Over the years, I have ghostwritten for 17+ CXOs from different forms of life. Here are the common lessons I have learnt from working with all of them:
1. Don’t educate!
Yes, you read that right. If you know something better than them and if you educate them, most likely they won’t love it. There is another way, though…
2. Rather, share the solution.
Instead of “educating” them on why something won’t work, share the solution with them on why something would work. PS: There is a caveat…
3. Do not offer free consultations.
Share the solution on something that you are supposed to be doing. If you share a solution on something that you are not supposed to do even if you are an expert, it would be taken as fluke.
4. Be humble.
Let’s say they are critiquing you for something you were not mistaken in the first place! It is easy to be defensive and go all in. A good way is to listen to them in the heat of the moment. Reserve your conversation for later, only when they are cool.
5. Protect their time.
Send the calendar invites well-in-advance. Set an agenda of the call before you get onto one. Ask for their permission if you want to extend the call. Get the important things done before you go to less important ones. Let the call with you be the most productive one for the day for them, when they reflect on their time at the end of the day.
6. Always share weekly updates.
For CXOs I ghostwrite books, I always share the weekly content that was produced, so they know: -where we are in the writing process, -that shows them the direction we are headed; and -(fun but true), they know I am working on the project 🙂
For CXOs I used to do social media ghostwriting for, I’d send a weekly update of analytics + my analysis. For the same reason.
They are busy people. They have hired you on their behalf, so they don’t have to spend a lot of time. Them following up on you is the worst idea ever.
7. Don’t assume. Communicate.
Don’t assume they will “remember” you are going on a vacation because you mentioned it lightly in a meeting 3 weeks back. Don’t assume they will know you will not deliver work because your sister is hospitalised.
When in doubt, communicate.
8. When asked for your advice, share.
But when your advice is not implemented, don’t get passive aggressive. The decision maker has the right to decide what to choose. You may ask for their genesis on how they made their decision, however, it is always wise to know not everything you suggest is going to be implemented.
9. Keep your emotions in check.
One morning I woke up with complains for one of the clients. The very next morning I wanted to write a senti positive note to another client. Both the times, I asked myself to wait till the next day. Both emotions vanished. I got my objectivity. And I went back to being grateful to both of them in my head.
Your emotions are great while telling your story, they are gross when working with others.
Most importantly, do your good work. Be a nice person. Always be humble. Keep growing in what you are supposed to do. And have an innate self-belief that only good things will to you.
You will end up (more than) fine.
