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My conversation with The EMyth legend, Michael E. Gerber and the importance of looking outward -




Whilst it matters that we look within, have self-awareness, and own who we are, there are stacks of reasons to build the skills to build relationships with those we meet.


A simple example is my connection to my recent podcast guest, Michael E Gerber.


16 years ago I met the famous author and business thought leader. In a room of 20 business owners, one of us asked questions, and got chatting with him. That would have been me. 19 people just sat and listened and nodded along. I couldn’t believe it at the time, and I still don’t today. Too often, people think the moment is not for them. That they’re not ready, or they won’t be seen as being smart enough, or they’ll say something silly…


So they sit.

Watch the moment.

Be observers, not participants.

What. The. Actual. Fxxx.


Anyway, he was awesome, and gave me fabulous advice that I acted on and have been acting on, all these years.


Fast forward to today, and because I was WITH HIM then (not just staring at him), when we reached out for him to be on my podcast, he readily agreed. And once the podcast was over, he reached out for another conversation, and then another…


And another this week.


We have much in common. We have similar energies. We “see” business in a similar way. We have fun together. All this is true. But think about it. Haven’t I been becoming the person I am for the past 16 years (and the rest)? Haven’t I, since that first encounter, been building on that earlier (no doubt clumsy) skill?


It's not just that we are connecting so well now. It’s that I’ve been practicing for this moment for years. I’m not waiting for the perfect time. I don’t passively watch and walk away saying “I’m inspired”. I’m in there. Practicing skills. Experiencing the moment fully. I may feel nervous sometimes, but being timid is a sure way to miss the moment, and be disregarded by the person you’re with. Holding back is a sure fire way to miss opportunities, be disregarded, and be unnoticed.