Make it plain

Let people know why you are doing or asking things

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio. Good Morning,
This is Laura.

Speaker 2 (00:13):
Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast.

Speaker 1 (00:16):
Today's tip is to let people know why you are
doing what you are doing, especially when giving gifts or
asking people for certain things. That way, they will feel
honored by your thoughtfulness and perhaps a bit more inclined
to see things through your eyes. I think we have

(00:39):
all received gifts that seemed random at best, playful cat
mittens when you have a dog, a Tom Clancy book,
when you.

Speaker 2 (00:49):
Prefer literary fiction.

Speaker 1 (00:52):
Then there are the reposts and shares we see on
social media. What exactly did the person find interesting about
this content? Why do they think others would find it interesting?
Then there are the invitations that don't quite land. You're
not sure why someone would think you would want to
do whatever it is they invited you to do. We

(01:14):
have been in these situations, and we would probably like
to avoid other people thinking that our requests are totally random.
So when you are trying to connect with someone, make
it plain exactly why you are doing or asking what
you are doing or asking. When you give a gift

(01:36):
in the card, explain why you choose it for the person.
I got you this scarf because polka dots always make
me think of you. I know you love Karen Russell's books,
so I thought you would like this book by Kevin Wilson.
You often mentioned being cold at work, so I thought
you could use this throw blanket at your desk. On

(01:58):
social media, don't you a share, repost, or like something.
Make a comment or repost it with an explanation of
why it resonates with you or what you find insightful.
Make it plain to people who are connected with you
why you think it is worth their time.

Speaker 2 (02:17):
When you interact with people.

Speaker 1 (02:18):
In a way that you hope reflects what they like,
say so directly want to meet up for breakfast at sunrise.
I know you love a good egg sandwich. I brought
you this bottle of wine because you mentioned you liked
it when we served it at our house last month.
I put on this nineties dance party Pandora station because

(02:40):
it reminds me of our Saturday nights together in college.
Being explicit about your thought process is also helpful. When
you ask someone to do something, connect your ask to
their strengths and interests. Would you be open to decorating
for the year end party. I remember what a hit
your party was last year. Could you give the wrap

(03:03):
up and launch at the end of the training.

Speaker 2 (03:06):
I admire the way you inspire.

Speaker 1 (03:07):
A sense of purpose and our volunteers, and I feel
like you could send them out motivated for the work ahead.
When you connect what you are offering or asking to
your audience, you make sure they understand why you think
it is a fit for them. They will feel more
seen and that is seldom a bad thing.

Speaker 2 (03:32):
In the meantime, this is Laura.

Speaker 1 (03:36):
Thanks for listening, and here's to making the mist of
our time. Thanks for listening to Before Breakfast. If you've
got questions, ideas, or feedback, you can reach me at
Laura at Laura vandercam dot com. Before Breakfast is a

(04:03):
production of iHeartMedia. For more podcasts from iHeartMedia, please visit
the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to
your favorite shows.