OAO and Technology

# Episode 127

**Summary:**

In Episode #127 Ari speaks with Evan Britten-Bozzone of [Perssist](https://www.perssist.com/welcome). During their conversation, Ari and Evan chat about the finer points of the virtual assistant industry, as well as discuss the origins of Perssist as a business.

**Special Announcements:**

[Less Doing Live Event](https://lessdoinglabs.businessresearchgroup.org/sales/live-event-optin) The **Less Doing LIVE Event** in NYC is _less than six months away_! The best minds in business and productivity are joining Ari in his hometown of New York City to share their tips, strategies and secrets for success. Visit [LessDoingLive.com](http://www.lessdoinglive.com/) to learn more about this fantastic opportunity running from **May 1st – 3rd**.

[Less Doing System Seminar](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seminar-less-doing-system-by-ari-meisel-tickets-14912003203) Join Ari Meisel, the master of “_Optimize, Outsource and Automate_,” as he conducts two exclusive seminars in the heart of **New York City on March 9th, 2015**. During this seminar, Ari explains how the Less Doing System recaptures time, slashes stress and enriches lives. Best of all, these sessions are **100% free**. To register, go to [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seminar-less-doing-system-by-ari-meisel-tickets-14912003203) now!

[Mastermind Talks](http://www.mastermindtalks.com/) Looking for an opportunity to see Ari speak live somewhere on the west coast?—Look no further! On **April 29th and 30th** , Ari will be featured at the _Mastermind Talks_ event in **Napa, California**. To learn more about this opportunity to watch Ari “_Optimize, Outsource and Automate_” in wine country, click [here](http://www.mastermindtalks.com/).

**Time Stamped Show Notes:**

– 19:20 – Introduction of Even Britten-Bozzone, founder of Perssist

– 19:47 – On-demand virtual assistance services and what makes Perssist different

– 21:02 – Time-sensitivity and focus specialization are benefits of Perssist

– 23:54 – Perssist’s recruiting process

– 26:10 – Perssist does not charge per _task_ it charges per _hour_.

– 29:05 – Perssist allows members to submit tasks with _specific _time requests

– 30:02 – Not everyone is _good _manager of other people

– 31:00 – At this time, Perssist only has two, full-time members

– 31:35 – The inspiration for Perssist was literally hearing people complain about having to complete tasks

– 32:40 – Evan’s _Top 3 Tips for Being More Effective_

– 32:55 – To get more done, determine if _you _need to do the task

– 33:45 – Make sure your request is clear, succinct and to the point

– 34:04 – Use a pen and paper to stay on top of your daily tasks

– 34:53 – Example of cool requests from Perssist’s users

– 35:34 – Perssist is in the process of integrating with Google Calendar and Dropbox

– 36:00 – Perssist.com

**5 Key Points:**

1. Time-sensitivity and proven expertise are things people value in a virtual assistant.
2. Not everyone knows how to manage people.
3. Sometime the inspiration for a business comes from the most unlikely sources.
4. Determine if _you _actually need to do the task you’re doing…if you don’t, consider outsourcing it.
5. A huge staff isn’t a requirement for successful business.

**Resources Mentioned:**

– [Kimi Morton](http://www.kimimorton.com/) –A wellness and productivity master based in the Aloha State

– [The Secret Sauce](http://thesecretsaucepodcast.com/) – Kimi’s new podcast which will highlight the _secret sauce _of high achieving people

– [How Doctors Stay Young](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2917238/How-doctors-young-biggest-secret-steer-clear-doctors-Learn-avoiding-medicines-ops-don-t-need.html?utm_content=buffer1d6c4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer) – Daily Mail article about doctors and how they stay “young”

– [Nuts and Cholesterol](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/art — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lessdoing/message

# Episode 120

**Summary:**

In Episode #120 Ari sits down with fellow Mastermind enthusiast Jon Nastor of Hack the Entrepreneur. During their conversation, Ari and Jon discuss processes for successful podcasting and the oft overlooked benefits that come with setting up a successful podcast.

**Sponsored By:** ## [Design Pickle](http://designpickle.com/) Unlimited graphic design services for a single, straightforward, monthly fee. No more messy quoting processes. No more project-to-project hiring hassles.

Special Announcements: ## [Less Doing Live Event](https://lessdoinglabs.businessresearchgroup.org/sales/live-event-optin) The **Less Doing LIVE Event** in NYC is _less than six months away_! The best minds in business and productivity are joining Ari in his hometown of New York City to share their tips, strategies and secrets for success. Visit [LessDoingLive.com](http://www.lessdoinglive.com/) to learn more about this fantastic opportunity running from **May 1st – 3rd**.

[Less Doing System Seminar](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seminar-less-doing-system-by-ari-meisel-tickets-14912003203) Join Ari Meisel, the master of “_Optimize, Outsource and Automate_,” as he conducts two exclusive seminars in the heart of **New York City on March 9th, 2015**. During this seminar, Ari explains how the Less Doing System recaptures time, slashes stress and enriches lives. Best of all, these sessions are **100% free**. To register, go to [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seminar-less-doing-system-by-ari-meisel-tickets-14912003203) now!

[Mastermind Talks](http://www.mastermindtalks.com/) Looking for an opportunity to see Ari speak live somewhere on the west coast?—Look no further! On **April 29th and 30th** , Ari will be featured at the _Mastermind Talks_ event in **Napa, California**. To learn more about this opportunity to watch Ari “_Optimize, Outsource and Automate_” in wine country, click [here](http://www.mastermindtalks.com/).

**Time Stamped Show Notes:**

– 21:34 – Introduction of Jon Nastor of [Hack the Entrepreneur](http://hacktheentrepreneur.com/)

– 21:46 – The background surrounding Jon and Hack the Entrepreneur

– 23:22 – Jon’s first guest on the podcast

– 25:20 – Podcasting is a great way to gain access to high-level people who would normally never sit down for an interview

– 28:00 – The importance of sound quality and the _podcast process_

– 30:10 – Most podcasts don’t sound good, so making sure the quality _is_ good can make your program standout

– 31:34 – If it sounds like crap, people won’t listen

– 32:25: Ari listens to _most _podcasts at _double _(2X) speed

– 32:47 – The sound of a podcast (the delivery) can sometimes be more important than the content itself because it makes for a more enjoyable listening experience

– 33:15 – Jon has only recently started hiring help for his podcast, until he established a revenue stream he did _everything _himself

– 34:52 – The biggest _hack _Jon has discovered (thus far) is this: check email on your Smartphone _first _thing in the morning before getting out of bed

– 35:50 – Figure out who you are and be _confident _in that person

– 36:06 – Optimize yourself, don’t _change _yourself

– 37:32 – Many of the productivity programs on the market have an attitude of “this is how I’m productive, so this is how you need to be productive,” and that mantra _does not work_

– 38:58 – Practice one to two sentence emails—Simplicity with email is no longer optional

– 40:15 – [ScheduleOnce](http://www.scheduleonce.com/)

– 40:55 – Jon’s _Top Three Tips to be More Effective:_

– 41:15 – Get started; Mark today on the calendar and just get the ball rolling… momentum will eventually take over

– 42:37 – Determine what you _want _to do

– 42:48 – Break your goal into components based on _time_

– 43:48 – [HackTheEntrepreneur](http://hacktheentrepreneur.com/) or [Jon@HackTheEntrepreneur.com](mailto:Jon@HackTh — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lessdoing/message

**Summary:**

In Episode #115 Ari sits down with Maneesh Sethi, a self-described victim of severe ADD and the founder of Pavlok, a new, wearable device designed to help people break their bad habits. During their conversation, Maneesh and Ari talk about the technology behind Pavlok, its story from concept to creation and the major benefits of breaking bad habits and increasing productivity.

**Time Stamped Show Notes:**

– 21:54 – Introduction of Maneesh Sethi, the founder and creator of the _Pavlok_

– 22:23 – Maneesh defines what Pavlok _is _and how it _changes _what we do

– 24:10 – The mammalian brain versus reptilian brain on positive reinforcement

– 24:34 – The positive enforcer of quitting a negative habit is hard for your mammalian brain to process

– 27:18 – Biting nails, smoking cigarettes, watching porn, browsing Facebook and head-scratching are some of the most commonly broken bad habits with Pavlok

– 27:47 – Studies on breaking bad habits, particularly smoking cigarettes

– 27:54 – [Shick Shadel](http://schickshadel.com/), the Seattle-based treatment facility and their experience with aversion therapy

– 29:50 – After a year of treatment at Shick Shadel, fewer than half smoked another cigarette again…the best nicotine patches have a 7.5% success rate

– 31:03 – Pavlok is the first ever self-contained, wearable shock device

– 32: 07 – Self-administered behavior modification _can _work, but Pavlok aims to automate it

– 32:48 – Tim Ferris’ 30-Day _No Complaint _ challenge

– 34:14 – How can Pavlok promote _good _habits?

– 35:25 – Pavlok comes with an API to integrate to other developers programs and apps

– 36:40 – One of the benefits of Pavlok is that users can _intentionally _perform the bad habit to prompt Pavlok to shock them and accelerate the habit-breaking process

– 39:26 – _[Thinking Fast and Slow](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking,_Fast_and_Slow)_

– 40:30 – “_There is no disincentive to anything anymore_”

– 41:55 – Pavlok IndieGoGo campaign is over

– 43:29 – What are your _Top 3 Tips to Being More Effective?_

– 44:07 – Implement a negative reinforcement to force yourself to write down the 3 things you need to do every day

– 45:21 – Make bets to maximize loss aversion

– 48:47 – Identify the power of the accountability partner ** **

**7 Key Points:**

1. The mammalian brain does _not_ respond as effectively to positive reinforcement as it does to negative reinforcement.
2. Biting nails, smoking cigarettes and watching porn are some of the most unwanted habits Americans struggle to break.
3. Self-administered behavior modification _can _work.
4. One of the main problems within the modernity of western society is the loss of disincentives.
5. Make bets with yourself and others to maximize loss-aversion.
6. Identify someone who can help you be accountable.
7. Using tools to help you break habits is completely OK.

**Resources Mentioned:**

– [Fiction and a Better Life](http://lifehacker.com/how-reading-fiction-can-help-you-live-a-better-life-1666696457?utm_content=buffer33deb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer) – LifeHacker article discussing the psychological benefits of reading fiction

– [ Shit Express](http://www.shitexpress.com/blog/how-we-earned-10120-usd-in-30-days-by-sending-horse-poop-to-people-amazing-kickstart-of-a-marketing-experiment/?utm_source=Founder+Weekly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=6fe13df508-Founder_Weekly_Issue_160_December_10_2014&utm_mediu) – A company designed to demonstrate the power of marketing via mailed horseshit

– [Fliplingo](http://www.fliplingo.com) – IFTTT for translation…business translation automated

– [Sen.se](https://sen.se/store/mother/?xmasrotw) – The manufacturer of the _Mother_; a un — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lessdoing/message

# **Summary:**

In Episode #114 Ari interviews Mark Alexander, CEO of [ARX Fit](http://arxfit.com/) the company behind a new, eCentric-focused fitness technology. During their conversation, Ari and Mark discuss in great detail the science and tech behind_ARX_ as well as the common oversights of entrepreneurs entrenched in the day-to-day of their business.

**Time Stamped Show Notes:**

– 23:04 – Introduction of [Mark Alexander](http://arxfit.com/about-arx/), CEO of _AXR Fit _podcast

– 23:41 – Mark defines _ARX _as an abbreviation and as a company

– 24:00 – Man vs Machine; the machine is always going to be stronger

– 25:08 – eCentric training defined

– 25:38 – The _bang for the buck _in exercise comes from the eCentric motion

– 27:33 – _ARX _mirrors force-output capability all of the time

– 28:37 – The technology follows high-intensity training principles

– 30:25 – Though it may not seem like it, explosive training _is_ possible with _ARX_

– 32:25 – Visualization and actual physical practice of an activity can have similarly positive results

– 33:00 – Safety and the _ARX_

– 33:55 – The technology isn’t just for strength training; it’s also for rehab and stretching

– 35:35 – Resistance is created with the _ARX _via a pulling force

– 36:34 – The prescribed workout for _ARX _is…

– 38:05 — The R&D process has taken several years…getting to a scaled production run was no easy task

– 39:00 – Mark defines his current _ARX _workout

– 42:00 – The _ARX Omni _is officially launching in January 2015

– 44:05 – What are your _Top 3 Tips for Being More Effective?_

– 44:29 – Value and respect time

– 45:05 – Surround yourself with the _right _people

– 45:52 – Take care of your health; mental, physical and spiritual

– 46:41 – ARXFit.com

**7 Key Points:**

1. eCentric training is the most efficient and effective way to train.
2. Visualization and actual physical practice of an activity can have similarly positive results.
3. The _ARX _is for strength training, rehabilitation _and _stretching.
4. Research and development for a product is not an overnight process, it can take years; stay committed.
5. Value, respect and take advantage of your time – Love thy calendar.
6. Set aside time every day to accomplish the tasks _only you _can accomplish.
7. Always keep an eye on your mental, physical and spiritual health.

**Resources Mentioned:**

– Less Doing Internship – Ari is planning to create a formal Less Doing internship program; Interested parties can reach him via the [Less Doing Contact Page](http://lessdoing.com/contact-me/)

– [Less Doing Live Event](https://lessdoinglabs.businessresearchgroup.org/sales/live-event-optin) – The Less Doing LIVE event in NYC is less than six months away!

– [Calvin App](https://www.calvinapp.com/) – A collaborative to-do list for making plans; Those interested in testing the Beta version of Calvin app, please contact [nick@calvinapp.com](mailto:nick@calvinapp.com)

– [Hush](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hush/hush-the-worlds-first-smart-earplug?utm_content=buffer8f70d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer) – A Kickstarter campaign for the world’s first _smart_ earplug

– [Calltag](http://callt.ag/) – An app that allows users to notify their contacts _why_ they’re calling

– [The Happy Home](https://www.thehappyhome.co/) – $10 per month in-home maintenance

– [Satellite Eyes](http://satelliteeyes.tomtaylor.co.uk/) – A Mac app that automatically changes desktop wallpaper to the satellite view of where the computer is located

– [MyKickback](https://mykickback.com/) – A service that automates sending refunds through FedEx and UPS

– [USB Necklace](http://techcrun — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lessdoing/message

**Summary:**

In Episode #111, Ari shares the Less Doing podcast with [Ariel Garten](http://www.choosemuse.com/the-people-behind-muse/) the CEO of InteraXon, and designer of [MUSE™](http://www.choosemuse.com/) _the brain sensing headband_. Ari takes this opportunity to ask Ariel about the history and technology behind MUSE™, as well as the science the human brain. ** **

**Time Stamped Show Notes:**

– 18:29 – Introduction of Ariel Garten of InteraXon

– 18:50 – Ariel explains the MUSE™ headband

– 19:15 – How Ariel started this project and how the brain became a topic of interest

– 19:50 – The first generation of the MUSE™

– 20:50 – The MUSE™ tracks a whole range of specific brainwaves from ½ hertz up to 100 hertz including Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta and Gamma

– 21:25 – The different wavelengths are associated with different things, which Ariel defines

– 21:38 – Gamma

– 22:10 – Beta

– 22:38 – Alpha

– 23:17 – Delta

– 23:21 – Theta

– 23:30 – Why focus on helping people improve their calm and focus as opposed to other behaviors?

– 26:00 – Ariel defines what she does, on a personal level, to improve her focused attention

– 29:00 – Using MUSE™ has really helped Ari discover which cues break his calm and focus

– 31:20 – The future for MUSE™ both the app and physical device

– 31:30 – The evolution of the MUSE™ Calm app

– 32:20 – InteraXon will _not _be developing an _active _version of MUSE™

– 33:08 – Heart Rate Variability and [EEG](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroencephalography), how do they relate?

– 34:45 – At this time, HRV and EEG can be correlated but we cannot determine which is causal

– 35:00 – Ariel’s _Top 3 Tips for Being More Effective:_

– 35:17 – Learn to manage the voices in your head

– 36:37 – Don’t listen to the voice in your head

– 36:41 – You do not need the voice in your head

– 37:24 – ChooseMuse.com or Amazon.com ** **

**7 Key Points:**

1. There are five waves commonly observed in the brain: Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma and Theta.
2. These waves can be measured at anywhere from ½ Hz up to 100 Hz
3. MUSE™ matches form with function, an attractive accessory designed to accurately measure EEG.
4. Due to the sensitivity of what’s being measured, the MUSE™ must be used in a calm, inactive environment.
5. HRV and EEG are correlated, but there is no causal relationship at this time.
6. _Everyone_ has a “voice” in their head; managing that voice is key to becoming effective.
7. Remember the “voice” in your head is more like a demon…the truth is you do not need it. ** **

**Resources Mentioned:**

– [Let’s Talk When You’re Free](http://chrisguillebeau.com/re-lets-talk-when-youre-free/) – An Article by Chris Guillebeau discussing the misnomer of “free-time”

– [PriceJump](http://www.savings.com/pricejump#less+doing+more+living) – A website that will show you a comparison of prices across online stores _and_brick & mortar stores

– [Gigster](http://www.trygigster.com/) – Pre-vetted, high-quality developer outsourcing

– [Vyte.in](https://www.vyte.in/?utm_content=buffer7b270&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer) – This a personal assistant, meeting scheduling service

– [GigSky](https://www.gigsky.com/en/) – An international mobile data service designed to let people access data on the go at local rates

– [Is College Worth the Cost?](http://us.cnn.com/2014/11/19/opinion/ivory-tower-andrew-rossi-higher-education-cost/index.html?sr=sharebar_twitter) – An article by Andrew Rossi discussing the prevalence of the student-loan/debt problem ** **

**Reviews, Comments and Questions:**

– 1:50 – iTunes Review from _DefeatTheDrama_ – “This podcast is filled with great guests and valuable information. Chalk-full — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lessdoing/message

# Episode 110

**Summary:** In Episode #110 Ari sits down with Harvard-grad and budding entrepreneur [Jesse Kaplan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessejkaplan) of [Parcel](https://fromparcel.com/), an “off-hours delivery service for online shoppers.” During the interview, Jesse and Ari talk about the strategy behind founding a business, the importance of optimization and how technology has an indispensable role in assuring the smooth operation of Parcel.

**Time Stamped Show Notes:**

– 15:55 – The introduction of Jesse Kaplan, the founder of_ Parcel_

– 16:09 – Jesse provides his definition of what Parcel is as a business

– 16:30 – Jesse defines how Parcel works as a service

– 17:15 – At this time, Parcel serves all of Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn

– 17:44 – All deliveries are performed by Parcel employees, _not _independent contractors like bike messengers

– 18:15 – To work with Parcel, all packages must be under 30lbs and no more than 2ft in any dimension

– 19:27 – The service costs $5 _per delivery_ and a delivery can include multiple packages _if_all orders arrive to the Parcel facility on the same day

– 21:12 – Right now, Parcel is focused on nighttime delivery, but there are plans to expand to early morning and weekend hours as well

– 21:25 – Ari defines why he likes Parcel over a service like Amazon Lockers

– 22: 10 – Parcel integrates with a 3rd party routing software rather than doing it all in-house

– 23:28 – Most of the proprietary technology Parcel has built is designed to optimize the_driver procedures _rather than the _driver route_

– 23:51 – This proprietary tech allows for highly-customizable deliveries: drivers can be notified by customers of broken doorbells, sleeping children, etc.

– 24:30 – Jesse mentions Viamente and Routist

– 25:10 – Jesse explains how the idea for Parcel came to him

– 28:40 – _Are there plans to scale to other cities?_

– 30:20 – Most Parcel-to-User, User-to-Parcel communications are handled by text message

– 31:00 – Retailer partnerships are the future for Parcel

– 32:05 – The full-time Parcel team is only 4 people (including Jesse) at this time

– 33:00 – There have been mishaps and associated learning experiences along the way

– 33:38 – Jesse’s Top 3 Tips to be More Effective:

– 33:53 – There is a lot of value in establishing a routine

– 34:32 – Be conscious of _how _you are using your time

– 35:07 – Surround yourself with as many supportive people _as possible_

– 35:50 – FromParcel.com

**7 Key Points:**

1.  Starting a successful business does not require a lot of seed money; it requires a great idea and the drive to see it through.
2. When starting a business, focus on a specific market and geographical area; then refine your processes to a science before expanding.
3. Concierge services are, in many ways, the future of business.
4. A business that can accommodate user-specific customization to a high-degree will naturally attract customers.
5. Convenient communication is a great selling point for a company.
6. To find success, evaluate _how_ you use your time and find a routine that works.
7. Do not underestimate the value of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people.

**Resources Mentioned:**

– [Wendy Myers](http://liveto110.com/about-wendy-myers/) – The founder of _

– [Live to 110](http://liveto110.com/) _the company conducting Ari’s hair/mineral/metal test

– [Plowz and Mowz](http://www.plowzandmowz.com/) – Snow plowing and lawn mowing on-demand

– [Petalite Flux](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/petalite-flux-100-percent-charge-in-15-minutes) – An IndieGoGo campaign promoting a rapid charging power pack that charges smartphones to 100% in 15 minutes

– [Viamente](https:/ — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lessdoing/message