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814: Lou Diamond – Speak Easy to Connect Powerfully


One of the key distinctions between self-employed businesses and other business is that most other businesses are transaction-based. But our businesses are usually relationship-based. Relationships begin with conversations. So it’s in your best interest to learn how to master the art of conversation. With that goal in mind, I speak in this episode with Lou Diamond, author of the new book, Speak Easy. In our conversation about conversation, we talk about how the lessons we’ve both learned as podcasters have helped us be better conversationalists, how the length of a conversation is not necessarily correlated to the quality of the connection that is made, and the importance of asking the right questions. We also talk through the 7 Cs of Engagement and the critical distinction between a presentation versus a conversation.

Lou Diamond is a highly sought-after speaker, connector, leadership & performance mentor, and podcaster. Author of the international best seller Master the Art of Connecting and CEO of Thrive, Lou has made it his life’s work to help businesses, leaders and brands thrive through the power of connecting.


His innovative, connecting tactics have helped hundreds of companies across the globe explode their sales, retain their clients and build a thriving culture. Lou’s boundless energy and motivation has inspired audiences to feel they can conquer the world and make tons of great new connections doing it.



And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.

Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.


Lou Diamond, thank you so much for being here!

Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself. Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world.


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Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

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