not.

Robert Kennedy said that. 

So too did George Bernard Shaw, essentially.

But unless you're a Kennedy or a Noble Laureate, it might not be the most practical approach to take.

If you can't give a better answer to the question of Why...then maybe you shouldn't be doing what you're doing.

Otherwise, it's all about 'Spray & Pray'.

"Why Not?" Is A Really Bad Answer To The Question Of Why. #810

This current COVID-19 Crisis is a unique Moment in Time.

There will be much pain and suffering for many.

But there will also be a lot of opportunity. There always is from these big Moments in Time.

For those that are able to see them and are prepared to take a chance on them, the opportunities will be there.

Chances are though, you will miss these opportunities.

Don't believe me, just think about all the other unique Moments in Time that you have already missed...

The Internet, Social Networks, Bitcoin...the list goes on.

This is a Moment in Time. What are you going to do with it?

How Many Moments In Time Have You Already Missed? #893

Sabbaticals are extended periods of paid leave, often granted to University Professors, Clergymen, etc.

And whilst most of us probably won't have the luxury of getting paid for this extended leave, the broad concept of 'taking a sabbatical' might be a smart thing to do right now.

The world is on pause right now. So your colleagues and peers will won't be able to leapfrog you in the career queue. And it'll be really easy to explain that gap in your CV a few years from now.

So...IF you can sustain yourself financially for a year or so, why not take your sabbatical now?

Maybe Now Is The Right Time For Your Sabbatical? #1001

Iso-Tourism is the idea of traveling for tourism but effectively staying in a secure 'bubble' for the duration of your trip.

It is ideally suited to islands or any form of remote destination.

And it could be here to stay.

COVID-19 is likely to be with us for a while.

As a result of which, many countries have closed their borders, with no sure signs of when they will re-open.

Having to quarantine for up to 14 days when you enter another country, or return home to yours, may be something that becomes part of the travel reality for some time to come.

Iso-Tourism - The Next Big Trend In Travel? #1003

We're generally pretty good at telling ourselves the story that we need to hear.

Some are better than others at communicating that story to other people.

But the real power lies in being able to tell yourself the Reverse Story.

The opposite version of your story. The other side.

In doing that you should be able to...

1. better empathise with those who hold opposing views

2. be able to counter objections to your own position

3. maybe even decide that your original position is not the right one for you

Go ahead. Try it.

The Power Of Telling Yourself The Reverse Story #1016

Creating change in any organisation is hard.

You're always going to be butting heads with the 'Old Guard' whenever you try to implement something new.

Trying to do that at scale, is almost impossible.

A better approach is to create change at a micro level and then try to create an environment that is conducive to letting that change spread throughout the organisation.

Another great insight I got from reading Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan - https://amzn.to/39tctEk

Change At Scale Is Hard. Try Allowing It To Spread Instead. #1058

There's a positive message to be found within this negative statement.

Right now, many people around the world are feeling anxious due to a sudden lack of options, choices and alternatives.

But...and I know this is often easier to say that to do...if you can accept that sometimes it is exactly those options and alternatives that have been holding you back, you can find a way to make that lack of them your superpower.

For when we have alternatives, we often don't give our all to the current choice. 

However, with no other options, we are left with no choice but to give this way our absolute all.

Good Luck!

Options & Alternatives Can Be The Enemy Of Progress #1075

What will you do if you do NOT get this job?

Imagine being asked that question towards the end of your job interview.

It's a great question on a few different levels.

Most candidates probably wouldn't expect a question like that so it's not one that they would have prepared an answer for.

That means they'll need to think on their feet.

How do they handle that? Do they get flustered? Or are they cool and calm?

It's also a question that challenges candidates to be honest.

The honest answer for you might be that you'll go home and keep applying for other jobs because you need a job. But would you say that?

Maybe you'll go an apply at their rival company? But do you tell them that?

Great question.

Now...What's the toughest job interview question you've ever been asked?

The Best Job Interview Question You've Never Been Asked #1114

With the right perspective, this can be a very empowering statement.

It's not your fault that things are this way. It's not my fault either. And so with that, all you can do is go ahead and make the most of the situation. Just do your best.

And you're now accountable. 

There's no point complaining about how unfair it all is. It is what it is. So just get on with it.

You don't have to change the world. You can try to if you really want to.

But regardless...The World Is As It Is.

To me, that's kinda nice to know.

The World Is As You Find It #1138

NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token.

That means each token has a unique value.

Unlike, say, a $1 bill, which is a kind of Fungible Token.

That is to say, that each $1 bill has the same value.

And why NFT's matter is that they can be attached to digital assets (like a photo, an audio file, a video, a GIF, even a meme) and assigned a value.

By attaching the NFT to your digital content you are also essentially creating attribution. Establishing that you are the creator and owner of that content.

As NFT's life on the blockchain, they are forever part of the digital ledger.

What all this means for the creators of digital content, it now makes it much easier for them to not only establish ownership, but also then on-sell or lease that content to others.

Here's a great article on NFT's to help you understand a bit more - http://bit.ly/3urz0wH

And here's the ATTN.live website I mentioned in the episode - http://bit.ly/3uoNYUk

Finally, Ian Utile's Twitter - https://bit.ly/3pEovTi

What The Hell Is A NFT And Why Should You Care Anyway ? #1181

Controversial Tibetan Buddhist, Chogyam Trungpa, once said...

"It's easier to put on a pair of shoes than to wrap the earth in leather"

It's a quote that does, I feel, have a few different levels to it.

But to me, the simple essence of the statement is the same as the one I shared with you in Ep. 1138 of this show - The World Is As You Find It , which is quote from the movie Vice.

And the reason I think it's worth exploring is that we always seem to talking about changing the world. Making big impacts. 

It feels like we almost have an obligation to do so.

But maybe we don't have to.

Sometimes, maybe we're just better off putting on a pair of shoes instead of trying to wrap the world in leather.

Trent Munday

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