There’s the odd time when I start a phone call with a new client and I just really want them to pause and take a breath. It feels as though in the first 5 minutes they have to prove to me that they are worthy. But guess what? This is the place for you to put the cape down. You don’t have to be a super hero with all of the answers when you are talking to your coach.
In fact, I’m going to challenge all of you who are going to join me at the National Speakers Association Conference (Influence 2015) this summer in Washington to show up without the cape. And you know, I’m going to have to be reminded about that myself.
It’s easier when I’m speaking. While getting ready to walk into a room full of speakers to give a talk, my mantra is around being open, kind and giving. To be approachable.
Jim Jacobus, who has been speaking for 23 years, says this…… My speaking and consulting career has had two very distinct and identifiable phases … one “with the cape” and, more recently, one without. It is interesting to me to see how the one without has been a lot more fun and rewarding. I finally have come to understand that it is so much easier just being me and that is more than enough!
Now I know that your clients hire you because you are likely “the smartest person in the room” but that doesn’t mean arrogance. And when you are first meeting with a prospective client avoid the “show up and throw up”. Where you tell them every great thing about yourself in the first 5 minutes. Ask them questions!
And when you get around a group of speakers, put the cape down, you’re amongst friends. Allow yourself to be real about what is going on in your business. And I challenge you at NSA this summer to get to know the person you are talking to – rather than opening with “I speak 4000 times a year at really big fees”. Ewwwww! Step away from the cape.
See you soon Wealthy Speakers!
PS: So cool with the new app for NSA’s conference, you can see who is planning to attend your session – I love that! My session with Joe Calloway (Becoming a Category of One) is hot. I hope you’ll join us. Early bird price runs until May 13th!
