In this mini episode, Heather reveals the five "taboo words" that silently sabotage influential communication. Drawing on coaching experiences, she explores how words like “just,” “I think,” “I’m sorry,” and “I’ll try” undermine confidence, credibility, and clarity—plus the impact of filler words on presence and authority.

Heather explains why influential leaders drop these phrases, shares concrete alternatives, and offers simple strategies for boosting your impact in every conversation.

Learn the importance of assertiveness, owning your message, and harnessing the power of a pause. Whether you’re coaching, selling, or leading, this episode is packed with quick tips to level up your communication and become a stronger, more trusted influencer.

Episode Highlights:

00:26 - Words hold power. Some move people to action, while others actually diminish your credibility, your message, and–you guessed it–your influence.

01:31 - Similar to the word "just," it says, "What I'm about to say might be wrong or you might not like it," but this is just my opinion. It's not a fact. Again, it's a minimizing or a diminishing type word.

04:13 - So the next time, rather than saying, "I'll try", say, "I absolutely will" or "I commit to doing this," and just see how that other person responds.

Contact

Heather Price Consulting

Activity Coaching Conversation

In this kickoff episode of Grow Where You’re Planted, Heather Price welcomes Scott Bushkie, founder of Cornerstone Business Services, to discuss the art and strategy behind increasing your influence.

They explore how impactful networking, building genuine connections, and focusing on helping others can lead to transformative business (and personal) growth. Scott shares lessons learned from a career in mergers and acquisitions, the importance of plantings seeds through quality connections, and how to set actionable networking goals.

Listeners will gain practical insights on stepping outside comfort zones, leveraging advisory boards, and building trust through referrals and service-minded relationships. Whether you’re a coach, sales leader, or business owner, expect actionable advice to strengthen your network and boost your influence right where you’re planted.

Episode Highlights

05:06 - Our mission at Cornerstone is to create positive, life-changing events for all the lives we touch. When people leave us, they are better off than when they arrived. We take their company, sell their single largest financial asset, and give them the gift of both time and money.

09:16 - I learned more from sports than I did in school when it comes to life lessons—work ethic, leadership, facing adversity, getting hurt, and coming back from it, along with many other experiences.

23:29 - Because I went out, took the time, stood for half an hour waiting to talk with them, and had a five-minute conversation, he brought it up. I didn’t even have to mention it, which was really interesting—and that alone made it worth the effort.

Contact

Heather Price Consulting

Activity Coaching Conversation

Scott Bushkie

Email

Book: Finish Strong: Sell Your Business On Your Terms

Workbook: Finish Strong Workbook: Sell Your Business On Your Terms

CAPex - The Cornerstone Advisory Partners Exit Program