Brendon Lemon’s Post

Ever heard the saying, "It's not a principle until it costs you something"? On LinkedIn, we’re all selling something—our ideas, products, or services—and it’s tempting to change who we are to get that click, follow, or buy. But here’s the truth: authenticity pays off. In a world of polished profiles and perfect pitches, what people crave is genuine connection. They want solutions to their problems from someone they trust. That trust comes from character and ethos, not from compromising values for short-term gains. Think about it: people buy from those they believe in. They want honesty, integrity, and someone who stands by their principles. Yes, sticking to your values might cost you some easy wins. You might pass on opportunities that don’t align with who you are. But that’s the price of building true, lasting success. Remember, character counts—in dollars and cents. When you stay true to yourself, you build a brand that people respect and want to do business with. It’s not always the easiest path, but it’s the one that leads to real, meaningful connections and long-term success. So next time you feel pressured to compromise, remember that your principles are your strength. They set you apart in a sea of sameness. Stick to them, and you’ll not only sleep better at night, but you’ll also build a foundation for success that’s as solid as your character. What principles are you standing by, even when it’s tough? Share your experiences and let’s celebrate the power of authenticity in sales and beyond.

Ever thought about why empathy is your secret weapon in sales? Understanding your prospect’s point of view isn’t just nice—it’s crucial. And the fastest way to know you’ve hit the mark? Get a laugh. Sales isn’t about pushing your agenda; it’s about resonating with your prospect. You need to step into their shoes, see the world through their eyes, and speak to their experiences. When you can articulate their challenges better than they can, you’ve struck gold. Here’s where the comedian in me comes in: laughter is instant feedback. If you can make your prospect laugh, it means you’ve said something that resonates, something they recognize as true. It’s the quickest way to build rapport and show you truly understand them. But how do you get into that mindset where humor flows naturally? Raise your state! Listen to music that energizes you, joke around with colleagues, do role plays, and practice improv games. These activities help you loosen up and tap into a more playful, authentic version of yourself. Remember, the goal isn’t to tell jokes to your prospect; it’s to create a genuine, light-hearted connection. When you’re having fun and playing a bit, your humor comes across as organic and natural—not forced. Always be respectful, of course, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Empathy isn’t just a soft skill; it’s a powerhouse tool. When you genuinely connect with your prospect’s experience and add a touch of humor, you build trust and pave the way for meaningful conversations. How are you tapping into your prospect’s perspective? Aim for understanding, raise your state, and watch the magic happen.

Ever tried turning prospecting into a game? Challenge yourself to say a specific word or phrase, ask a question in the first two sentences, or request a meeting within 30 seconds. It's tough, but here's why it's worth it. Adding these mini-challenges to your calls not only makes the process more engaging but also accelerates your learning curve. Sure, your job gets harder, but the skills you develop are invaluable. Each challenge pushes you to think on your feet, adapt quickly, and refine your technique. Imagine asking a prospect for a meeting within the first 30 seconds. Daunting, right? But the confidence and precision you build from this exercise can set you apart in the sales world. Or consider slipping an unusual word into your conversation—it's a fun way to keep your calls lively and memorable. The beauty of these challenges is that they force you out of autopilot. They make you more present, more creative, and ultimately, more effective. As you navigate these self-imposed obstacles, you’ll find that what once seemed difficult becomes second nature. So, why not spice up your prospecting routine? Embrace the challenge, and watch your skills soar. What’s your next prospecting challenge? Dive in, push your limits, and let the learning begin!

If you've ever felt bored in your life you're likely avoiding discomfort. Your life’s boundaries are defined by it, and the only way to expand them is by pushing through. Your sense of discomfort can shrink your waking life to a small, restrictive place if you let it. It’s easy to stay within the familiar, but growth only happens when you step beyond those limits. Every time you do something uncomfortable, you stretch your boundaries a little further. Whether it’s speaking in public, taking on a challenging project, or pursuing a new passion, each step outside your comfort zone makes you stronger and more resilient. The magic happens when those uncomfortable things start to feel natural. What was once intimidating becomes your new normal, and your world expands accordingly. It’s a continuous process of growth and self-discovery. What uncomfortable step will you take today to expand your life’s boundaries?

So... why am I in clown school for eight weeks this summer? Why run a marathon? Why create online courses? Why do any of these things? Personally, I keep biting off big projects: self-producing a TV pilot in Iceland, producing two shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, or spending two months in France for clown school. These ventures are far from easy, but they’re incredibly rewarding. Part of the point of life is to do big, strange, interesting things that are outside of the norm. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you join a very small, select club of people who dare to dream big and act on those dreams. Big projects push you to grow, learn, and discover new aspects of yourself. They set you apart and create unique experiences that shape who you are. More importantly, they remind you that you’re capable of achieving more than you ever thought possible. So, whatever big, crazy idea you have in mind, put a date on it and start working towards it. It’s not just about the end result; it’s about the journey and the personal growth that comes with it. After all, this is what we’re on the planet for—to push boundaries, explore new horizons, and live a life full of extraordinary experiences. What’s the next big project on your horizon? Set a date and take the plunge. You won’t regret it.

Ever wondered how sales thrived before emails and Zoom calls? It was all about face-to-face interactions in bustling town squares. Back in the day, salesmanship meant gathering in town squares, pitching products directly to people. This in-person dynamic created a unique energy and connection that laid the foundation for markets. Sellers thrived on personal interactions, reading body language, and building trust through direct contact. Fast forward to today, where most sales are done digitally, with the help of emails, video calls, and multimedia presentations. While the tools have evolved, the essence of sales remains unchanged: it’s still about one person connecting with another. Even now, the core principles of sales—understanding needs, building relationships, and creating value—are as relevant as ever. The digital landscape may have transformed how we connect, but it hasn’t changed why we connect. How are you keeping the essence of personal connection alive in your sales approach?

"He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at." - Epictetus

Ever thought doing nothing could be the key to your success? Today, I’m embracing rest, not as a recharge for more work, but for its own sake. Feeling the weight of the work week? In a world that glorifies constant productivity, it's vital to remember the importance of rest for its own sake, not just as a means to recharge for more work. As Oliver Burkeman highlights, perpetual busyness isn’t the key to a fulfilling life. We often get caught up in the hustle, thinking that more work equals more success. But true fulfillment comes from balance, and sometimes, that balance means doing absolutely nothing. Alex Soojung-Kim Pang emphasizes in his writings that rest is a skill, not a luxury. It’s essential for creativity and long-term success. By taking time to rest, we’re actually investing in our future productivity and well-being. It’s about finding that sweet spot where rest and work complement each other, rather than one overpowering the other. Jenny Odell, in her book "How to Do Nothing," reminds us that stepping away from the grind allows us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. It’s not just about recharging for the next round of work; it’s about enjoying the act of resting itself. Today, I'm embracing that philosophy wholeheartedly. Whether it’s a walk in the park, getting lost in a good book, or simply lounging around doing nothing, let's honor our need for rest and revel in the rejuvenation it brings. Taking this time isn’t a sign of laziness but a testament to understanding the true value of balance in our lives. So, join me in embracing this pause. How are you taking time to rest today? Let's celebrate the power of doing nothing and the incredible benefits it brings to our minds and bodies.

The hustle and bustle of our professional lives, it's easy to forget that work isn't the only thing that defines us. Sometimes, we need to step back and remember the real point of life: to enjoy it. Sure, career achievements and professional milestones are important, but they shouldn't overshadow the joy of living. Life is meant to be experienced, savored, and enjoyed. Take a moment today to disconnect from your email, set aside your to-do list, and immerse yourself in what brings you joy. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, exploring nature, or simply relaxing, these moments are the true highlights of our existence. Remember, our work is just one part of who we are. Balance is key. By prioritizing joy and fulfillment, we become better professionals, more creative, more resilient, and more connected to what truly matters. So, let's commit to enjoying life more. Embrace the present, cherish your experiences, and find happiness in the small things. After all, isn't that the point of it all? PS: here's a pic of me playing the bagpipes in France on the 4th, get weird!

Happy 4th of July! Go have fun, do something ridiculous. Celebrate what might be our last one??? WHO KNOWS!