Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Tapes from my past


I heard their voices last week as clearly as if they were standing right beside me. From my daddy: “Don’t bother people; don’t impose.” From my mother, “Don’t brag.”

Don’t bother; don’t brag. Yikes! These mantras have kept me tethered to the past. And I can say with great clarity that they have not served me well as I’ve struggled to build my speaking business.

No wonder I’ve gotten diarrhea at the mere thought of calling someone to discuss the possibility of my delivering a keynote address for their conference. What if they’re busy? What if they receive my call as a nuisance call?

No wonder when I’m asked what I speak about I downplay the power that my well-crafted, engaging and highly entertaining presentations have to turn an average day into a fabulous one for audience members.

Don’t bother; don’t brag. Turn off the tape recorder; destroy the tapes. I’m desperately searching for a new tape—one that will bring music to my soul and propel me to sell myself effectively and gracefully.

2 comments:

  1. Can I get a witness? MG, I'm your witness. You're entertaining, you're funny, and you're full of sage anecdotes and whimsical metaphors. Go for it! Conquer the fear!

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  2. I think starting this blog is one step toward getting comfortable at promoting yourself. Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete