My User Guide

I read My user guide in 10 tips by Sarah A. Downey. I enjoyed it. I don’t know Sarah. I know how she likes to interact. She wrote a helpful, pure post.

I wanted to do my user guide for three reasons. One because I think it’s great for each us to have. Secondly, it forces me to think about who I am and how I like to work. Thirdly, as with all writing, putting it out there is scary.

I chose her same bullet point format. I modeled it after hers.

1. Get to the point

I know you are not interested in how I’m doing if we haven’t spoken for a while. Don’t worry I’m cool with that. You’re not a bad person. Repeatedly asking me “how are you?” or “how’s the family?” isn’t fun.

2. I’m an introvert & yes, I’m in sales & yes, I cold contact people all day every day to prospect. They are not mutually exclusive.

• I recharge by being alone. I am comfortable alone. I grew up alone.
• If I can avoid a meeting, I will.
• I think salespeople rely on “let’s have a coffee” with the unstated agenda of “getting to know one another.” Yes, some energies come about through this type of activity. Is it worth all that time and energy for a random outcome? I’d rather chat on the phone, or email, or however from our desks until we find a reason to meet in person.
• I like being around people without the pressure or requirement to talk.
• I prefer to have materials and concepts in advance if I’m to opine. Scheduling a meeting without an agenda and a pre-read is a complete waste of time. Spitballing is not a meeting. It’s a phone call.
• I enjoy being sociable. I enjoy social gatherings. I love it when there is an external thing to do — a tour of a movie poster gallery. We don’t always have to eat a meal, do we?
• I’m empathetic, but I’m not always going to help.

3. I can talk too much

Sometimes I need to verbalize a concept. Sometimes I talk too much. I know it’s annoying. Feel free to shut me up.

4. Small talk sucks

I could be better at this, I could watch TV, or Netflix, or sports. I don’t. I love hearing about new technology or that crazy article that you just read. Please, let’s talk about that.

5. Plans work, and calendar invites are fantastic.

Yes, it takes courage to send a calendar invite. Muster that courage and send it. I like to know what my week looks like and where my free time exists. Generally speaking my “spontaneous time” is for my family. I’m thrilled to play video games with my 8-year-old son at the drop of a hat. Have a coffee meeting, not so much.

6. Meetings must have meaning

Short meetings rock. A prepared invitation with an agenda and attachments of what knowledge is needed makes them effective and purposeful. If we go long — then it’s fine. If we go short — end the meeting. Lastly, don’t do “take out the trash” meetings; a meeting cobbled together to “save time.” It doesn’t save time; Doesn’t work.

7. I need space and time to be successful

If I’m busy, I’m juggling current accounts, not prospecting for new ones. My lifeblood is prospecting. I believe one needs to get out there, go for a walk or read something, to generate ideas. Often, when I’m walking, I get a spark. Being in an office all day can be stifling.

8. If you aren’t an expert, that’s great. Don’t act like you are.

People who know are a blast. Not everyone knows everything. I trust that you are well conversant in your favorite subject, it’s OK to fumble a bit. I’m trying to learn too. What’s a waste of time are buzzwords without meaning. If you cannot say it simply and directly, say so. Let’s discuss how we can learn.

9. Yes, grammar & spelling matter

If I cannot understand what you are saying, are you saying anything?

10. Let’s make things more transparent.

I’m in an opaque business, have spent my adult life in one or another. I enjoy explaining the ins and outs. I want to make things clear. I want to provide the information you need to make a conscious and (hopefully) informed decision. It’s important to me that you understand before buying in. I don’t want a client who isn’t fully engaged. I love getting questions from clients who have been thinking things through. It makes me feel valued.

11. Yes, I play poker for money.

That doesn’t mean I know anything about any of the other games in the casino. I find it to be a pure form of trade and relaxing. I have learned meditation, nutrition, psychology, emotional intelligence, statistics, game theory, some programming, human nature and many, many other things as a result of my playing poker. It’s probably the most informative thing I’ve ever done.

12. Don’t send me a “Thanks” email.

Unless you are unusually thankful for something I did which is above and beyond. For normal day to day workflow, it’s not necessary. It’s another email to delete.

Thanks for reading this. I am very interested in your feedback. I consider this more of a work in progress, I plan to revisit and edit, or rewrite as I (hopefully) grow.

If you write your own, please let me know at jeffreyloyd(at)gmail(dot)com.