Not long ago, when it was announced that the stars had shifted, or black holes had burped, or Einstein was wrong, pundits suggested that our astrological signs might have changed. I thought this was great and, rather than wait for my reassignment (I’m a Pisces) I would choose something more manly: Taurus.
Well!! This sparked some outrage, both from those who actually believe in horoscopes and those who…..wait for it…..believe that I had maligned the Ford Taurus, which was a car discontinued in 2018, thereby influencing me not to choose Taurus.
My point here is neither cars nor stars, but rather the fact that if you cannot make fun of yourself or accept humor (or even critique) directed at you, you have pretty low self-esteem. After all, if you believe in something passionately, you shouldn’t be upset by others who don’t, since, presumably, you are secure and comforted in your beliefs. To put it another way: The more threatened you are by someone who doesn’t believe what you believe, the poorer your confidence in your belief.
If it weren’t for the anonymity of the internet, there wouldn’t be such vile reactions and ad hominem attacks on those with whom others disagree. (In physical presence, very few rational people are as crazed and vitriolic—and profane—as those who inhabit social media and hide behind their keyboards.) And the people who attack, and then quickly block their “enemy” are something else—cowards, who have, perhaps, the lowest self-esteem of all.
I’ve done some really stupid things (I write about them monthly in my newsletter, Balancing Act®.) And I’ve done some really intelligent things that other people think are stupid. Fair enough.
But I’ve always considered a highly developed sense of humor as a strong indicator of high intellect. It alleviates stress and provides perspective.
The Taurus automobile had a pretty good run of about 20 years, but that ended 35 years ago—because of a huge drop in demand. So I’ve decided to remain with the fish, a Pisces. Specifically, a Great White Shark. I’m sure someone, somewhere, representing seals, will take offense to this embrace of their natural predator, and attempt to castigate me for it,
And that will make my day!
The Fishbowl: In January I’ll be starting a year-long, monthly, “live” coaching session whereby one member of the group will be coached by me for 45 minutes on a current issue of theirs, we’ll deconstruct what happened, and then have 45 minutes of Q&A. This is a variation of the very popular “fishbowl” technique I ran a few years ago.
You may volunteer to be the person coached or simply watch. You needn’t attend every session and I will provide video to everyone afterwards along with written commentary. This should build your coaching prowess considerably.
This will be $500 for the year and I’m offering it to you, here, first, because I’ll obviously have limited participation. My offer to you is $400. (An hour of my “situational coaching” on my site is $2,500, so this is a hell of a deal if you choose to be coached or even just observe.)
You can register here: https://alanweiss.com/store/quick-pay/
I’ll cut off registration in December, but if you wait and we’re filled, I can only put you on a waiting list. If for any reason I don’t run it, you’ll receive a full refund prior to the end of this year.
The Proof Behind Social Proof
Has anyone ever asked you, “Give me an example of your point?” and you suddenly forgot how to speak? Or have you said, “Let me give you an example…,” and then have immediately gone into brain freeze without any ice cream? “Social Proof” comprises pragmatic examples that others can readily relate to which reinforce your point instantly.
When you “open the hood” on social proof, beneath is actually a psychological dynamic which creates normative pressure assuring that the actions of others are appropriate and should be imitated. A desire to “fit in” is created.
Join me for 90 minutes and fill your conversations, narrative, and collateral with social proof that will build your brand and fill your bank account. People ask what research I invest in for my success. I don’t. Then they ask what my investigative habits are. I don’t have any. “So what DO you do?” they ask.
I look around.
Learn how to look around to dominate conversations and close business: October 14, 2025. 10:30 to noon, US eastern time. Video and Zoom notes included. Fee: $350 until and including Sept. 30, $500 thereafter. https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/the-proof-behind-social-proof/
BOOK SPRINT begins Nov. 3, 60-minute weekly call to create a completed, professional book proposal in the following 60 days. I have an 80%+ record placing these books with publishers for the last five years. I will introduce the proposal to agents and publishers (and so can you) and provide an additional 30 days of support for the book. The fee is only $4,500. Stop procrastinating and produce your first (or next) book, which is how I’ve attracted well over 90% of my business over the years. Register here and I’ll send the simple prep work: https://alanweiss.com/store/quick-pay/
AI: Alan Intelligence
My unique AI resource which will direct you to the relevant aspects of my entire body of work to answer your “real time” questions about proposals, value based fees, conceptual agreement, avoiding “ghosting,” and thousands of other issues with text, audio, and video resources, all of which you can download. Please go here to gain lifelong, constantly growing access to my work, including referral to specific pages in my books which you can access online: https://alanweiss.com/ai-alan-intelligence/ If you decide at any time to engage in one of my two elite, personal coaching relationships, I'll deduct the full fee you've paid for this resource.
Zoom Workshops 2025: Join me on September 9 for our next installment. If you can’t attend “live” you’ll still receive the video and the AI Companion transcript. https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/zoom-workshops-2025/ October 7: Self-Awareness and Self-Honesty. This is the psychological issue of our times.
Million Dollar Consulting® for the World: I’ve provided 14 modules with videos from me, from your colleagues globally, slides, and text. They include everything from launch to self-esteem, proposals to fees, closing business to creating a brand. No upsells! It’s only $115. What do you think about a 10,000:1 ROI? We have over 500 people from 47 countries. https://milliondollarconsultingcourse.com
Million Dollar Consulting® for the World ADVANCED: The new program contains over 60 videos and has 15 modules focusing on what to do in the buyer’s office, overcoming crises, financial planning, and much, much more. https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/advanced-global-learning-program/
Million Dollar Consulting® for the World GRADUATE: Another 12 modules with videos by me and your peers on contemporary issues such as Raising Fees Aggressively, How to Be Consistently Interviewed, Maximizing Happiness, and Managing Multiple projects. Join the people from 57 countries who are availing themselves of this inexpensive way to dramatically grow their businesses in any economic times. How does 100:1 ROI sound? https://milliondollarconsultingcourse.com/graduate-learning-program/