To Sell is Human Discussion Questions

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Read To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others by Daniel Pink and think through each of these discussion questions. Better yet, write out your answers. Be ready to discuss with others with an open mind.

  1. Throughout the book, Pink’s central argument is that as humans, we are all in sales. Do you agree with this argument? Why or why not?
  2. Estimate what percentage of your work involves convincing or persuading people to give up something they value (attention, effort, time, money, etc.) for something you offer.
  3. List three examples from the past week where you’ve had to employ skills in non-sales selling.
  4. As you think about your life and work, what do you see as the greatest barrier you face in moving others?
  5. Recall a great sales experience you’ve had recently. Also think of one that was frustrating, annoying, or infuriating. What made the difference between the good experience and the bad one?
  6. How have the three E’s – Entrepreneurship, Elasticity, and Ed-Med – affected your own work and life?
  7. Are you an introvert, an extravert, or an ambivert?
  8. If you’re more introverted than extraverted, what is one thing you can do to move closer to the center of the introversion-extraversion scale? If you’re more extraverted than introverted, what is one thing you could learn form your more introverted colleagues?
  9. Recall the last time you really flopped at moving others. Now use Seligman’s three questions to tweak your explanation of what happened. When you’re done, think of the next big sales call or persuasion effort you face. Practice your interrogative self-talk with specific answers to the question: “Can you do this?”
  10. In the chapter on Clarity, Pink describes five ways to frame a message to sharpen contrast and deepen impact. Choose one frame and apply it to an upcoming persuasion challenge. Now analyze how it might be effective? How might it go awry?
  11. What is the difference between problem-solving and problem-finding? In what areas of your life are you a problem-identifier versus a problem-solver?
  12. In Chapter 7, Pink offers six new ways to pitch. Choose one of them and pitch a product, a service, or an idea to others in your group. Ask them to critique your pitch and suggest ways to improve it.
  13. At the end of the book (p. 228) are two questions that get to the heart of genuine service. Think about what you are selling – why you want to move people – and ask yourself those questions. Share your answers with the group.
  14. One character who makes several appearances in the book is Norman Hall, the Fuller Brush salesman. Could you do what he does? Why or why not? What did you learn from him?
  15. After reading this book, what is one thing you will do differently? Why?

Ready to take your business to the next level with one-on-one coaching and a customized business development plan? Check out Brand Strategies Lab!

DIY Restorative Hair Mask

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Is your hair dry and brittle? Or maybe you struggle with frizz or over-processed hair. Is it color treated and needing a little rejuvenation? No matter the cause, let me offer you one solution. This Restorative Hair Mask is loaded with nourishing oils to penetrate hair and bring it back to life.

About the Ingredients

Coconut oil is predominantly made of lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid. This gives coconut oil a long, straight structure and a low molecular weight. Because of these characteristics, coconut oil easily absorbs deeply into the hair shaft. Plus, studies show that coconut oil is superior for preventing protein loss in hair, which may promote healthier hair and prevent hair loss.

Ricinoleic acid in castor oil helps balance pH and improves blood circulation of the scalp. The antioxidant properties of castor oil support keratin in hair for a smoother look and added strength. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps prevent hair breakage and split ends. It also nourishes the skin of the scalp to promote hair growth.

Apple cider vinegar balances the pH of the scalp and hair as well as protects the hair and scalp from infections and bacteria that can lead to hair loss and dandruff. Citric acid in lemon juice promotes shine and helps keep oil under control.

Glycerin is a great moisturizer and emollient, which locks in moisture and protects hair from damage. It helps prevent drying, which in turn will reduce the occurrence of split ends, frizz and flyaways.

Ylang ylang essential oil not only adds a beautiful fragrance to this hair mask, it also helps balance the production of sebum, which restores moisture and may prevent hair loss. Tea tree essential oil purifies the hair and scalp and alleviates itching. Lavender may actually help strengthen hair at the root and encourage growth. Finally, rosemary essential oil benefits both dry, dull hair as well as overly oily hair and can help prevent split ends.

DIY Restorative Hair Mask

Ingredients

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 tablespoon vitamin E oil

2 tablespoons castor oil

1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon glycerin

6 drops ylang ylang essential oil

5 drops tea tree essential oil

5 drops lavender essential oil

4 drops rosemary essential oil

Instructions

  1. Combine coconut oil, vitamin E oil, and castor oil in a small bowl.
  2. Add vinegar, lemon juice and glycerin. Stir until thoroughly combined.

To Use

  1. Apply a thick coating of hair mask to damp hair. Comb through to incorporate thoroughly.
  2. Wrap hair in a towel or shower cap, and allow hair mask to penetrate for 30 minutes to an hour.
  3. Shampoo hair and style as usual.
  4. Alternatively, you can apply the hair mask while showering or in a bath and allow to soak for several minutes before rinsing.
  5. Store any leftover mask in a small jar.

You may also want to try this Peppermint CBD Revitalizing Scalp Treatment.

Want to learn more about choosing oils for your DIY projects? Check out A Guide to Choosing the Best Carrier Oil.

Love learning about natural wellness and the benefit of essential oils? Come

Mint-Spinach Soup with Crispy Carrots and Chickpeas

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If you want to learn how to be a better cook, one of the easiest ways to up your game is with garnish. Soup is typically very dull and boring, but garnish can take it to the next level. This Mint-Spinach Soup is topped with oven roasted carrots and chickpeas, yogurt, and fresh mint leaves that have been roasted with ras el hanout seasoning.

What is Ras el Hanout?

Ras el hanout literally translates to “head of shop”, but when spoken in Arabic, it means “top shelf”. Legend has it that this Moroccan spice blend was created by North African spice dealers. They would mix together the best of the best spices and herbs to create a rich, aromatic seasoning that sometimes had dozens of spices involved.

Ginger, cardamon, mace, cinnamon, allspice, coriander, nutmeg, turmeric, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, anise, cloves, paprika, fenugreek, nutmeg, or sugar may all be included, lending deep flavor to dishes.

In this dish, the bold aroma of the ras el hanout plays off the sweetness of the carrots and the blandness of the chickpeas. When roasting the chickpeas and carrots, be sure to evenly coat them with seasoning and oil by rolling them around on the sheet pan, and perhaps getting your hands a little dirty. The drier that you can get the chickpeas before roasting, the crispier they will become.

Looking for another Easy Dinner?

Check out this recipe for Green Pea and Asparagus Risotto. Takes time, yes, but super simple cooking that can translate into a ton of different dishes.

This meal was inspired by Purple Carrot, my favorite vegan meal subscription service. To get the box directly to your doorstep, subscribe now.

Natural Postpartum Care

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Your bundle of joy will be here soon. You can’t wait for all the baby snuggles, feedings, family visits, and all the joy that comes with a newborn. But have you thought about the recovery process for mom? As you transition to taking care of a baby, your postpartum body needs time and attention to recuperate from the physical journey of pregnancy and childbirth. Read on to learn about some natural postpartum care solutions.

Pain Relief

It takes a minimum of 6 weeks for mom’s body to heal after childbirth. For some, especially after a C-section, it may take even longer. In the beginning, afterbirth contractions continue for a few days to weeks, and at times can be extremely painful. You may also experience pain from perineal tearing or stretching, as well as stressed, sore muscles and pain from breastfeeding. Many women want to avoid prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers in favor of natural postpartum care options.

Homeopathic arnica tablets are safe for mom and baby if you are breastfeeding. They help alleviate bruising, pain, and inflammation from the birthing process.

Raspberry leaf tea contains tannins, which may help tone the uterus after giving birth. The herb is a uterine tonic because it has a reputation for invigorating and strengthening the uterus. The sooner the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size, the sooner the postpartum contractions and bleeding will stop.

Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts will relieve achy muscles and speed healing. Plus, it supplies a dose of magnesium. You can even create your own relaxing therapeutic Sitz bath. Combine 1-2 cups of Epsom salts and 6-10 drops of your favorite essential oils in a warm bath.

Breast Care

If you choose to breastfeed, the first days or weeks can be painful. Treat sore nipples with this homemade Boobie Balm.

Nettle tea is a great restorative to help with postpartum fatigue and exhaustion. Another great benefit to drinking nettle tea is a boost in milk supply for breastfeeding mamas.

Care for Down There

Perineal Cold Packs provide soothing, cooling relief to the tender, sore perineal area following childbirth. These can also be heated for moms who prefer a warm pack.

Going to the bathroom can be a painful experience in the days after childbirth. Use a peri bottle instead of wiping with toilet paper.

If the idea of wearing a bulky maxi pad for months after having a baby is not your ideal, check out Thinx instead. The absorbency technology means you can feel secure —and a lot more comfortable— than with a pad. With many styles to choose from, Thinx fits all body types, even after childbirth. The high-waisted panties are also perfect for holding your perineal cold/warm pack in place. Immediately following childbirth when bleeding is heaviest, you may need to use a pad, but Thinx can provide added protection. After the first few days, you can switch to just Thinx Speax or regular Thinx panties.

Great news! Thinx now has a set designed just for postpartum moms. Find it on the Thinx website under Saver Sets.

Nutrition

The better your diet following childbirth, the faster you’ll recover. Be sure to include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Constipation after childbirth is common. Avoid excessive pain on your traumatized perineal area by increasing your fiber intake.

You can boost your energy levels and help your body recover from excessive blood loss by taking a chlorophyll supplement. Check out my favorite chlorophyll supplement here.

Emotional Support

The rollercoaster of emotions that comes with a new baby can be difficult to cope with. Complete your natural postpartum care kit with essential oils to calm nerves, uplift, and promote a tranquil, restful environment. Some favorite essential oils of new mothers include:

  • Lavender – the gentle aroma is soothing to both mom and baby
  • Bergamot – relieve stress with the uplifting citrus aroma
  • Frankincense – uplifting and great for skin
  • Joy – promotes feelings of happiness and combats the baby blues

Looking for more DIYS for pregnancy and postpartum care? Check out this Pregnancy Leg Balm or these Pampered Mama DIY Recipes. And be sure to check out this post from my friend Lindsey Meehleis, Top 10 Tips for Every Expecting Mom.

Want to learn which essential oils and supplements are safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding? Check this out.