BCS 223 – Business Models and Mental Models: The Keys to Coaching and Business Success

In this episode of Business Coaching Secrets, hosts Karl Bryan and Rode Dog dive deep into live event strategies for business coaches, tackling the age-old debate: should you speak first or last at a multi-speaker event? They also explore how to become a better speaker, key lessons from Warren Buffett, the law of triviality in coaching relationships, and mental models for improved decision-making. Packed with actionable advice and trademark banter, this episode is pure gold for coaches looking to raise their game.

Key Topics Covered

Speaking Order at Live Events: First or Last?

• Karl explains the psychology of memory and why “last out, first remembered” is usually the best approach when choosing your speaking slot at an event with multiple speakers.

• He compares event presentations to rock concerts—headliners save their best songs for the end and so should you with your best content.

• But selling from stage? Consider aiming for the “just before lunch” spot when wallets (and attention) are still full.

How to Become a Better Speaker & Presenter

• More than repetition: Karl champions “total immersion”—practicing your core talk dozens of times, breaking it down into openings, middles, and closes.

• Use frameworks: Like a movie script or stand-up set, the best talks follow proven flows. Russell Brunson’s “Expert Secrets” gets a shout-out for actionable frameworks.

• Start strong, end with a bang, seed your offer throughout, and focus on audience engagement and entertainment—not just data dumps or slides.

Warren Buffett’s Best Business Advice

• It’s not about rowing faster, it’s the boat you pick—business model trumps hustle.

• Seek investments or business lines that are “habit forming.”

• Control your emotions—true power lies in restraint and logical observation.

Mental Models: How to Think Like the Best

• Karl and Rode Dog emphasize building a personal toolbox of mental models to make smarter, more rational business decisions—referencing books like “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.”

• Frameworks such as “begin with the end in mind,” and “focus on the big rocks,” are highlighted for their transformative power.

Why Coach-Client Relationships Fail

• The 80/20 truth: most people settle for the comfort zone, few do the work.

• The “law of triviality”: Both coaches and clients waste time fiddling with minor details (like editing PowerPoint decks) instead of tackling high-value “big rock” challenges.

Notable Quotes

“Last out, first remembered. The folks at the beginning will be first forgotten.”
— Karl Bryan

“It’s not how fast you row, it’s the boat you’re in.”
— Karl Bryan on Warren Buffett’s wisdom

“You need to use your favorite mental models and use them consistently throughout your day.”
— Karl Bryan

“The problem is that people confuse being busy with being successful. That is a bad idea.”
— Karl Bryan

Actionable Takeaways

1. Pick the Right Spot:
Aim to be the final speaker at events for maximum retention—unless you’re selling, then “just before lunch” may be prime.

2. Perfect Your Talk:
Practice each section separately and immerse yourself—do 10 videos/presentations in a day to rapidly advance your skills.

3. Use Engagement Triggers:
Open with a joke, involve the audience, and build rapport early. Ask questions that get everyone raising their hand.

4. Structure with Frameworks:
Don’t wing it—follow proven speaking flows or frameworks (like those from “Expert Secrets”) to increase confidence and effectiveness.

5. Think Bigger—Solve Big Problems:
Direct client focus (and your own) toward “big rocks” that make everything else easier, not just easy, low-impact activities.

6. Emotional Control:
Before firing off that angry email or reaction, pause and sleep on it—or use a series of clarity-boosting questions to respond thoughtfully.

7. Develop and Use Mental Models:
Identify a handful of powerful mental models (beginning with the end, big rocks vs. pebbles, etc.) and run major decisions through them consistently.

Resources Mentioned

– “Expert Secrets” by Russell Brunson
Offers practical frameworks for structuring talks and presentations.

– “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey
A classic breakdown of powerful mental models for personal and business growth.

– “The One Thing” by Gary Keller
A guide to focusing on tasks that have the biggest impact—“big rocks.”

If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, share with a fellow coach, and leave a review. See you next week on Business Coaching Secrets!

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