Entries by Brian Ahearn, CMCT®

Gleaning the Fields of LinkedIn

In the Old Testament, there was a practice known as gleaning. Landowners were commanded not to harvest to the very edges of their fields. If grain fell during harvest, they weren’t to pick it up. Why would someone “waste” something so valuable when food was scarce? Because God built generosity into the system. The leftovers […]

Knowing Yourself is Extremely Hard

Ben Franklin once wrote, “Three things are extremely hard; steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.” He was right and I think knowing one’s self is the hardest of the three. Understanding who we are—and why we do what we do—takes time, effort, and courage. All three are in short supply in an age […]

Will the Truth Set You Free?

While watching the news recently, I heard someone accused of a crime say, “The truth will set me free.” I hear that line quoted a lot. Almost always with confidence. Almost always without context. When it comes to influence, words matter, context matters, and so does truth. Jesus actually said something more precise—and far more […]

A Decade Later The Southwest Split Persists

I wrote the following in February 2016. It was about a negative experience I had with Southwest Airlines. Because of it, I stopped flying them from that point forward. In hindsight, Southwest lost a loyal customer and gained nothing. On the other hand, I’ve enjoyed great experiences with United, American, and Delta. Their prices and […]

Whether or Not to Reciprocate During Troubling Times

I wrote the post below in the summer of 2025. Given the recent events in Minneapolis, it’s worth revisiting. Leaders on both sides of the immigration issue need to ratchet down rather ratchet up or more people will be hurt or possibly killed. The Apostle Peter tells Christians, “Do not repay evil with evil or […]

Why Faith Shapes How We Influence, Even at Work

When I started my career in July 1986—fresh out of Miami University and working for Travelers Insurance—the workplace looked very different than it does today. A few obvious examples: No laptops or smartphones No working from home Suit and tie every day But one of the biggest differences had nothing to do with technology or […]

Why We Often Miss Seeing and Hearing God

One of the questions I’m asked often, especially by people of faith, is this: “How do you know when God is speaking?” It’s an important question. And after decades of journaling, reflecting, and walking with God, I’ve come to believe the answer has less to do with whether God is speaking and more to do […]

Quarterly Newsletter – 2025 Review

I hope your holidays with loved ones were wonderful. Ours were extra special because they were our first with our grandson, Emmett. There’s something about seeing the world through the eyes of a child that reminds us of the wonder and excitement of life. Jane and I are blessed because we see Emmett three days […]

PAVE the Way for New Year’s Resolutions

The following is a chapter from Influence PEOPLE: Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical. This chapter is particularly appropriate just before New Year’s Eve. I hope it helps you get 2026 off to a great start. PAVE the Way for New Year’s Resolutions If you’re like many people, then you make New […]

Santa Claus – The Greatest Salesman Who Ever Lived

Why do I believe Santa is the ultimate salesman? To start, he has a couple of success stories most of us can’t compete with. First, he’s successfully run the same family business for hundreds of years. There’s something to be said for stability, especially over the long haul. Second, Santa has a client base that […]