On Monday evening I went to a fantastic seminar and listened to talk given by business guru Rene Carayol. He is a truly inspirational speaker, calm and measured but also interesting and informative. His speech wasn't overworked or contrite he just spoke about how you can get more from your business if you can learn to look at it from a different point of view. I was so enthused by his speech that when he asked the 100 strong audience if any one would be prepared to stand up and give what is commonly known as an "elevator pitch" I volunteered. No one was more suprised to see my hand go up in the air than myself. I have the normal British approach to the request of volunteering which is to avoid eye contact, slip down your chair pretending that you didn't hear them or look around the auditorium waiting for some other fool to step up.
I rose to my feet, was handed a microphone and I could hear, and feel, everyone waiting for me to utter my first words. To my surprise I delivered a slick, stutterproof, concise and informative explanation of Dicky Bag. I'm used to telling people about the dicky bag but I've never stood up in front of so many people at once and a business guru, I had great respect for, to deliver my speech. I could feel my hands start to shake and my voice start to quiver but I kept my head in check and it was worth it. I received an appreciative round of applause from the audience and Rene commemded me on a passionate and professional pitch. I returned to my seat with a glow of success but for hours later re run the scene with slight ammendments here and there trying to improve upon it, being a perfectionist can have it's downsides you know!
I returned home with a list of things to work on to improve the business but I feel more confident than I have done for ages. Most things are possible you just have to go about them in the right way for you. As Rene said "In business, one size fits no one!"
If you ever get chance to hear him speak, you'd be a fool not to go.
