The other day I had a meeting and next to us sat Ed McCaffrey (http://edmccaffrey.com/). So I texted most of the males in my life to brag that I was sitting next to one of the most popular wide receivers that played in the NFL. My brother wanted his autograph, and my Dad texted "who is that?" (LOL)
During every session of my coaching career, I encourage people to take risks. I challenge job seekers to do things that are productive yet uncomfortable. I teach professionals how to call high level hiring managers, but most are apprehensive because of fear of rejection and/or embarrassment. I've made a commitment to practice what I preach, so I vowed that I would talk with Mr. McCaffrey before one of us left the building. My friend kept saying, "just go - better go now - hurry up before he leaves". Armed with a smile and a few business cards, I must have gotten out of my chair at least 4 times to go talk to him, but never made it. There was no right time, as McCaffrey kept getting interrupted by folks wanting his autograph. Ugh.
About an hour after my arrival, he got up to leave. I blew it. I deflated and said "forget it" and watched him walk away. My friend says to me, "He's still here, and he's sitting by himself - go NOW!" No fear...I got up, walked over and BOOM - some other lady blocks me to have him sign her receipt. But I didn't give up. I waited patiently then approached him, introduced myself, briefly told him what I did for a living and handed him two business cards. But I didn't ask him for an autograph, nor did I ask him for help with my business needs. I mentioned that I heard on the radio about his upcoming football camp and asked how I could help. He was pleasantly shocked and thanked me for my interest.
After a few minutes of asking some great questions and actively listening, I learned everything I needed to know about his camp, target market, marketing tools, and time-line. He provided the name and number of his event coordinator and encouraged me to use him as a reference when I call her.
What's in it for me? Community service, high profile connections, shoulder to shoulder time with community leaders, and a few days of F-U-N.
No time lost: I called his coordinator and made an appointment for some face time to learn more about how I could help their organization.
Lesson learned: Get out, get connected, ask great questions, listen and determine how you can impact your community! A healthy fear of talking with high level decision makers is no different than being afraid to approach a "super star" and ask for an autograph. Most famous folks are kind human beings with busy days, families, and problems who welcome a friendly smile, casual conversation, a tiny ego boost, and a helping hand. Just because people make more money, have their picture in the paper, or play on Invesco field doesn't mean they don't want to listen to what you have to say, especially if your "presentation" has value.
Funny value add: after my conversation with "Ed" he followed me back to my table. No, he didn't ask what he could do for me; he just wanted his pen back. And no, he doesn't write with a fancy ergo sleek metal chrome pen, he uses a Bic (black ink). I could've sold that thing on Ebay and made a fortune!
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