Josh Garofalo

Honestly, I think most webinars are put on knowing most people will never see it. But, people like to think they'll show up/watch the replay, so they signup, and the host has what they really want — contact info.

I get a weird feeling when I see people frothing over the latest copywriting/PMM/sales etc. framework.

Frameworks in general don't sit well with me — and not because they are all useless.

There's just something to be said about coming at a problem from a place of curiosity and originality. 🤷‍♂️

Imagine what it would cost to join 😮

Aaaaannnnddd... I'm out!

What a year. See you all on the other side.

I sometimes wish I was more active. But, I rarely enjoy my time on social, and most of my business comes from repeat clients and referrals at this point.

After 10 years, many of your clients have moved on to other companies and into positions with more power to spend.

I've posted less as I've gotten better.

Not because I'm without things to say. But because I'm usually busy. Why spend time crafting that killer LinkedIn essay when I can do client work that pays?

I posted the most when I was early, hungry, and looking for an opportunity to prove myself (for $$$).

Unpopular opinion, but I think some of the best marketers in the world aren’t always the ones posting on every channel every day.

They don’t always have a side hustle / thought leadership / sell something on the side play.

I've posted less as I've gotten better.

Not because I'm without things to say. But because I'm usually busy. Why spend time crafting that killer LinkedIn essay when I can do client work that pays?

I posted the most when I was early, hungry, and looking for an opportunity to prove myself (for $$$).

I'm tempted to say, "You're right, they will replace cab drivers within the next 3 years."

That might be the bubble speaking again. There are robots taxis. There will be more robo taxis. But, there may still be a lot of human tax drivers for the next 10 or 20 years.

In 2015, I told a friend who drives a forklift that he should consider finding a new line of work ASAP because he'll be replaced soon.

The company announced they will replace forklift drivers... in 2035. He's guaranteed employment until then, with opportunities to transition.

✅ Live in a bubble.

Experienced executives say more with fewer words.

They are direct. They don't qualify each statement or hedge.

Fewer filler words... more pauses.

And the best manage to still be likeable.

👆 Based on my experience of speaking to people at all levels.

Totally.

20s:

I want a huge house, sick ride, and I want people to know my name.

40 (in 4 months):

I want a house that's big enough but not a pain to clean, a reliable car, and I want everyone who isn't family or a close friend to leave me alone so I can be with my kid.

I'm dreaming, but I'd love a world where social media's primary role is to help us discover smaller circles to spend our time in.

I think the digital part of our lives would be more productive and satisfying.

Just me?

Toxicity is punished, not rewarded with virality.

Being intentionally divisive gets you dismissed.

And simplistic black/white thinking is challenged by those who know better.

Community combines what we miss about the "old" internet with everything we wished we had back then.

The beautiful thing about communities hosted on platforms like Circle?

The community's walls keep the algos at bay. No more being presented with content you're going to click despite your best efforts.

Also...

My first thought was:

"That is the most beautiful slice of watermelon I've ever seen. The product of several generations of selective breeding or whatever the plant equivalent is..."

A good product is your ticket to the show.

Marketing determines whether you're watching from the nosebleeds, headlining, or somewhere in between.

Just realized you're the "WPEngine guy." I've been a happy customer since I started — so about 10 years. Honestly, it's probably overkill for what I actually need, but when I get hit with my annual bill, it never crosses my mind to switch.

Great product!

An interesting thing I see in the FIRE movement is a crushing pressure to make more and do with less and less so that they can be "free" decades before most.

If only they put a fraction of this effort toward building a life they enjoy day-to-day. You don't have to earn or save nearly as much.

Interesting. Is your thinking that the other professions are helpful, but if you aren't in a good place mentally, you're incapable of taking advantage of all they have to offer?

i.e. Someone who is depressed and in a rut won't start exercising every day, even if they have the best trainer.

My wife and I actually go through a couple of cards on date nights or after the little one is in bed.

Prompts make for a great "jolt" in long-term relationships of all kinds. It's too easy to fall into a rut.

It's a tough issue.

I don't think we should be trusted to teach kids safe and responsible use. I know very few adults who use social media as much as they'd like and not more.

It's addicting on purpose. I think all of us — especially kids — need more friction in our digital experiences.

At the risk of being laughed off of the stage, I'm tempted to get some of those conversation starter cards and bring it to my next card night with the guys.

I wouldn't want it to dictate the whole night, but it MIGHT help us get off the topic of sports which I know little about.

Good thinking!

Since mid-November. And it won't come down until late February — it simply transitions to a "winter tree."

Winter is too depressing and tree takedown too annoying to only have it up for a few weeks.

Yeah, that's wild. I'm guessing it only cost you that "much" because you're an international patient. I saw some fees posted for international patients at the hospital, and they were still pretty reasonable.

Went to the ER with my daughter (she's ok).

In and out in a couple of hours — left with a bill for $2.32 for her meds.

Canadian healthcare isn't perfect. Sometimes, it's not great.

But, I'm always grateful that "what will this cost?" isn't a question that crosses my mind when sh*t hits the fan.

Update:

Missed the deadline as predicted. Client sent one of those amazingly corny animated ecards (dogs dressed as bees in this case).

Most people are good people.

I wish more people thought like this.

It's all about doing what's right for you right now. And you can jump back and forth.

Entrepreneurs aren't Gods who walk among us. You don't get a gold medal for struggling, not being around for your kids, losing friends, and a failed marriage.

Due to COVID sweeping through this house, I *might* miss my first deadline in a long time.

This is where some make the mistake of searching for the perfect excuse.

Be honest. Good clients understand we're all sacks of flesh, blessed with extra white matter, trying to do our best.

Shit happens.

An unintended consequence of having a child?

The value I put on my time has never been higher, and this is reflected on my year end tax return.

The lesson:

Sometimes making more requires getting better. Often, it requires putting a higher value on you, your time, and your work.