Random Thought – Frequently Asked Questions

These are real questions people search for that led them to this site — answered properly, with links to the full articles for anyone who wants to go deeper.

How do I ask for the business without sounding pushy?

Asking for the sale isn’t about pressure tactics — it’s about understanding the customer’s actual needs, reading the timing right, and following up in a way that doesn’t feel invasive. Most salespeople avoid the ask entirely out of fear of rejection, which costs them deals they’d already earned. Read the full guide on asking for business.

How do I use LinkedIn to return to work after a career break?

Rebuilding a LinkedIn profile after time away starts with reframing the gap honestly rather than hiding it, then rebuilding visibility through consistent activity and targeted networking before you even apply for roles. Read the full step-by-step guide for career breakers.

What is the SBI framework in coaching?

SBI stands for Situation, Behavior, Impact — a three-step way to structure feedback so it’s specific and non-accusatory rather than vague or personal. You describe the situation, name the observed behavior, and explain its impact, which keeps the conversation focused on facts rather than character. Read the full SBI framework guide.

What’s the funnel analogy for sales pipelines?

Thinking of your pipeline as a funnel — wide at the top with new leads, narrowing as prospects qualify or drop out — helps spot exactly where deals are leaking before they reach the bottom. The real value is in tracking the leak points, not just the funnel shape itself. Read the full pipeline funnel guide.

Are all Australian banks moving to digital banking?

Most major banks have shifted heavily toward digital and mobile banking, but the pace and detail varies a lot between institutions — and banks aren’t always upfront about the trade-offs behind the convenience. Read the full look at digital banking in Australia.

Does taking downtime actually help productivity?

Yes — genuinely, not just as a feel-good claim. Regular breaks let your brain consolidate information and recover focus, and taking them tends to increase output rather than reduce it, despite the instinct that more hours worked means more done. Read the full science of downtime.

Got a question that’s not covered here? Get in touch and I’ll do my best to answer it — or write about it.