I f**ked up and here's what I learned...plus, have you heard this story about Guns N' Roses?
I fucked up and here’s what I learned...
This weekend I was honoured and privileged to have the chance to speak in front of a gorgeous room of soulpreneurs, coaches, experts and thought leaders.
I was invited by my friend Robb Gilbear at Growth Habit to speak about the power of story, in our lives, businesses and contributions to the world.
It happened on short notice but I wanted it to be special, so I created a brand new talk for this specific audience. I had just enough time to build it, but not enough time to rehearse it.
When I arrived at the venue, I was presented with a choice. I had three things to hold—my phone with my notes on it, a microphone and a clicker to click through my slides—but only two hands.
And I had to make a choice
Who did I trust more?
I didn’t choose me.
Despite all the talks and workshops I’ve done in the past, despite a lifetime of knowledge and lessons learned and stories collected and accumulated, despite knowing this subject better than I know myself even, I chose the security of the notes on my phone.
I didn’t trust myself.
And because of that, I gave away the clicker for someone else to control my slideshow, and I pretty much fumbled through my presentation as a result of it.
It was a hard lesson to learn, but one I’ll never forget, and I have a whole new appreciation for the dance my slides and I get to do.
When everything goes right in a creative act, we call it “being in the flow.” Being in the flow is like tuning into a song only you can hear. But you can’t do that when you’re staring at the lyrics sheet. Sometimes you just gotta let go, and see where the music takes you.
So if there’s a tip or an inspiration I leave you with this week, it’s the advice of course that I give everybody else and failed to follow this weekend: Trust yourself. You already know everything you need to know to serve and share your gifts with others.
And NEVER EVER hand over your clicker. 😉
Cat xo
PS: I’m hosting a free online workshop (note free) this Wednesday. We’ll dive into what you need to know about writing, finishing, publishing and marketing your book. Click here to sign up now.
What I Did Right
I did do some things right on Saturday, however, and I want to share those lessons too because those can be just as important:
I got to know many of the attendees before my presentation, so I was able to speak directly to them and personalize my talk.
I trusted my hunches and intuitions to give powerful feedback and coaching to my fellow entrepreneurs as we masterminded our businesses through the afternoon, creating breakthroughs for them, and for myself.
I allowed myself to learn from others and be curious about different perspectives, approaches and possibilities. As a result I’ll be pivoting on a strategy I was working on for a group coaching program I’m launching soon (more on this to come)—to make it ever stretchier for me, and more impactful for my authors. 🔥
To catch Robb’s next event, sign up for his newsletter, where he shares great advice on messaging, connecting with your ideal client and building a business—and life—you love.
Have you heard this about Guns N’ Roses?
A friend of mine is best friends with Slash, so I’ve heard A LOT of Guns N’ Roses stories over the years. 🤯
But what my friend Dan Blank shared in a recent newsletter of his blew me away.
He talked about the REAL secret to success for the legendary band, and it’s not what you think.
Turns out long before summits and Click Funnels, bands like the Gunners were avid fans of building email lists to stay connected to their fans.
And Axel and his crew took it even one step further—not only would they email their list, but they would even CALL THEM one by one, to invite them to their shows.
I mean, can you imagine?
It really takes the shine off their supposed nonchalant, devil-may-care rock band image. But as an entrepreneur, I am sooooo impressed. And inspired.
It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers game when you’re building a business, or promoting a book. And we can be so quick to forget to appreciate each and every soul who has lent their support and encouragement.
But if Guns N’ Roses’ success is indication, that’s a playbook I want to learn from and emulate.
How about you?
PS: Dan has a great newsletter that comes out each week, with tips and advice for building your author brand and platform. Click here to check out his latest and subscribe.