I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
Lights! Camera! Action!
Late last week, I met my friend and client Andrea Young of Sweet Vegan to record one of the inaugural episodes of her new podcast, Vegan Voices, which she'll be launching this fall.
Her show focuses on passion and purpose and the various journeys we travel to get us where we are and that make us who we are.
I'll be honest, I have considerably more experience conducting interviews than I do being interviewed especially in person and on camera.
So I was really happy when Andrea's recording engineer remarked that I was really natural and comfortable in front of the camera, and how clear it is that I really understand how to talk about my business, what I do, and the value I deliver.
Normally, like a lot of people, I would have been pretty nervous. But, strangely (to me) I wasn't.
I think there are a few reason for this:
- I prepped the canvas — A few weeks ago I shared the 10-10-10 framework for making a great impression (See Perfect 10s). I used this methodology to plan out what I would wear and how I would introduce myself, which really gave me a huge boost of confidence going in and getting started.
When you're not comfortable with your appearance or are distractedly crafting your introduction on the fly, the audience ends up focusing on your discomfort rather than on your message.
- I did my homework — Thankfully, Andrea supplied a list of questions that would guide our discussion. A few days before our session, I began holding mock interviews with myself, answering the questions aloud. This really clarified my thinking and helped me home in on what I wanted to convey.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to practice what you want to say out loud. Words sound different in our heads than they do in our mouths and ears.
- I tapped my own well — While I don't have lots of 'on air' experience, I certainly know what it's like to be in the hot seat with all eyes on me as a presenter, teacher, and speaker. The basic tenets of holding people's attention and being in command of an audience are pretty universal.
You bring the wealth of knowledge of your entire life's experience with you. Remembering that is incredibly empowering and really helps to release those butterflies.
In situations like these, I often think about a presentation I attended many years ago led by a very nervous speaker. He was sweating, kept apologizing, and must have said "I'm really nervous, guys," nearly a hundred times.
Was it embarrassing? Sure. But, here's the thing I remember: Everyone in that room really wanted this guy to succeed. They were pulling for him. They were on his side.
The same is true for me and you: No one is showing up hoping for us to fail. But, even if we do, they're more than willing to forgive us because they're rooting for our success.
By the way, if you've got a reason to celebrate or you're just looking for a decadent yet healthy treat that's delicious and also nutritious, check out Andrea's chocolates.
Until next time,
PS - In case you missed it, last week I shared What a Pain in the Neck taught me to remember.
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Easily Said & Done
I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
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