I wrote my heart out.
Put together a fantastic presentation of my business; the touching personal story (that makes me tear up still,) outline of my extensive and fascinating background, full-scope-of-services, and an incredible hard-to-resist promotion piece.
Every day, for four days, I touched upon at least one of the key points of the dog and pony show. I felt the inspiration and commitment came thru spectacularly. Each word, sentence, paragraph was punctuated with an invitation to engage.
The morning of the event, I practiced with an audience of three, all four-legged. They seemed to be ready to pull out their pens to sign the contract and hire me on the spot!
After my coffee, and a cheerful pep talk in front of the mirror, I zoomed off down the road, to give my perky pitch.
The receptionist set me up in a spacious conference room. All seats were filled around the table. I clinked water glasses with the President before heading up to the front of the room.
I shared my life story, the reason I am in the business of Sorted Affairs (emphasizing Sorted so as to not confuse the topic.) I asked intriguing questions like a 60 Minute episode, interjected humorous ditties like Whoopi, pulled affirmations from the room like a Louise Hayes double, and Shirley Temple tap-danced around my greatness.
People laughed, sighed, dabbed at their eyes, clearly moved by my insight and inspiration.
Then I asked for the business.
And the room went dead.
Papers shuffled around as though caught in a wind storm.
"We’ll get back to you."
Hm.
I slithered out as though I was headed to the jailhouse.
Sat in my car, in the lot, surrounded by vehicles owned by successful salaried employees and business owners, and moped.
What happened?
What did I do wrong?
How could I have wasted all of that time and energy for the past week, focusing on ONE client’s business?
Who can I decompress with?
When have I felt so hobbled by my work?
Why don’t they “get" me?
I set my cell phone timer for five minutes. I rant and rave, cry, scream, pitch a fit in the "Loser" parking space.
Kept checking to see how much more time I had on the alarm. Then I realized, I was already done feeling sorry for myself, I didn’t need the whole five minutes.
The Presentation was amazing. I did a fantastic job. People were engaged. I got my point across.
I asked for what I want and need.
It’s now up to them.
And, I have a fantabulous presentation prepared, for the next time I am asked to speak.
No need to give away my power, to apologize, or even beat myself up for the job really well done.
Now go out there, and get'um!