Episode 27: Ode to the Whiteboard
We're back for 2019 after our winter hiatus and we're kicking things off with an ode to the only equipment you'll ever need in your office.
It's an unreleased, final episode of Colin and I (well mostly me) talking about what it takes to Tell a Great Story and keep your audience invested.
From the show
Here's the youtube video I talk about on "How to Rock the Stage" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKtMwmWv6Q0&t=74s
And here is my own take on this storytelling - https://www.slideshare.net/GregThomas3/how-to-be-a-great-storyteller
This past week Stan Lee passed away. What an Impact on the minds of millions and millions of fans. I was a fan from the early days of comics (still am) but that's all I could think about over the last few days - was his Impact.
If you're interested in purchasing Silver Surfer Parable - it's available here.
Excelsior!
It's been a long time coming, but Sniffing Markers is back.
Find out where we've been, what's up next and what our plans for the future are.
And what's all this "we" that we're talking about?
In today's episode, Greg & Colin talk about Big. Bad. Meetings. When did meetings become the work? We talk about the usefulness (and wastefulness) of meetings, how to get the most out of them, and where the responsibility lies. As always, don't forget to check us out on facebook and share comments and episode ideas!
In today's episode, Colin & Greg complete Part 2 of Agile Foundations -- we're talking Kanban! We talk about how it works, how it's different from scrum, and what you can get out of it. Maybe you've heard about it, maybe you've used it, maybe you have no idea what it is...in any case, we think you'll learn something new in today's episode. Don't forgot to rate and review us and visit us on our Facebook page!
In today's episode Colin & Greg talk about the importance of managing the inputs we look for and accept for ourselves - media and content, people, conversations, foods, etc! We discuss the way these inputs affect our outputs and how important this can be for freelancers, who largely must rely on themselves for their energy!
As always, check us out on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sniffingmarkerspodcast/) and please rate and review us!
I think this is one of my favourite episodes to date, primarily because of the format. There was none. I had a question and in typical fashion, Colin and I spent our time going back and forth. If you're confused about the usefulness of SCRUMS and where things with your SCRUM could be going wrong - this is the episode for you. As always, please rank, review and connect with us on Facebook! Download the latest episode here – http://sniffingmarkers.libsyn.com/ep19-scrumbums
In today's episode Greg & Colin talk about Scrum, the agile implementation that seems to both make the world go 'round and at times drive us a little nutty. Greg shares some of his frustrations with the daily stand-up and getting value out of it, and the pair discuss the philosophy and core tenants of scrum and how some team implementations can miss the point. If you're ready for an honest conversation about scrum values and frustrations, this is it. Don't forget to rate and review us, and share your experiences on facebook: www.facebook.com/sniffingmarkerspodcast
In today's episode, Greg & Colin discuss the difficult choice to walk away from projects, opportunities or customers. We talk about our personal red flags and decision factors, how to say no, and avoiding saying no for the wrong reasons. Don't forget to rate and review us and check us out on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/sniffingmarkerspodcast/
Hi Folks,
We are indeed alive! We've been having some adventures and this caused a breakage in our publishing schedule. The good news is that we are back in the studio and back on track! We wanted to provide an update on where we're at, what's been going on, and what's coming next. Stay tuned for another New Episode Coming in the next few days!
Sniffing Markers: Episode 16 Content Marketing
In today's episode, Colin & Greg talk about Content Marketing. Whether you are looking to add content marketing to your own freelancing or consulting strategies, or work with related business areas, content marketing is a fascinating and growing strategy. We talk about the history, the bones, some helpful tools, and how a basic flow might work. Stay tuned to see if Greg follows through on creating a content marketing funnel for himself. As always, please rank, review and connect with us on Facebook!Sniffing Markers: Ep 14 - Accountability & Empowerment
In today's (New Year's!) episode, Greg & Colin talk about Accountability and Empowerment. We talk about the difference between these two concepts and what kind of team members come out of accountability and empowerment cultures. We discuss our own experiences and how to empower to create true leaders. If you like show don't forget to rate us, review us and share with us on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sniffingmarkerspodcast If you have an idea for a show, drop us a line on our FB page and we'll gladly get on it. http://sniffingmarkers.libsyn.com/ep-14-accountability-empowermenthttp://traffic.libsyn.com/sniffingmarkers/ep-14-accountability-empowerment.
In today's episode Greg & Colin talk about what it takes to be a real leader and whether that's actually something we should all want. We also talk about whether you need to be a leader to move up and Greg discusses lessons learned from Ernest Shackleton (great name) and recommends checking out books on his adventures and leadership (link below). As always, if you like the podcast please listen, follow and share. And Check us out on facebook! Check out "Shackleton's Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer" https://www.amazon.ca/Shackletons-Way-Leadership-Antarctic-Explorer/dp/0142002364)Sniffing Markers: Ep 14 - Accountability & Empowerment
In today's (New Year's!) episode, Greg & Colin talk about Accountability and Empowerment. We talk about the difference between these two concepts and what kind of team members come out of accountability and empowerment cultures. We discuss our own experiences and how to empower to create true leaders. If you like show don't forget to rate us, review us and share with us on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sniffingmarkerspodcast If you have an idea for a show, drop us a line on our FB page and we'll gladly get on it.Sniffing Markers: Ep 13 Problem vs Function
I've been really bad at not promoting the Sniffing Marker podcast enough but have to say there is some really great content here. This episode is a great one and very apropos for those of us juggling contracting and freelancing duties and knowing the difference between the two. In today's episode, Greg and Colin discuss what it's like when we freelancers/consultants are brought in to solve a problem, compared to fulfilling a specific function. We talk about the difference between those two assignments, identifying and remaining aligned to them, and how to keep working in the right direction. We discuss the "5 Why's", challenging assumptions and timelines, and generally ensuring you are delivering the value you've been hired to provide. If you like show don't forget to rate us, review us and share with us on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sniffingmarkerspodcast 
In today's episode Greg & Colin talk about our favourite four letter word: fear. We discuss fear-based decision-making and how times of great fear can mean growth, learning and opportunities. We talk about fearful decisions and periods of our professional lives and steps we take to try to tame fear and have a more productive relationship with it.
As promised, the link to Greg's recommendation for something new to check out is Gavin Aung Than's www.zenpencils.com
Ep11 Tales from the Interview Pt 2
In this week's episode, Greg & Colin return for part 2 of the Interview discussion: the Interviewer. We talk about the responsibilities of the interviewer, what we look for in candidates and how to get at what really counts. We also share stories that you, the listeners, have shared with us, as well as a few of our own! Don't forget to rate and review us, and reach out to us on our facebook page.
In today's episode, Greg and Colin try out some new audio equipment to try to improve the sound quality for the podcast. In doing so, they find the perfect excuse to talk about deploying code and not being afraid of imperfection! Check out the new audio and let us know your thoughts on it and your feelings about shipping imperfect product.
In today's episode Greg & Colin talk software demos! Whether you love them, fear them, or are just bored by them, we've got the tips and tricks for getting more out of demos. Greg talks about the core principles and goals of effective demos and how to avoid the pitfalls that waste time and energy. We also talk about our own experiences and perspectives on demos and Colin recommends an app for our Ottawa listeners. Don't forget to rate and review us!
In today's episode Colin & Greg talk Habits - how to make them and how to break them! We discuss the habit loop, how to identify triggers and rewards, and the importance of keystone habits. We share some of our habits that work for us, as well as ones we're trying to change or start. We also debate the merits of Nicholas Cage's most recent work...
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg is heavily referenced in this episode and be sure to check out Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen.
In this week's episode Greg and Colin discuss the dreaded Sales Cycle and the realities of finding clients to work with. Greg fills us in on his process, the learning curve, and some best practices that have worked for him. We talk about how the finding clients is a little like dating in your youth (luckily now your mom won't answer the phone in the middle of a lead call) and we talk about two simple apps that we've found quick and easy for tracking hours. Please don't forget to rate and review us!
As promised, here's a link to the ABCs clip of Glengarry Glen Ross: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz246_Pjjkc
Ep 7 Tales from the Interview Pt1
In today's episode Greg & Colin share their experiences being interviewers. What do we look for, the good and the bad, and we discuss Greg's "Hunger Games" idea for interviewing. Greg also shares his worst interview experience! Don't forget to rate and review us, and share our feedback for Part 2!
In this week's episode we talk about the process of getting work! Specifically, we discuss Colin's process for identifying the actual buyer in and organization and working with them to establish trust and a conceptual agreement of what you can do for them. We also talk about valuing what you offer so that you can get over that fear of being seen as "selling" something. Don't forget to rate, review and reach out to us!
In today's episode, Greg takes us through his personal routines and best practices for blogging (and other writing types). We discuss schedules, formats, content and advice for getting started and staying committed. Greg helps remind us why it's not as scary as it often feels and how to mitigate and overcome that fear!
In this week's episode, Greg & Colin talk about getting in "the Zone" when working independently, also known as entering a "Flow State". We discuss the requirements for Flow state work, how to enter and stay in the Flow state and what works for each of us. In the "Odd Man Out" segment we talk coffee shops, cafeterias, libraries and free wifi. Don't forget to follow and rate us so others can find our show and check us out on Facebook.
In today's episode Greg & Colin discuss the concept of Business Value and determining what is next most valuable the business in software development. We share our personal perspectives, preferred techniques and debate Product Ownership structures for maximizing business value. We discuss why business value is so important, what a good product owner can do and the risks of an imbalanced product owner. And, as always, we try to convince the world that we are podcasting experts and that 6 Star ratings on this podcast are achievable.
Episode 2 - Software Built by Tools
On today's episode Greg & Colin discuss productivity apps. Now (clearly) podcasting experts, we share our personal experiences with productivity tools, cost thresholds, and our different approaches to finding and trying out new tools. We talk about the killer app, the future of productivity tools and that time Greg was replaced by some tools. Despite all evidence to the contrary, we also make the claim that it is possible to give this podcast a "6 Star" rating.
In the kickoff episode of the Sniffing Markers podcast, Greg and Colin describe what you can expect from the show! What's the show about, format, motivation for starting it, and our "rules" (commitments to listeners). We also discuss nervous lawyers, poultry and our thorough expertise in podcasting. In the Odd Man Out segment, we hear the story behind the name of the show.
Follow us on Facebook