Chris Donnelly

Your title doesn't make you a leader.

How you choose to communicate with your employees does.

10 FREE Management Courses to Try Today 🔥

Another fantastic resource post from Project Management

1. Google Project Management: Professional Certificate
Taught by Google experts who used project management to launch their career.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dz7gKfTN

2. IBM Project Manager Professional Certificate
Build the insights, skills and portfolio to have an advantage in the job market.
↳ https://lnkd.in/drqTnbdk

3. AI Product Management Specialization
Teaches you to manage Design & Development of Machine Learning Products.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dGEFqQgJ

4. Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management
This course covers the core concepts of planning and executing projects.
↳ https://lnkd.in/d9xk4RUk

5. Scrum Master Certification Specialization
Learn and understand how to manage events and tasks in a sprint.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dAM_zwcK

6. Project Management: Tools, Approaches, Behavioural Skills
Learn the primary tools, techniques and approaches to plan projects.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dn25rt-Z

7. Agile with Atlassian Jira
Learn the common fundamental principles and practices used by agile.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dtaiBV6S

8. Software Product Management Specialization
Apply Agile software management practices to team leadership and projects.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dixCqGkt

9. Project Management Principles and Practices Specialization
Understand the skills to guarantee project success, within budget and deadline.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dZ4UR_Uw

10. Engineering Project Management Specialisation
Gain the knowledge, and skills that you need to move into leadership positions.
↳ https://lnkd.in/d-pbwjJg

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2. Comment on this post
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4. Subscribe to: https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

I'll say it again.

Culture is not bean bags, free beer, or a free subscription to a meditation app.

Culture is:

- Not scheduling meetings before or after the working day
- Not scheduling meetings over lunch
- Not publicly shaming individuals in front of the team
- Not pressuring parents to parent around their work instead of working around their kids
- Hiring appropriately and not letting the team carry the load alone
- Not promoting a false sense of your companies culture online

Your actions define your culture. Your culture defines your brand.

People don't leave because they don't have free stuff, they leave because they can recognise the difference between a good culture and a bad one.

People don't just quit bad jobs.

They quit because they're being micromanaged.

Micromanagers are the resignation trigger.
And once one employee goes, others tend to follow.

The reality is:
It's really hard to find top talent.

So as a manager, it is your duty to keep them motivated.

Here are the top 8 ways to keep your top talent happy:

🗣️ Give feedback on a regular basis to help people learn.
💰 Pay people a competitive salary or someone else will.
⚖️ Offer a real work-life balance, not a false promise.
📈 Be open and transparent about growth opportunities.
✉️ Encourage open communication between both parties.
👊 Do not promote toxic behaviour or it'll fester.
👥 Actively focus on creating a great culture.
🤲 Practice empathy and forgive mistakes.

If you do these 8 things, you will notice a few benefits:

😊 More smiles around the office.
🧳 Higher job satisfaction all around.
⚠️ A greater appetite for risk and innovation.

Your team are the foundation of your business.
It's time to start treating them that way.

Did I miss any methods from the list?
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

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Best career advice:

You should either earn a lot or learn a lot.

Although, both would be best.

Here are 9 other amazing pieces of career advice:

1. Build a personal brand. It shows you can create something from nothing.

2. Overcome self-doubt to build confidence. Believe in your ability.

3. Embrace each role as a learning journey. Strive to acquire new insights.

4. View failure as a stepping stone. They're opportunities for growth.

5. Be proactive in finding solutions. Explore and carve out your own path.

6. Action dispels anxiety. Progress triumphs over excessive rumination.

7. Work both smart and hard. There are no shortcuts in this game called life.

8. Choose the right opportunities wisely. You can't say yes to them all.
 
9. Networking is crucial to success. Build meaningful connections.

But above all:
Learn from the very best.
They'll teach you more than any degree can.

Do you agree?
Let me know ⬇️

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Want to know my full system for building a personal brand?
I'm sharing it all for free on Wednesday, December 18th, at 6pm GMT.

Covering:

•⁠ ⁠How to grow on LinkedIn 
•⁠ ⁠How to build your business with leverage 
•⁠ ⁠How to systemise growth

But... We are capping our seats. 
So secure yours here: https://lnkd.in/eFpVhNMe

10 Visuals That Will Change The Way You Think.

Change your mindset, change your outcomes.

These brilliant graphics are created by Liz Fosslien 🔥

Covering some incredible self-development topics like:

- When to take a break
- How to embrace failure
- The power of a great manager

Check them out here:

1. We get what we ask for. 
↳ Closed mouths don’t get fed. If you want something, ask for it! 
↳ Worst case, it’s a no and we learn from it

2. The reality of progress 
↳ Everyone has hard days, even those who are very successful. 
↳ Instead of feeling bad, use this time to reflect on how far you’ve come.

3. When you should take a break
↳ We should not be taking breaks on the brink of burnout
↳ Instead, take smaller breaks when your energy dips, you will go for longer

4. Not everyone starts in the same place
↳ Some people will have a much harder journey to goals than others. 
↳ Always be kind, you don’t know what it’s taken to get somewhere.

5. The reality of hard things 
↳ It may seem like everything but with time everything becomes easier. 
↳ Stay disciplined and persist through the hard times.

6. How to have effective work discussions 
↳ Contribution should come from everywhere, not just from your boss. 
↳ Diversity of thought is absolutely critical

7. How to tackle obstacles in life
↳ When things are hard, remember: it’s one small part of a long journey. 
↳ Reflect on how far you’ve actually come.

8. How we should view failure 
↳ Failure is never a bad thing. It is all a part of the process. 
↳ Embrace failure. Fail fast and learn even faster.

9. Working when you’re anxious 
↳ It’s far easier to take on more when you’re feeling good. 
↳ Prioritise your mental and physical health to make things work.

10. The power of a great manager
↳ A good manager will bring you more benefits than higher pay. 
↳ Find a leader who will truly help you excel.

10 thought-provoking images. 
Aiming to shift your perception today.

Which was your favourite lesson? 
Let me know below ⬇️

- - - - -

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I saw this and it literally sums up marketing right now.

When artificial intelligence and robots are automating so much of marketing on social media and search engines, the best way to connect with your consumers and create lasting memories is to:

- have a strong brand presence
- focus on having creative that truly resonates with your customer
- make customers feel something

That's why Verb produces our own creative and we run the performance activities - because it's the marketing that finds the right people and then the creative that makes them say yes.

Be the person who makes things easier, not harder.

10X Your Productivity With Just 20 Sentences.

The perfect way to start 2024.

🔥 Steal this powerful sheet from my friend Colby Kultgen 🔥

Level up your performance in all areas.

With topics including:

- Work and performance
- Health and wellness
- Time management
- Task prioritisation
- Energy & Focus

This isn’t a “read and move on”.
Treat it as a practical guide to get you back on track.

Carefully consider these sentences.
And start applying them today.

Your future self will thank you.

What’s your favourite productivity hack?
Let me know in the comments below ⬇️

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8 Ways to End Procrastination\n\n(To focus on the tasks that really matter) \n\nProcrastination is the biggest enemy of productivity.\nIt's also strongly linked to higher stress in the workplace.\n\nIf you can't master your time,\nYou will not hit your ambitious goals.\n\nBreak the cycle today.\nUse these 8 methods for ending procrastination:\n\n1. The 2-Minute Rule ⏱️\n↳ If the task takes under 2 minutes...\n↳ Get it done RIGHT NOW.\n\n2. Visualise How Future You Will Feel 👤\n\nImagine how it feels at the end of the day in 2 ways:\n\nA) If you’ve worked hard and stayed focused.\nB) If you have procrastinated and did not complete the work.\n\n3. Put Your Phone In Another Room 📱\n↳ Your phone is your biggest distraction.\n↳ Put it in another room to get work done.\n\n4. Break Things Down ⛓️‍💥\n↳ Big projects = overwhelmed feelings = procrastination.\n↳ Break your tasks into small challenges to avoid this.\n\n5. The 5-Second Rule 🕔\n↳ Once you’ve noticed you’re procrastinating, give yourself 5 seconds.\n↳ By 5, get up and get back to the task you were doing.\n\n6. Use the Eisenhower Matrix ⊹\n↳ Focus on the urgent and important.\n↳ Understand how to delegate and automate the rest.\n\n7. Eat the Frog 🐸\n↳ Do the most difficult task first.\n↳ This builds momentum fast. \n\n8. Stop Worrying About Perfection 🧼\n↳ Perfection can be paralysing.\n↳ Just make a start, you’ll figure it out on the way.\n\nSave this carousel to end procrastination today,\nAnd make some real progress towards your goals.\n\nDo you have any procrastination tips that I missed?\nShare them in the comments ⬇️\n\n♻️ Repost this to help your network be more productive.\nAnd follow Chris Donnelly for more.\n\nIf you enjoyed this content, you might like my newsletter, Step by Step:\n\nhttps://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu\n\nI have 30+ free learning resources for you.

Your title doesn't make you a great leader.

How you make your people feel does.

Important message from my friend John Castro
(Yet another banger by John from our Career Accelerator cohort!)

You've got to choose your words wisely.

Leadership isn't all about barking orders.
It's about giving people the autonomy to grow.

The best leaders speak in a way that...

- Fosters trust
- Pushes a growth mindset
- Creates a supportive environment

Here are 10 phrases that set great leaders apart:

1. I trust you.
2. You got this.
3. How can I help?
4. I value your opinion.
5. Let’s do this together.
6. I believe you can do it.
7. You have my full support.
8. Where can I help you grow?
9. Let’s celebrate your progress.
10. What do you think of this idea?

Using these simple phrases can transform your team's performance.

The words you use cultivates the culture you create.

Lead with integrity!

Which phrase resonates with you the most?
Share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️

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12 of the wisest things ever said by Steve Jobs:

1. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.“

2. “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.”

3. “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.“

4. “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.“

5. “It's not the customer's job to know what they want.“

6. “The journey is the reward.“

7. “We're here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise, why else even be here?“

8. “You've got to start with the customer experience and work back toward the technology, not the other way around.“

9. “Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life.“

10. “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.“

11. “You can't do it unless you can imagine it.“

12. “I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what's next.“

His insights on innovation and life has inspired millions of entrepreneurs globally and will continue to do so.

What’s your favourite quote?

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Gymshark nailing branding. In 3 words.

👏

Growth is never a straightforward path.

Learn to trust the process.

I don't think people realise how long they have.
Especially when you're young; you rush everything.

They come across failure for the first time...
And it completely debilitates them.

But this is what I've learned:

Each time I faced a roadblock, I learned something.
It gave me added resilience to face my next challenge.

That resilience is what turns roadblocks into stepping stones.

That's why it's important to adopt
↳ A Growth Mindset 🧠

This is what a setback looks like with a Growth Mindset:

1. Pause and Reflect 🤔
↳ Acknowledge the setback without judgment.
↳ Ask: What can I learn from this?

2. Reframe the Narrative 🖼️
↳ Shift your focus from “I failed” to “I’m growing.”
↳ See the setback as a lesson, not a defeat.

3. Adjust and Strategise ⌨️
↳ Identify what it is that didn't work.
↳ Tweak your approach and create a new plan.

4. Take Action and Persist 💥
↳ Move forward with determination.
↳ Remember, growth comes from consistent effort.

If you avoid failure and challenges...
The truth is that you'll never truly grow.

I do believe that failing is a sign of trying.

And the parts of my life that have felt the messiest...
Reflecting back I realise those were the highest-growth periods.

Do you think about growth in the same way?
Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments ⬇️

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Master The Art of Negotiation

How to Get What You Deserve:

Another fantastic cheatsheet by Josh S. 🔥

A brutal truth in life:

Most people do not get what they deserve.

The solution?
Negotiate for what you deserve.

People who master the art of negotiation:

↳ Earn greater respect and recognition
↳ Secure higher-paid opportunities
↳ Advance more quickly in life

Start enhancing your negotiation skills today.
Steal this guide now!

Harvards 6 Guidelines to get to Yes:

1. Separate the people from the problem
2. Focus on Interests, not positions
3. Learn to manage emotions
4. Express appreciation
5. Put a positive spin on your message
6. Escape the action and reaction cycle

Understand the types of communication

You need to work on:

↳ 7% words
↳ 38% Tone and pace
↳ 55% body language

Understand the Zone of Possible Agreement
From there you can negotiate:

With 6 bonus tips to level up your negotiation!

Remember:

If you don’t speak up you don’t get.
Start negotiating to get what you truly deserve.

Do you have any tips for negotiation? 
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

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90% of top performers have high Emotional Intelligence.

Here are 24 Signs you have it too:

1. You can control your own emotions in times of stress.

2. You have empathy and understanding for others.

3. You are calm when pressure is high.

4. You make decisions carefully understanding different points of view.

5. You help others in times of distress.

6. You can manage team conflicts with ease.

7. You can manage your own motivation.

8. You are resilient when times get tough.

9. You can adapt fast to a crisis.

10. You are integral, honest and trusting.

11. You have mastered self-control.

12. You keep an open mind no matter what.

13. You make others feel comfortable and at ease.

14. You encourage feedback and thrive off it.

15. You can build high-performing teams.

16. You listen more than you talk.

17. You acknowledge others emotions and treat people with respect.

18. You create a positive atmosphere for others.

19. You communicate with clarity and efficiency.

20. You feel comfortable in different social environments.

21. You have strong patience with others.

22. You are self-assured and confident.

23. You are okay with being vulnerable and encourage others to be the same.

24. You make new people feel welcome.

Remember:
Emotional Intelligence isn't a skill you are gifted.
You have to work long and hard to develop it.

If you want to develop it today:

↳ Reflect daily
↳ Seek feedback
↳ Improve your listening
↳ Analyse your emotional response
↳ Learn more through resources online

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7 Uncomfortable truths every employer needs to hear.

Leaders, CEOs, and managers listen up…

When you make your people the priority
They will make your business theirs.

Understand these 7 truths today
For a strong business tomorrow:

1. The worst time to offer a pay rise is after they hand in their notice.
↳ If you value your team reward them before they start looking elsewhere.

2. You don’t have a work-from-home issue you have a trust problem.
↳ If you do not trust your employees to work at home you’re a micromanager.

3. Company culture is not bean bags, free beer or other useless benefits.
↳ The best culture is an environment where your team feel heard and valued.

4. Your team should feel comfortable to say “I don’t know” or “I disagree.”
↳ If employees don’t feel safe to share perspectives you have work to do.

5. Your entry-level jobs should never require any work experience
↳ You’re just trying to hire for a normal job and paying an entry-level salary.

6. If your actions do not always align with your values you will destroy trust.
↳ It should never be one rule for employees and another rule for managers.

7. If an employee is sick or has a family emergency it is not annual leave.
↳ It only takes basic human compassion to understand this is not annual leave.

What other uncomfortable truths would you add to this list?
Let me know in the comments below ⬇️

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📌 Want to receive more of my thoughts on workplace culture?
I’ll be sharing more details in my free newsletter.

Don’t miss out, subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

Stop waiting for the perfect idea.

Success is earned by taking action.

The truth is:
Most people don't fail because they have bad ideas.

They fail because they never make a start. 

They overthink, overplan, 
And wait for clarity that never comes.

The reality is, the bar for success has never been lower.

The most successful people: 

✅ Picked something imperfect. 
✅ Moved before they felt ready. 
✅ Adjusted as they went.

99% of people don't do that in today's society.

So, the next time you're second-guessing yourself, remember this:

👟 Nike was just a college project.
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 YouTube launched as a dating site.
🖊️ IKEA started out selling pens.

Think about that.
They made a start, and they pivoted later.

Then, they all achieved unthinkable success. 

Here’s how you can do the same:

1️⃣ Pick one idea. 
↳ Think about a problem you hear about often, and how you'd fix it. 
↳ You don’t need a decades-long roadmap.

2️⃣ Start messy. 
↳ Ship it before it’s ready, and sell it before it’s polished.
↳ Listen closely to the feedback of your early adopters.

3️⃣ Be ready to pivot. 
↳ Your first version won't be the final one or the best one. 
↳ The goal ultimately is evolution, not revolution.

But they can't evolve if they never begin.

You won’t get to the right idea, 
Without learning from the wrong ones.

Start now. 
Tidy it up later.

If you’re building something, or want to start, 
My weekly newsletter will help. 

It's packed with actionable frameworks
And skills you need to start, scale, or pivot your next move.

Sign up here 👇 
https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

You’ll also get access to 30+ free learning resources. 

What idea are you working on right now? 
Would love to hear about them in the comments.👇

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11 Visuals That Will Change How You Lead.

Use these to become an amazing leader.

Shoutout to Roberto for these amazing visuals 🔥

1. The reality of micromanagement
↳ Leaders inspire and lead, not control and command.
↳ Micromanagers don’t help the team they hinder them.

2. Maximise Strengths
↳ We are often taught to improve our weaknesses.
↳ But when we master our strengths we become unstoppable.

3. The introversion stereotype
↳ Introverts often make very strong leaders.
↳ Having both introverted and extroverted leaders is a huge advantage.

4. Layers of communications
↳ Listening is far deeper than just hearing things.
↳ When you truly listen to problems they get solved faster.

5. Creating Psychological Safety
↳ Your team should always feel okay speaking up.
↳ The more you listen, the safer your team will feel.

6. How to build a positive culture
↳ Vulnerability isn't a bad characteristic for leaders.
↳ When you say “I am sorry or I made a mistake” you build trust.

7. Traits of a high-performing team
↳ Your business is only as strong as your team.
↳ Implement these 7 steps to transform your team's work rate.

8. The Impact of a Great Manager
↳ A great manager puts their team first. Always.
↳ They help them to focus on performing to the best of their ability.

9. Creativity vs Bureaucracy
↳ Bureaucracy is the biggest threat to creativity. 
↳ Don’t let it hold your company back from doing great things.

10. Toxic culture traps
↳ A toxic culture is the quickest way to derail your team.
↳ Don’t let winning ideas and strategy be sacrificed to toxicity.

11. Great leaders inspire.
↳ Set an example that others want to follow.
↳ Your actions will result in a chain of great leaders.

11 truly incredible leadership lessons.
That will completely change your perspectives.

Which visual was your favourite?
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

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95% of people state they can’t stay focused in meetings.

The Ultimate Guide to Effective Meetings.

When people constantly lose focus in meetings
They quickly become… pointless.

It’s time to stop wasting time in unproductive meetings.
Save and study this guide for more effective meetings:

🏅 Jeff Bezos's 3 golden rules for productive meetings.

1. The two-pizza rule
↳ Limit the number of people to that which two pizzas can feed.

2. Ditch PowerPoints
↳ Ditch the slide shows. Bezos requires detailed written narratives instead.

3. Embrace Silence 
↳ Start by dedicating 30 minutes to read the memo.

6️⃣ best practices to elevate your meetings:

1. Define a clear purpose and agenda.
2. Encourage active participation from all.
3. Select a skilled individual to lead the meeting.
4. Conclude with specific next steps and action items.
5. Explore alternative methods of effective collaboration.
6. Continuously seek feedback and focus on improvements.

👀 Reduce your meetings with 3 proven tips:

1. Establish “No meeting days”.
2. Be very selective with your time.
3. Use meeting tools to your advantage

⚡ 4 Ultimate Meeting Hacks:

1. Have meetings whilst on walks.
2. Richard Branson's stay stood up rule.
3. Cover agenda topic and points in 5 minutes.
4. Invite the 20% of people who will drive 80% of the value

🖥️ Last but not least 5 must-have meeting tools:

1. Otter Ai
2. Loom
3. Tactiq
4. Canva GPT
5. Whimisical Diagrams GPT

How do you maintain productive meetings? 
Comment below to help others do the same ⬇️

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If you're not using AI...

You're not being productive.

In 2022, when AI started becoming mainstream, 
I made a commitment to myself to learn the ins and outs as much as I could.

I said I would spend 30 minutes daily learning about it, 
And I have kept my word.

Here's what I've learned so far:

➡️ AI is hugely valuable for individuals and companies. 
➡️ The systems and automation you can develop are out of this world. 
➡️ I will absolutely be continuing to implement it in my businesses.

Not only can it produce well-written content, 
But it can also:

✅ Develop custom systems from scratch
✅ Summarise and distil an insane amount of information
✅ And create automations that run while you sleep.

That's why I've made this sheet to help you become more productive...
With a list of productivity prompts using world-class frameworks.

The sheet includes frameworks like:

1️⃣ Getting Things Done (GTD)
2️⃣ Pomodoro Technique
3️⃣ Eat The Frog
4️⃣ Time Blocking
5️⃣ Parkinson’s Law

And there are 15 more AI prompts in the sheet below.

I will be talking about how to build a digital business, use AI 
and ultimately how to build a cohort busines today, at 3pm.

On my free live webinar:

“How to Build a Cohort Business“
Today at 3:00 pm BST

We'll cover a wide range of topics: 

- Why cohort models convert better, scale faster, and create real demand. 
- The exact structure behind a multi-million dollar cohort offer. 
- How to build urgency, trust, and community at scale.

Limited seats available, so sign up quickly: 
https://lnkd.in/eMYw-JvF

I genuinely encourage you to turn up and ask the hard questions!

- - - - -

📌 If you want a high-res PDF of this sheet:

1. Follow Chris Donnelly
2. Like the post.
3. Repost to your network.
4. Subscribe to: https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

6 Free Harvard Courses.

To Change Your Life in 2024 (Part 2 Version).

Another fantastic curation by Josh S. 🔥

Level up your learning right now.
From the world’s most prestigious institution!

Take a look at these 6 incredible free courses.
Covering fundamental topics such as:

- Resilience and Self Development
- Artificial Intelligence
- Leadership

Take your self-improvement further.
Check them out here:

1. Introduction to AI with Python
https://lnkd.in/ezcX3SGu

2. Resilient Leadership
https://lnkd.in/dhPpugaJ

3. The Path to Happiness
https://lnkd.in/e6bBYuUd

4. Building Personal Resilience
https://lnkd.in/eYhuCVv8

5. Leadership: Creating Public Value
https://lnkd.in/dUiw9f7p

6. Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking
https://lnkd.in/ddrNHiKW

Whether it’s improving your existing skills.
Or learning something completely new.

These courses offer something for everyone.

Which one will you be taking on first?
Let me know below ⬇️

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📌 Want a high-res of this PDF graphic?  
Josh will be adding it to my LinkedIn Vault
To access it for free, subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/eVCiGdBU

4 signs that you have a strong company culture:

1. You are trusted to work from anywhere

2. You have a great work-life balance

3. You laugh with your team, a lot

4. You feel like you can ask for help

#LICreatorAccelerator

Your title doesn't make you a leader.

How you choose to communicate with your team does.

Leaders are there to guide the team toward a collective goal.

Poor communication is probably the No.1 thing that gets in the way of that.

Leaders who don't know how to communicate:

🚫 Frustrate their team and cause confusion. 
🚫 Encourage resentment and high turnover rates. 
🚫 Fail to guide their team to meet company targets.

Instead, the best leaders: 

1. Speak To Everyone With Respect.
↳ They value all inputs equally and listen openly to ideas.
↳ They know that everyone performs better when they feel heard.

2. Use Words and Silence Carefully.
↳ They know when to speak, when to listen, and when to step back.
↳ They avoid knee-jerk responses and over-explaining.

3. See Communication As a Bridge.
↳ They prioritise making connections over asserting their authority. 
↳ They give clear instructions and ensure everyone is on board.

If your team is confused, underperforming or disengaged...

Don’t jump straight to performance reviews.

Start with how you, the leader, communicate.

Great leaders don’t just set direction, 
They make sure everyone can follow it.

Have you worked for a boss with great communication? 
Tag them below to show some recognition. 👇

♻️ Repost to help your network achieve success.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

P.S.
I am hosting:
“How to Use AI to Build a Personal Brand in 2025”
For Free On Thursday 3rd April at 5:30pm BST

You will learn:
- How to use AI to generate high-converting content ideas
- How to turn raw ideas into polished posts
- ⁠How to use AI for audience research
- ⁠How to make AI your behind-the-scenes co-founder

Sign up here: 
https://lnkd.in/eMYw-JvF

- - - -

📌 If you want a high-res PDF of this sheet:

1. Follow Chris Donnelly.
2. Like the post.
3. Repost to your network.
4. Subscribe to: https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

Become World Class at Understanding Finances 
A complete finance book all on one page.

🔥 Check out this Ultimate Finance Cheat Sheet by Nicolas Boucher 🔥

Take control of your business finances today. 
Steal this sheet for all finance KPIs and objectives.

Here’s a little sneak peek of what’s inside:

- Accounting, cash and balance sheet KPIs
- Financial terms explained for beginners
- CEO, headcount and inventory KPIs
- The Finance Organisation Chart
- FP&A Methods & Skills
- Tips on reducing costs
- Cash conversion cycle
- Valuation techniques
- Manufacturing KPIs
- The Budget Process
- PVM Analysis
- SaaS KPIs

“Understanding your numbers is not just an option; it's a necessity.”
(Warren Buffet)

As someone who’s run multiple businesses…
I can confirm this sheet is an absolute gold mine.

Start 2024 in the right way. 
And get on top of your business finances.

What’s the most helpful part of this sheet for you? 
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

- - - - -

If you liked this content, ♻️ repost this and follow Chris Donnelly

Kindness costs nothing.

But it has the power to change everything.

We've all had moments where someone was short with us. 
And naturally, you are geared to respond angrily.

But every single time this happens. 
The best thing you can do is:

Pause and respond with empathy.
 
You will never regret it.

Because you never know what someone else is going through:

😷 A private diagnosis.
🧑‍🍼 A rough night with a newborn.
⛓️‍💥 A deal falling apart behind the scenes.

So next time someone seems off with you, take a moment:

1️⃣ Don't react, respond. 
↳ Pause and take a deep breath before replying. 
↳ Think about what they've said and why it got to you.

2️⃣ Ask yourself what they might be facing. 
↳ There are a million reasons they might be off...
↳ And statistically, you can only be 1 of them. 

3️⃣ Default to understanding
↳ The way you respond is within your control. 
↳ Build a habit of having empathy.

Most people are fighting battles you’ll never see.
A little kindness goes further than you think.

If you want advice like this...
That will help you grow exponentially:

You'll want my weekly newsletter.

Join here 👇
https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

I have important lessons and 30+ free learning resources for you.

What's your best tip for handling confrontation? 
Let me know in the comments. ⬇️

♻️ Repost to help your network practice more kindness. 
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

This post about being a “good manager” reached 82,181 likes on LinkedIn..

Here are the 5 steps to becoming a world-class manager


If you like this post, follow me Chris Donnelly for more content like it.

Stop hiring based on [X] years of experience.

99% of jobs can be taught.

This is a message I've shared before, 
And I'll keep sharing until I'm convinced otherwise. 
 
(Which I don't predict happening any time soon...)

Most founders are STILL obsessed with hiring whoever looks best on paper. 

This is a huge mistake that could cost you more than just money.

The truth is, a candidate might be the perfect fit on paper, 
But without the right attitude, none of that matters. 

Some of my best hires had absolutely no background in the role. 
But they were fast, adaptable, and fully committed to their work.

They came in and elevated our performance further.

So, after decades of hiring, 
Here's what I look for in new hires now:

1️⃣ Resourcefulness 
↳ Can they come up with solutions without guidance? 
↳ Do they approach situations proactively or wait for instructions?

2️⃣ Curiosity
↳ Do they ask questions that show they really care? 
↳ Do they genuinely want to understand how the business works?

3️⃣ Bias to action
↳ Are they able to complete and ship tasks quickly? 
↳ Or do they sit on ideas waiting for sign-off?

4️⃣ Self-awareness
↳ Can they articulate their strengths and gaps?
↳ Or do they just tell you what they think you want to hear?

5️⃣ Ownership
↳ Do they treat the outcome like it’s theirs?
↳ Are they able to own their successes and setbacks?

Don't get me wrong, experience does matter. 
But it's not the first thing I consider when hiring.

I look for candidates with the skills and attitude to
Grow with the business and contribute to our long-term goals.

Because when someone has the traits you can’t teach,
Teaching the job is the easy bit.

Do you agree that most jobs can be taught? 
Let's discuss in the comments.⬇️

I cover the exact hiring strategies you need,
In order to grow a thriving business in my newsletter, Step by Step.

Sign up here for actionable advice every Sunday 👇
https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

I’ve also included 30+ free resources to help you grow.

♻️ Repost to help others change their mindset on hiring ! 
And follow Chris Donnelly for frameworks that work for you.

Everyone sees the win.

Very few see what it takes to get there.

We live in a world that assumes victory is the same as success:

🏆 The shiny exit.
🏆 The big valuation.
🏆 The viral post.

But after founding and exiting multiple businesses, 
I've learned that the opposite is true.

The end result is not success, 
It's just the part that people celebrate. 

The truth is, you don’t reach the top by doing what’s easy.
You get there by sticking with it longer than everyone else.

Look at the greats:

⚡ Usain Bolt trained for 20 years.
You saw 9.85 seconds.

🏀 Kobe Bryant made 1,000 shots a day.
You saw the NBA titles.

👟 Eliud Kipchoge ran over 200 km per week.
You saw the 1:59 marathon.

🥊 Muhammad Ali ran 5 miles every morning.
You saw the greatest.

🏊 Michael Phelps trained 365 days a year for five years straight.
You saw the medals.

If you feel like nothing is moving, 
Here are 3 ways to stay consistent when results are slow:

1️⃣ Commit to one small non-negotiable per day.
↳ Not ten. Just one. Make it impossible to skip.

2️⃣ Default to action, not perfection.
↳ You don’t need the best version. You need the next version.

3️⃣ Revisit your ‘why’ weekly.
↳ It should be strong enough to pull you through the toughest times.

If you’re building something right now, 
And it feels slow, hard, or thankless... keep going.

If you're looking for more inspiration to get started,
My newsletter, Step by Step, is what I write to help with that.

It gives you actionable insights to make exponential progress.

You can sign up here: https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

What’s your version of success?
Would love to hear in the comments. ⬇️

♻️ Repost to help your network achieve success.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

Setting boundaries does not make you selfish.

It protects your well-being and preserves your peace.

When you fail to set workplace boundaries you risk,
losing work-life balance and facing burnout.

Learn to set boundaries without burning bridges.
So you can focus on what truly matters.

Here’s a sneak peak:

🚧 5 signs you need to set boundaries:
↳ You feel like you're being pulled in multiple directions.
↳ You feel uncomfortable when asking for time off.
↳ Work bleeds into your life too much.
↳ Your relationships start to suffer.
↳ You feel burned out.

7️⃣ types of boundaries and why they are important.
As well as the step-by-step guide to setting boundaries:

↳ Identify your boundaries.
↳ Communicate them clearly.
↳ Set expectations early.
↳ Enforce and revisit

The final part of the sheet:
🏫 Harvards 7 crucial tips for setting boundaries.

Remember:
Your boundaries are only a problem,
To those who don’t respect your time.

Set clear boundaries and communicate them well,
To experience a healthier and more balanced work life.

Have your boundaries ever been crossed in the workplace?
I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments. ⬇️

♻️ Repost this to share this sheet with your network.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more!

Your business is only as strong as your team.

Here are 8 traits every high-performing team has in common:

The highest-level teams don't rely on:

- Skills and talent
- One strong leader
- Old-school methods

They use these 8 key traits.
To maximise each other’s potential and achieve excellence:

1. Feedback
↳ Constructive criticism is welcomed, they aim for growth, not perfection.
↳ Teams that receive regular feedback show a 14.9% performance boost.

2. Flexibility
↳ Change is embraced, not feared. They can pivot without hesitation.
↳ 94% of executives believe that an agile workforce is crucial for success.

3. Empowerment
↳ They take ownership for their role and responsibilities, this drives results.
↳ Empowered employees are 4.5X more likely to put their full ability into work.

4. Continuous learning
↳ They embrace the unknown and make it their mission to learn more.
↳ They seek knowledge relentlessly through courses, books, and mentors.

5. Balance
↳ They understand that healthy bodies = sharp minds.
↳ They know how to set boundaries and are aware when burnout is near.

6. Shared accountability
↳ They take joint ownership of their successes and failures.
↳ When problems appear there is no finger-pointing, just problem-solving.

7. Strong communication
↳ Whether it’s through Slack or in person, all updates are communicated.
↳ Over communication is never an issue, everyone is aware of what’s going on.

8. They meet with a focus
↳ They meet with an agenda and everyone is aware of the focus.
↳ No meeting is wasted, they are prepared and discuss focussed topics.

Want to turn your team into high-performers?

1. Offer feedback.
2. Embrace change.
3. Celebrate their wins.
4. Invest in their education.
5. Promote work-life balance.
6. Share responsibility for mistakes.
7. Encourage more open conversations.
8. Schedule and plan meetings ahead of time.

Implement these 8 steps to transform your team.

Which trait do you think is most important?
Let me know in the comments below ⬇️

♻️ Repost this to help others in your network create amazing teams.

📌 Want to download a high-res PDF of this sheet?

1. Follow Chris Donnelly
2. ♻️ Repost to your network
3. Subscribe to: https://lnkd.in/eVCiGdBU

Follow the above steps and receive this + 50 free learning resources to help you level up your business, career and life.

Uncomfortable truth most don't want to hear:

Having an idea isn't what makes you special.

The execution of the idea does.

I'm sure you've been there:

You're on a walk, in the shower, or anywhere where you aren't working.
Ideas come to you in floods and streams.

You scramble to write them down on your notes tab...
But then those ideas simply gather dust with zero action taken.

That's what separates the average minds from the great ones.

It's not about having:

💡 The perfect idea
⏱️ With the perfect timing
🌍 And the perfect environment

Rather, it's about having an idea that's “good enough.“
Then simply focusing on excellent execution of that idea.

So, the next time you have a brilliant or “good enough“ idea...
Here's what you're going to do:

1. Cut the Fat
↳ Strip an idea to its core and build the leanest version.
↳ This could be a landing page or even a waitlist for example.

2. Set a Ruthless Deadline
↳ Use Parkinson's Law to be strict about when it will be done by.

(Parkinson’s Law: “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.”)

3. Collect Feedback
↳ Find key people in your audience who can try it. 
↳ Get an idea on the key things that work and the things that don't.

4. Measure Traction
↳ Pay close attention to the general feedback and sentiment. 
↳ Then ask yourself: is this an idea worth building upon?

5. Ship it. Then iterate.
↳ Put it out. It will not be pretty. But it just needs to work. , 
↳ Then continuously improve it based on feedback.

Remember:

We all get brilliant ideas now and again
Often when we least expect it. But execution is king.

Now I've got something special for you...

I'm going to show you the exact route for launching (and executing) your own coaching business. 
To help anyone scale fast, without burning out or guessing your way through it. 

This is for:

- Coaches (new or established) who want consistent revenue.
- Freelancers, consultants, or experts transitioning into coaching.
- Creators looking to monetise their audience with a clear, premium offer.
- Anyone tired of posting, chasing, and is up for building a lean business.

I'm going live at 3pm BST.
You won't want to miss this one...
 
Grab your seat fast here: https://lnkd.in/eMYw-JvF

♻️ Repost to inspire your network to take action.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

Enjoyed this post?
I will be going so much deeper on this topic in my newsletter.

Going live this Sunday, don't miss out. 
Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

You can't lose if you don't give up.\n\nWithout resilience - you won't find success.  \n\nWe've all heard this saying before: \n\n“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.“ \n\nIt's a bit cliche, but when we talk about success, \nIt still rings true. \n\nThe message is clear: \n\nThe most resilient people don't avoid difficult situations,  \nThey acknowledge them and push through harder.  \n\nMost people haven't developed this skill,  \nAnd they quit too early. \n\nHere are 7 laws to help you develop that resilience:\n\n1. If you're struggling to understand something, ask Google.\n2. Learn something new every single day.\n3. The dream job doesn't always feel like the dream job.\n4. You will have to repeat yourself. A lot.\n5. Life is not a zero-sum game. I don't have to fail for you to succeed.\n6. Have a powerful why. Then the how is easy.\n7. Just don't stop until you win.\n\nAnything that you want to accomplish will take work. \nAnd anything that takes work will lead to some setbacks. \n\nPeople who acknowledge this early on will have better outcomes. \n\nI'm not saying it's easy, but it is worth it. \n\nEven some of the top brands were the result of sheer perseverance: \n\n📺 Netflix was rejected by over 1,000 investors.\n🚗 Tesla almost folded three separate times.\n🐦 Angry Birds was Rovio’s 52nd attempt.\n\nIf you're serious about building something real, \nYou'll enjoy my weekly newsletter. \n\nStep by Step includes real lessons to help build momentum. \n\nSign up here 👇\nhttps://bit.ly/4dCkNEf\n\nI also have 30+ free learning resources for you. \n\nWhat's your go-to mental hack when you need to push through? \nDrop it in the comments ⬇️\n\n♻️ Repost to help others develop their resilience. \nAnd follow Chris Donnelly for more personal development content.

Your LinkedIn Profile is Your Landing Page.

But here’s what 99% of people miss:

LinkedIn is the best platform to grow your audience, 
And generate leads at the same time...

The secret to lead generation specifically lies in your profile, 
And setting it up to be the best 60-second snapshot of your offer.

I've set up my profile to drive two goals:

📧 Subscriptions to my Step by Step newsletter.
🖥️ Sign-ups to my Creator Accelerator cohort.

The results speak for themselves:

📈 250,000+ subscribers to my email list.
✅ 4 sold-out Creator Accelerator cohorts.

If you want a profile that generates and converts leads, 
Steal this guide for turning your profile into a landing page:

👤 Profile Picture
↳ Make it clear, high-quality, and on-brand (400x400px works best).

🔲 Banner
↳ State your offer and direct people where you want them to go.

⛓️‍💥 Headline & Link
↳ Share what you do, what makes you different, and why people should trust you.

🖱️ Featured Section
↳ Highlight your main offer. Make it visual, clear, and actionable.

✍🏻 Content
↳ Lead with value to push people towards your profile.

👴🏻 Experience
↳ Include your formative roles and a description to build credibility.

☄️ Skills
↳ Prioritise the top 2 skills you want to be known (or hired) for.

✅ Call to Action
↳ There's no point upgrading your profile if people aren't directed towards it.

Creating an optimised profile only takes a few hours, 
But it could change your career for good.

Between a low-revenue LinkedIn profile that doesn't attract attention,  
And a highly profitable one that generates leads while you sleep...

I know which one I'd choose. 

What part of your profile needs the most work? 
Let me know in the comments. 👇

If you're serious about turning your LinkedIn into
A lead generation engine...

Join me for a FREE webinar I'm hosting on Thursday, 12 June. 
  
It's called: “The Anatomy Of The Perfect LinkedIn Post“

I'll teach you:

- The 5 proven LinkedIn post formats that drive engagement and leads.
- How to build content pillars so you always know what to post.
- The exact types of posts that convert.

Sign up here 👇
https://bit.ly/4jjO6wB

- - - -

📌 If you want a high-res PDF of this sheet:

1. Follow Chris Donnelly.
2. Like the post.
3. Repost to your network.
4. Subscribe to: https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

AI knowledge will be a critical job requirement for future companies.

6 Free Online AI Courses From Top Companies:

---

These future roles won't require a University degree, they require you to start learning today.

Do you want an IVY league standard education in AI for free?

All you have to do is copy and paste the following into your browser:

1: LinkedIn: Generative Ai Training Course
2: Google: Generative Ai Learning Path
3: Microsoft: Transform Your Business
4: IBM: AI Foundations For Everyone Training Course
5: Digital Partner's “The Fundamentals of ChatGPT” Training Course
6: Udemy ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

- - - -

If you like this content and it resonates, repost ♻️ this to your network and follow me Chris Donnelly for more like it.

Today I am launching a brand new business.

I've been working on this for years...

I'm starting a new position as Founder & Lead Coach of The Digital Business Accelerator by Chris Donnelly

I'll be teaming up with world-class, cutting-edge coaches, 
In digital marketing, lead generation, AI, and product - 

To deliver the most effective business transformation mastermind cohort ever.

The coaches and I will teach the exact:

🔧 Frameworks 
💻 Content
🗺️ Roadmaps  
📊 Insights

We have used over the years to build highly profitable, fast-scaling businesses.

My background has been varied:

👨‍💻 I bootstrapped and sold a digital marketing agency for 8 figures. 
🤲 I co-founded Lottie with my brother and took it to a 9 figures.  
📈 I founded the Creator Academy last year (already a high 7 figure business).

My two most consistent skills? 

Knowing how to deliver high-quality lead generation, 
And creating a good product.

I have sat on the boards of two dozen companies, 
Co-founded and operated more than a dozen,  
And invested in over 50 others.

However, this is the first time I'm sharing my knowledge, 
And the knowledge of the coaches in a course.

This is for anyone who wants to grow a digital business, 
Or build something for themselves. 

Whether that is a: 

➡️ A scalable tech business, 
➡️ A highly profitable coaching practice, 
➡️ Or an automated digital product or cohort business.

The Digital Business Accelerator will cover: 

Week 1: Different Digital Business Models
Week 2: Product Discovery and Ideation
Week 3: Building a Minimal Viable Product (MVP)
Week 4: Design and UX Masterclass
Week 5: Lead Magnets, Landing Pages, and Data Capture
Week 6: Webinars, Pre-recorded Video, and Building Demand
Week 7: How to Sell To and Close Your Customer
Week 8: Newsletter and CRM Deep Dive
Week 9: Segmentation and Automated Personalised Campaigns
Week 10: Paid Advertising

Every week, we will discuss:

🤖 How to integrate AI...
⚙️ And optimise it to deliver all outcomes more efficiently.

This is a must-attend course for:

✅ Founders 
✅ Coaches
✅ Consultants

We are now accepting applications for the launch on the 26th of May:

https://lnkd.in/eGi63dQn

On the 8th, 15th and 22nd of May, 
I will be doing webinars to give you a flavour of how I work:

8th May: How To Master Lead Generation (today)
15th May: How To Build A Cohort Business
22nd May: How To Use AI To 10x Your Business

Sign up here 👇
https://lnkd.in/eMYw-JvF

♻️ Repost to help your network achieve success.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

Success is not a zero-sum game.

You can succeed and I can succeed.
I can succeed and you can succeed.

The world is big enough for thousands of iterations of the same thoughts.

It is rarely a winner-takes-all situation.
Therefore, don't just see others as your competition.

If my friend achieves their goals - I am celebrating it.
If my friend launches a new product - I am supporting it.
If my friend starts a new venture - I am encouraging it.
If my friend shares their success story - I am amplifying it.

No “Ifs” No “Buts” and certainly no “Competition”.

♻️ Repost this if you agree.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more

8 Choices I'm Making At 34 To Avoid Regret At 74:\n\n\nWe make 1,000s of choices every day about: \n\nWhat to do, \nWhere to go, \nWhat to eat, \nAnd who to interact with. \n\nSome choices are more impactful than others, \nBut they all compound to create our habits, and our lifestyle. \n\nUltimately, even the smallest choices \nContribute to creating the person we become. \n\nSo, here are 8 choices I'm making now, \nTo avoid regretting my life in 40 years. \n\n1. Put health above everything else. 🧘🏻‍♂️ \n↳ You only get one body and one brain in this life. \n↳ Don’t take either for granted. \n\n2. Always create new experiences. 🤩\n↳ Stuff will depreciate. Experiences compound. \n↳ Set aside a fixed “experience fund” to spend on new experiences.\n\n3. Reading, not scrolling. 📚\n↳ Scrolling feeds the algorithm. Reading feeds your brain.\n↳ Set a 20-minute “no-scroll zone” after you wake up and before bed. \n\n4. Consistent investing. 💵\n↳ Rely on a a stable porfolio not the lottery.  \n↳ Check out the investment options in the carousel. \n\n5. Saying “no“ often. 🚫\n↳ Stop giving away your energy for free. \n↳ Every “no“ is a yes to something greater. \n\n6. Relentless curiosity. 🤔\n↳ Learning doesn't stop when you leave school. \n↳ Set an annual growth plan at the beginning of each year. \n\n7. Slowing down. 🐌\n↳ ”Savour the little moments. They’re not little.” - Jon Kabat-Zinn. \n↳ Don’t get lost in the daily repetition. \n\n8. Help your former self. 🤝\n↳ Share an insight that would’ve helped your former self.\n↳ Post a carousel, mentor someone, or publish a Loom video. \n\nIn life and in business, \nOur choices can make or break our success. \n\nThat's why I've dedicated this week's newsletter, \nTo the choices that allowed me to scale with purpose.  \n\nI walk you through everything I'd do, \nIf I was starting again with £0 in 2025. \n\nIncluding: \n\n- The 36-month playbook I’d follow to rebuild fast\n- The exact skill strategy you need to monetise quickly\n- How to cut costs without killing momentum\n\nSign up for Step By Step here 👇\nhttps://bit.ly/4dCkNEf\n\nI also have 30+ free learning resources for you.\n\nWhat is one positive choice you're making today? \nDrop your knowledge in the comments ⬇️\n\n♻️ Repost this if you found it inspiring.\nAnd follow Chris Donnelly for more.

The Top 1% creators grow 143x faster than average.

🚨 BREAKING Q2 State of LinkedIn™ update

Will McTighe and I have analysed 223,996 LinkedIn™ posts from Q2 
And the data is not what we expected...

The change in the last 90 days is huge.
And now is the time to adapt.

- Organic reach is down 17% YoY (But up 3% QoQ)
- Top content gets 381x more reach than average. 
- Format matters. Carousels are getting 3.7x reach vs text

Stop playing the guessing game.
Here's what is actually working in Q2 of 2025:

The Platform is changing

1. The first hour matters less now
1. “For You“ feed is becoming more TikTok-like
3. Virality caps creating space for niche content
4. Content diversity expanding beyond vertical video

What the Top 1% do differently

1. 200+ meaningful comments weekly. Do not be lazy here. 
2. They embrace failure - more posts flop but 647x bigger wins
3. They are more consistent with great content 
(For average creators 93% of their reach comes form 20% of posts)

Winning Post Formats (Reach Multiple)

1. Carousels (3.7x) - 7-10 slides, scroll-stopping titles
2. Infographics (2.9x) - actionable “do this, not that“ format
3. Motivational Quotes (2.3x) - say what others think but won't say
4. Personal Images (2.0x) - faces + storytelling
5. Video (1.7x) - hook in 3 seconds, always caption
6. Text Only (1x) - contrarian hook, 14+ short paragraphs

Performance Boosters

1. Simple words win: 4-5 letters optimal. Grade 
2. Links aren't toxic: 3+ links = 140% better reach
3. Structure matters: 14+ paragraphs = 302% better performance.
4. Write longer posts. The ideal range is 1,250-3,000 characters.
5. Post on the weekend, Sunday (1,458) and Saturday (1,315) have higher impressions

The crazy part? 
This is only a snapshot of what's inside...

Want the full 50+ page report?

1/ Sign up for the Saywhat & Creator Accelerator Webinar (June 26th): https://lnkd.in/ecXxBGTN
2/ And you'll be sent the full report afterwards

In the webinar, Will and I will break down everything from the report. 
And we'll provide you with the action plan for adapting.

So you no longer have to play the guessing game.

♻️ Repost to help others win on LinkedIn™
Follow Chris Donnelly to stay ahead of the algorithm

Most people are using ChatGPT wrong.

These are the 19 prompt laws to live by:

ChatGPT isn't a brain, so much as a mirror:  
How well you use it determines how productive you can be.

If you give it vague, one-line prompts, 
You are going to get generic outputs in return. 

That's why I developed these 19 laws to improve my prompts, 
And get clear, structured outputs.

Use them to elevate your AI game 👇

📜 Law #1: Clarity > Cleverness
Avoid fancy phrasing. Say what you want in plain language.

📜 Law #2: Start With the Friction
Begin your prompt with the thing you're stuck on.

📜 Law #3: Prioritise Use Over Theory
Ask for advice like you’re about to implement it.

📜 Law #4: Ground It In Reality
Reference something real: your site, your customer, or your offer.

📜 Law #5: Declare the Constraints
Don’t just say what you want. Say what you don’t want.

📜 Law #6: Timebox the Lens
Set a specific time boundary for references and research.

📜 Law #7: Make It Choose
Present trade-offs and ask it to select the best one.

📜 Law #8: Ask It to Judge, Then Justify
Don’t just get output. Get a critique.

📜 Law #9: Simulate Real Scenarios
Use setups that imitate reality.

📜 Law #10: Lock in the Persona
Tell it how to think, not just who to be.

📜 Law #11: Focus on Leverage
Ask it to give you the highest-leverage option.

📜 Law #12: Make It Build With You
Prompt like you’re in a feedback loop:

📜 Law #13: Include What You’ve Tried
Skip reinventing the wheel and reduce reprompts.

📜 Law #14: Push It Into Action
Wrap your prompt with actionable steps.

📜 Law #15: Give It Tone 
Tell it how it should feel. Tone drives output.

📜 Law #16: Ask It to Steal Smartly
Offer it examples that it can use to repurpose.

📜 Law #17: Use Negative Prompts
Tell it what to ignore to help you shape tone/style.

📜 Law #18: Invite Pushback
Avoid the yes-man tendencies of ChatGPT.

📜 Law #19: Refine Into a System
If it works once, make it reusable.

These laws won't give you direction for your content,  
But they will make sure you get the most out of your prompts. 

If you're keen to learn how to leverage AI better in 2025...
We're hosting a FREE webinar this Thursday to help with just that.

We'll explain exactly how AI can help you:

✅ Generate ideas and turn them into content in minutes. 
✅ Conduct audience research, positioning, and storytelling. 
✅ Create a BTS co-founder to help you build and scale without burning out.

Grab your spot here: https://bit.ly/4jjO6wB

Not one to be missed as we'll be joined by AI expert Nader Alnajjar !

If you want to learn beyond the webinar...
I go into detail on leveraging AI in my newsletter, Step by Step.

Sign up here to receive it every Sunday 👇 
https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

♻️ Repost to help your network stay one step ahead. 
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In 2025, there's one skill you can't afford to ignore:

Mastering the art of prompting.

Most people are still using AI incorrectly.

They are asking the wrong questions, 
And getting average answers.

Meanwhile, the top 1% are turning it into the invisible engine, 
Running their operations while saving them time and energy.

If you want AI to 10x your productivity, 
Start by elevating your prompts.

Here are 8 that I use every week: 
(Check the sheet for examples of each)
 
1️⃣ R-T-F

Role: Specify the role you want the AI to assume.
Task: Define the task you want the AI to perform.
Format: Indicate the format in which you want the output.

2️⃣ S-O-L-V-E

Situation: Define the context or situation.
Objective: Specify the goals.
Limitations: Define any limitations or constraints.
Vision: Outline the vision or goal.
Execution: Plan the steps for execution.

3️⃣ T-A-G

Task: Define the task at hand.
Action: State the action needed.
Goal: Clarify the goal to be achieved.

4️⃣ R-A-C-E

Role: Specify the character you want the AI to play.
Action: State the basic instruction or the job you need to be done.
Context: Provide the background information the AI will need.
Expectation: Describe the outcome you need.

5️⃣ D-R-E-A-M

Define: Define the problem or context.
Research: State the research needed.
Execute: How to execute the plan.
Analyse: How to analyse the results.
Measure: Define how to measure the outcomes.

6️⃣ P-A-C-T

Problem: Define the problem.
Approach: Describe the approach.
Compromise: Write about potential compromises.
Test: Define the test or measurement.

7️⃣ C-A-R-E

Context: Give the context.
Action: Describe the action needed.
Result: Clarify the expected result.
Example: Provide an example for clarity.

8️⃣ R-I-S-E

Role: Specify the role.
Input: Describe the input needed.
Steps: Could you ask for steps to follow?
Expectation: Describe the expectation.

Once you learn how to prompt, 
The potential for what you can do with AI is limitless.

My team and I leverage AI every single day in content creation.
I use it to write 5 types of posts that help me grow and convert...

Which I am going into more detail tomorrow, at 3pm BST.

In this FREE webinar, we will cover:

- The 5 proven LinkedIn post formats that drive engagement and leads.
- Content pillars so you always know what to post.
- Some real examples of posts that convert.

Here's the link to sign up 👇
https://bit.ly/4jjO6wB

Seats are capped and go quickly, so grab one now.

I will also go in detail about Creator Accelerator Cohort 5,
Which will be the last cohort for some time as I'm taking a break !

And if you want to get the most out of AI, 
I break it all down in my weekly newsletter, Step by Step.

You’ll get high-value frameworks, prompts, and real use cases.

Sign up here 👇 
https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

I have an additional 30+ learning resources to help you.

♻️ Repost to help your network to stay ahead of the curve. 
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I still can't believe 90% of people are neglecting AI.

Don't be that person. Get started now:

I was recently in a room with several other founders. 
And we were asked how many of us use AI for our businesses...
  
I was shocked to be the only one raising my hand.

This is the problem.

The greatest operational advantage in decades is here., 
Yet most founders are still avoiding it.

This guide will show you exactly where to start:

1️⃣ Start with these 3 main skills:

(I've given you an exact approach to get started in 2 mins) 

Prompt Engineering
↳ Train yourself to write prompts with context, clarity, and intent.

AI Agents
↳ A powerful team of AIs working together can save you hours per week.

Workflow Automation
↳ Automate your full range of tasks to buy back time and save energy.

2️⃣ Build a lean AI stack: 

For example:

✔️ ChatGPT writes, summarises, and thinks strategically. 
✔️ Notion auto-generates content, planning, and SOPs. 
✔️ RightMessage personalises newsletter content by user type.

Together, these can create an entire operating system.

3️⃣ Follow these Do’s and Don’ts:

❌ Don’t throw AI at broken systems.
❌ Don’t let AI overthink for you.
❌ Don’t collect tools you don’t use.

✅ Replace bottlenecks with AI agents.
✅ Train tools on your brand.
✅ Use AI to free your time, not fill it.

4️⃣ Use this roadmap to get started:

Step 1: Start with a brutal time audit.
↳ Automate anything you do more than 3x per week.

Step 2: Pick 3 AI use cases. 
↳ Start with existing tasks and find the best AI to do it. 

Step 3: Build 1 small workflow first. 
↳ Pick ONE problem and ONE AI solution to address it.

Step 4: Customise for your brand. 
↳ Train your tools on your tone, product, and positioning.

Step 5: Document mini SOPs. 
↳ If it works once, document it for future use.

Step 6: Free yourself, not your calendar. 
↳ Use the time you save to build faster and scale smarter.

Most people will look back and regret ignoring this wave.
But if you’re reading this now, you’re still early.

Start small, but be sure to start now. 
The compound effect of implementing AI early will be massive.

If you're ready to 10x your business using AI, 
I'll teach you exactly how in my free webinar:

This is the masterclass on how to use AI for success.

And I'll be joined by my business partner Nader Alnajjar
Who is building one of the most incredible agency businesses using AI

Join us on Wednesday, 21 May at 5 pm BST. 

Sign up here: 
👉 https://lnkd.in/eMYw-JvF

How are you using AI in your business/career? 
Let's discuss in the comments. 👇

♻️ Repost to help your network embrace the potential of AI. 
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If you are going to offer an entry-level role.

Make sure you expect entry-level experience.

- - - -

People who are looking to do an entry-level role do not expect much.

They want to be given a chance and they want to be trained !

If you like this content and it resonates, follow me Chris Donnelly for more like it. 

#careers #entrylevel #grads

I didn't know I had anxiety until someone told me.

Poor sleep
Simmering and constant stress
Being a perfectionist
Alcohol consumption to relax
Analysing conversations again and again

These are all things I didn't know were anxiety.

It is ok to talk about these things - there is no need to suffer in silence.

I've been using the act of writing things down this year as a way of getting them out of my head and onto paper and it's gone a long way to bringing a greater sense of calm.

What helps you bring a sense of calm?

If your boss is referring to your team as family - run.

It almost always ends in overwork, underpay and a lack of appreciation.

Those who build fast think like a strategist. 

Use this framework to master it 👇

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 ranked analytical thinking 
As the #1 skill for a reason:

The ability to cut through complexity, find clarity, 
And make better decisions is highly valuable at every stage.

It will allow you to: 

✅ Stand out from the crowd. 
✅ Solve the problems no one else can. 
✅ Lead with clarity and strategic thinking.

If you want to develop this skill the right way, 
Use these 7 mental powers as your blueprint:

🧠 Think

1️⃣ Pattern Recognition
↳ See what’s repeating that others are missing.

2️⃣ Cause & Effect Reasoning
↳ Understand the chain rather than the chaos.

3️⃣ First Principles Thinking
↳ Rebuild the logic from scratch.

4️⃣ Second-Order Thinking
↳ Play out what happens after it works.

Tell 🗣️

5️⃣ Deconstructing Complexity
↳ Break the problem into clear parts.

6️⃣ Framing the Problem
↳ Define it properly or solve the wrong thing.

Act 💪

7️⃣ Testing, Not Guessing
↳ Stop theorising and start experimenting.

Analytical thinking is a skill you can build, 
Not one you have to be born with.

Anyone looking to get ahead this year, 
Can (and should) train themselves on this core skill.

If you want to learn exactly how to train these mental muscles, 
This week’s edition of Step by Step is packed with actionable tips.

I’ll teach you exactly how to build these skills, 
And apply them to real decisions in your career. 

Subscribe here👇
https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

You’ll also get 30+ free learning resources.

How do you use analytical thinking in your work? 
Share your experience in the comments. ⬇️

♻️ Repost to help someone sharpen how they think.
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Clinging on to everything is holding you back. 

Reclaim your time by learning to delegate:

If you're feeling overwhelmed, 
It's not because you've run out of time.

It's most likely because you're trying to do everything, 
And refusing to let go. 

This is a common mistake I see founders make.

They hold on to every detail and end up:

🚫 Losing all their energy.  
🚫 Slowing the business down.  
🚫 Limiting their potential.

If that sounds familiar, these 4 frameworks will help you:

⛓️‍💥 Break free of the need for control. 
⏱️ Identify what’s worth your time.
📈 Operate at a higher level. 

Each one is guided by series of questions. 
Answer all 20 and I guarantee your delegation skills will improve:

🤲 The Delegation Matrix 
↳ Start passing on tasks that aren't high value for you.

1. What tasks am I doing that someone else could do 80% as well?
2. Which tasks drain my energy but don’t move the business forward?
3. What am I still doing just because “it’s easier if I do it”?
4. Which tasks are tied to my ego or identity?
5. What tasks do I fear delegating — and why?

⚖️ The 80/20 Rule
↳ Understand which tasks are truly moving the needle.

1. Which 20% of my tasks are driving 80% of the results?
2. What 80% of my to-do list could be delegated or deleted?
3. What’s a small task that takes up a disproportionate amount of my time?
4. Am I overinvesting in tasks with minimal upside?
5. What would happen if I ignored this task for a week?

💸 The $1,000 Work Model
↳ Categorise tasks by how valuable they are for your time.

1. Is this a $10, $100, or $1,000/hour task?
2. Am I choosing familiarity over high-value work?
3. What would happen if I only did $1,000/hour tasks for a week?
4. What’s the opportunity cost of doing this task myself?
5. Who could take this on and unlock more upside from it?

🏆 The 70% Rule
↳ Take action faster and avoid the trap of perfectionism.

1. Is 70% of my standard good enough for this task to be offloaded?
2. Am I holding on because I want it perfect — or because I need control?
3. What systems or SOPs could help them close the remaining 30% gap?
4. What’s the worst-case scenario if this isn’t done “my way”?
5. Have I allowed enough space for others to grow through doing?

If your growth has stalled, 
Working harder probably isn't the solution.

I go deeper into these types of frameworks,  
In this week's edition of Step By Step.

I break down: 

- The military framework I use to break stagnation instantly. 
- The delegation test that exposes gaps in productivity. 
- A brutal question that will change how you spend your time. 

These have helped me move past plateaus countless times.

Sign up here and receive actionable advice every Sunday👇
https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

I also have 30+ free learning resources for you.

Which framework will you try first? 
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

♻️ Repost this if you found it useful. 
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Simply 'working hard' won't get you anywhere.

This is what you must do instead 👇

I sincerely believe hard work is a necessary part of building anything meaningful.

But it also has its limits.

In the early days of building a business, 
You will spend countless late nights just trying to make it work.

But if you're still 'grinding' after a year, 
You're no longer playing the game correctly.

After a certain point, all builders and creators need to implement systems.
Processes that will do the leg work for them.

Otherwise, you will crash and burn quicker than you think.

Here's what I would prioritise:

1. Automate repetition 🧠
↳ Zapier, ChatGPT, and RightMessage have saved me hours.
↳ Free up your calendar to free up your mind.

2. Audit your weekly calendar 📊
↳ Track where your energy goes, then treat it like capital.
↳ Remove what drains you. Prioritise what truly matters.

3. Build your second brain 📚
↳ Develop custom GPTs that automate specific tasks and systems.
↳ Great businesses aren’t just built, they’re codified.

4. Block out time for deep work 🔁
↳ Multitasking kills momentum.
↳ Protect your peak hours and use them wisely.

5. Start building systems 🏗
↳ Clarity, documentation, and process are the real leverage.
↳ Put systems in place that give you time freedom.

Hard work launches momentum. Smart work keeps it sustainable.

If you’re ready to stop grinding and start building properly,
My newsletter is the best place to start.

Every week, I offer tips for freeing up your time, 
Building leverage and automating for success.

Sign up today 👇 
https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

What’s one system or habit that’s helped you work smarter?
Drop it in the comments ⬇️

♻️ Repost to help your network reclaim their time. 
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EBITDA Explained

What is EBITDA, and how can you leverage this metric?

Amazing finance guide by my friend Nicolas Boucher 🔥

EBITDA is the acronym for:

- Earnings
- Before
- Interest
- Taxes
- Depreciation
- Amortisation

It's a financial metric that shows how much money a business makes before taking into consideration non-operational expenses like interest and taxes and non-cash expenses like depreciation and amortisation.

Why is EBITDA important for businesses?

EBITDA is important because it gives businesses an estimate of how much money is being generated from their operations.

This is useful for investors and lenders who want to know a company's profitability.

You use it like a scorecard to know how much money a company is making.

How is EBITDA calculated?

You need to start with a company's revenue and subtract its cost of goods sold to calculate EBITDA

Then, you subtract its operating expenses (like salaries and other fixed costs).

Another way to calculate it:

Net Income
+ Interest Expense
+ Taxes
+ Depreciation
+ Amortization

EBITDA vs. Net Income

EBITDA:
In EBITDA, you don’t take into consideration expenses like Depreciation, Taxes, or Interest.

Net Income:
Net income is what remains as actual profit after depreciation, interest, and taxes are taken into consideration.

👉 What do you think about EBITDA?

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