Opportunities can come disguised in all shapes and forms, but this opportunity was 7-feet tall. Imagine that you are a professional speaker, and the United States Navy asks you to give a motivational talk to a group of middle school kids for their annual Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program. Now imagine that the U.S. Navy also asked you to introduce the program's featured speaker, San Antonio Spur All-star basketball player and former naval officer, David Robinson.
Joe recalls the situation: After overcoming the initial shock and realizing that I was not dreaming, I eagerly accepted what I regarded as the speaking opportunity of a lifetime. Thrilled at the prospect of introducing one of the few professional athletes I really admired and respected, I told my family and friends about the exciting news.
In an effort to prepare for the "big day," the Navy furnished me with background information about the basketball superstar. The information included both personal and professional comments about Robinson, including a list of achievements, which included NBA Player of the Year and Olympic gold medal winner. In addition to reading about his achievements on the court, I learned that Robinson was also a loving husband, dedicated father, and community activist off the court. All of my positive feelings about the 7-foot NBA center were validated. I rehearsed and practiced my message, trying to focus on David Robinson, the man as opposed to just the athlete. Inevitably, the program was a huge success. I did everything right; I prepared early. I did my research; I spoke with passion, and I provided the audience a unique perspective of the star athlete. Even Robinson himself admitted that he was impressed.
However, according to the action steps outlined in this book, I made a critical mistake that I would live to regret the rest of my professional life. In all of my preparation, research, and rehearsing, I failed to do one thing that truly mattered most: I did not take the initiative to make an attempt to build and maintain a relationship with Robinson. When the program was over, I left the event with nothing, but a handshake, a memory, and no mailing address or E-mail address, no phone number, no business card, nada! To make matters worse, I did not even give him my own business card.
Five years later, David Robinson and the San Antonio Spurs would go on to win the NBA title, and Robinson's popularity as an NBA star skyrocketed even higher. Every time I think about the missed opportunity or whenever I see Robinson on television, it feels like someone just punched me in the stomach. We can all relate to Joe's humbling experience, but, unfortunately, very few ever learn from it. Instead, they describe success in terms of being "lucky," "getting the big break," "meeting the right person," and "being in the right place at the right time." Allow us to make a confession: success is indeed a matter of luck, but that is only if you ask the people who habitually fail. The rest realize that the harder and smarter you work, the luckier you get. Whether you want to accept it or not, you are the "right" person, in the "right" place at the "right" time.
After enduring the pain of losing the opportunity of a lifetime, Joe learned one of the essential rules of effective networking: "You should always exchange mailing addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses with a potential contact." As simple as it sounds, it is probably one of the biggest mistakes professionals make in failing to take control of their careers. We will cover this critical rule in just a moment. Joe admits that he learned the hard way, but we're both convinced you do not have to learn the hard way. Prepare yourself and take control of your career by building a successful "net" that works.
Joe recalls the situation: After overcoming the initial shock and realizing that I was not dreaming, I eagerly accepted what I regarded as the speaking opportunity of a lifetime. Thrilled at the prospect of introducing one of the few professional athletes I really admired and respected, I told my family and friends about the exciting news.
In an effort to prepare for the "big day," the Navy furnished me with background information about the basketball superstar. The information included both personal and professional comments about Robinson, including a list of achievements, which included NBA Player of the Year and Olympic gold medal winner. In addition to reading about his achievements on the court, I learned that Robinson was also a loving husband, dedicated father, and community activist off the court. All of my positive feelings about the 7-foot NBA center were validated. I rehearsed and practiced my message, trying to focus on David Robinson, the man as opposed to just the athlete. Inevitably, the program was a huge success. I did everything right; I prepared early. I did my research; I spoke with passion, and I provided the audience a unique perspective of the star athlete. Even Robinson himself admitted that he was impressed.
However, according to the action steps outlined in this book, I made a critical mistake that I would live to regret the rest of my professional life. In all of my preparation, research, and rehearsing, I failed to do one thing that truly mattered most: I did not take the initiative to make an attempt to build and maintain a relationship with Robinson. When the program was over, I left the event with nothing, but a handshake, a memory, and no mailing address or E-mail address, no phone number, no business card, nada! To make matters worse, I did not even give him my own business card.
Five years later, David Robinson and the San Antonio Spurs would go on to win the NBA title, and Robinson's popularity as an NBA star skyrocketed even higher. Every time I think about the missed opportunity or whenever I see Robinson on television, it feels like someone just punched me in the stomach. We can all relate to Joe's humbling experience, but, unfortunately, very few ever learn from it. Instead, they describe success in terms of being "lucky," "getting the big break," "meeting the right person," and "being in the right place at the right time." Allow us to make a confession: success is indeed a matter of luck, but that is only if you ask the people who habitually fail. The rest realize that the harder and smarter you work, the luckier you get. Whether you want to accept it or not, you are the "right" person, in the "right" place at the "right" time.
After enduring the pain of losing the opportunity of a lifetime, Joe learned one of the essential rules of effective networking: "You should always exchange mailing addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses with a potential contact." As simple as it sounds, it is probably one of the biggest mistakes professionals make in failing to take control of their careers. We will cover this critical rule in just a moment. Joe admits that he learned the hard way, but we're both convinced you do not have to learn the hard way. Prepare yourself and take control of your career by building a successful "net" that works.
About the Author:
James Malinchak, Showcased on ABC's Hit Tv Show Secret Millionaire, is recognized as by a lot of professionals as the World's #1 Big Money Speaker Coach and Trainer. For Absolutely free Video Trainings regarding how to get paid to speak and ways to turn into a motivational speaker, pay a visit to http://www.millionairespeakersecrets.com/.
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