Welcome to Snafu, a newsletter about authentic selling in a chaotic world.

This week’s article is a throwback to some of my favorite “How to” essays — practical guides on everything from buying a used car to raising a puppy. They’re the reference pieces I keep coming back to, and maybe you will too.

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The best How-tos

Earlier this month, I shared some of my favorite articles from the last two years. As I reviewed them, I was forced to think a lot about my best writing (and also my worst).

Some of my all-time favorite books are reference books. Maybe not by design, but these books teach the reader how to do something:

• ​The Art of Learning – a study of the learning process
• ​Tuesdays with Morrie – a book about grief
• ​A Sense of Where You Are – a beautifully written book about discipline and movement
• ​The Knowledge – how to rebuild civilization after the apocalypse
• ​The 4-Hour Chef – a book about learning

Each of these are reference manuals. And some of my best Snafu articles are evergreen – difficult to write, and they read well even years later.

Today, I thought I’d share a few of my best “How to” articles:

​How to buy a used car - I’m helping my girlfriend buy a used car right now, and keep referencing this article to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything.

​How to start writing - Whenever I fall out of my writing habit, I remember the steps I outlined in this article.

​How to run a self-experiment - Everything in your life can be a small experiment.

​How to raise a puppy - It’s a mix of profound joy and endless effort.

​How to run an unconference - The easiest way to organize an event.

​How to tell a great story - because everything is about telling a great story.

​How to sell without a network or connections - because we all start somewhere.

​How to get leads - a variety of ways to reach people.

​How to sell video - I’ve been selling Zander Media for 6 years now. Here’s what I've learned.

​How to sell accounting - I wrote this for an old client, but it’s true of a variety of types of services.

​How to make cold calls - Calling people is scary when you’re afraid of rejection.

​How to get someone to change - Hint: you can’t.

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Homework

I'm starting a list of future topics, and want your input. What is a “How to” topic you would like me to write about?

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3 things I’ve loved this week

Quote I’m considering

“Don’t try to persuade people to do something. Find the people who already want what you’re offering, and teach them how to do it.” – BJ Fogg, PhD

Book I’m reading

​Rocket Ship Galileo by Robert Heinlein

The book starts off with three boys launching a homemade rocket – in the spirit of October Sky – and ends up on the moon. Well worth the read!

Tool I’m traveling with

​Maestri House Rechargeable Milk Frother​

My girlfriend loves coffee, which means I’m experimenting with milk frothers. This rechargeable stir stick is my new favorite for traveling, though I’m using this one at home in the kitchen. (h/t to Tim Ferriss’ 5 Bullet Fridays for the recommendation.)

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When you're ready, here's how I can help

​How to sell yourself course​

I've begun teaching a cohort-driven course about sales. This is a new approach to selling for people who aren't quite comfortable - yet. If you're interested, join the waitlist here.

​Stories that change people​

Everyone has a story. At Zander Media, we help startups and global brands clarify their message and make videos that change people.

​Read these books​

​Responsive: What It Takes to Create a Thriving Organization is a book for any startup founder or enterprise change lead who wants to improve their organization. And if you want to learn to do a handstand, check out How to Do a Handstand.

​Join us in September​

​Responsive Conference is an annual summit that brings together 300 executives, founders, and entrepreneurs who want to make work better. Join us this September and equip your team to respond to change!

Until next week,
Robin