For my opening keynote address at Wedding MBA this year I presented “Free Falling – Jump out of your comfort zone“. Shannon, from Wedding MBA, who is is pushing herself outside her own comfort zone is taking tap-dancing lessons. She felt if was an appropriate topic for me to explore, given my history of starting Tae Kwon Do at 39 (achieving a 2nd degree black belt), skydiving and now studying to be conversationally fluent in Spanish.
You were the shy kid?
Most people who know me wouldn’t believe that I was a relatively shy child. As a matter of fact, I read recently that a lot of professional speakers are introverts offstage (not me, but many). My road to public speaking wasn’t a personal goal, nor did it happen overnight, but I was a willing participant. I began standing in front of audiences by playing piano in the school jazz band and in rock and roll bands as a teenager, then moving to the speaking stage, many years later.
So, what about you? What have you done, or are you doing to live outside your comfort zone? For most of you, starting your own business was moving outside your comfort zone? How long did you wait to get started? Did you jump right in, or did you agonize over it for years? What about raising your prices? How long did you wait, or are you still waiting, to do that? If you did wait but then raise them, did you regret not doing it sooner?
What’s it gonna take?
I believe that with the right incentive, we can all move outside our comfort zones and achieve much more than if we keep ourselves fenced in. The question for each of us is what is the right incentive? I think it depends upon what we’re trying to achieve, and what’s now holding us back. Before I started taking Tae Kwon Do I thought my limitation was time. I kept telling myself that I wanted to do it, but I just didn’t have the time. It turned out that I had all the time I needed. I just needed to prioritize that time. Once I did, I was able to go 3 times a week… for over 8 years.
I had thought about learning Spanish for many years. Then last year, when I presented at a conference in Cancun, I realized that my 4 or 5 years of language classes in middle and high school, so many, many years ago, were a distant memory. So, what was holding me back now? I could say time, but I’ve already proven to myself that I have all the time I need for my priorities. Was it access? Maybe. With all of my traveling I could certainly argue that taking classes locally would be out of the question. What about an online training? Possibly, but when I have the quiet time, I don’t always have, or want an internet connection (on airplanes).
Does that really work?
I thought about trying the Rosetta Stone computer training course, but the cost initially put me off (what if I didn’t use it, then it was a waste of over $450). Then one day I got an email from GroupOn with a discount on Rosetta Stone. That was it, my price excuse was gone. Of course, after buying it I didn’t install it for months, but once I did, and I started to use it, I was hooked. I was on my way towards my goal. Looking back, I wish I had started sooner. When I spoke in Guadalajara last month I was better equipped to have a basic conversation, but I still have a long way to go. My lesson is that the couple of hundred dollars difference in price was a poor excuse for missing out on being a year closer to what I’m trying to achieve.
It’s nice to share
Now it’s your turn to share. What have you already done that was once outside your comfort zone? Better yet, what are you doing right now that makes you a little uncomfortable? You’re closer to achieving much more than if you stay within the self-imposed boundaries you’re living in now. Please share your thoughts and experiences here to inspire me, and others. Use the comment box below, or feel free to email me directly at [email protected].
Have Alan speak for your group, company or association
Would you like to have Alan present his inspirational, educational content for your group, association, company or staff? Alan’s accepting inquiries for speaking engagements for 2014. From motivational, entertaining keynote addresses, to real actionable content to improve your business skills and attitude, together you’ll craft just the right program to fit your needs. Invigorate your sales and customer support teams on how to create an exceptional customer experience. Improve the conversion of your website and marketing materials with ideas that Alan has developed over his 20+ successful years as a business owner, salesman, manager, author and consultant.
To find out how to have Alan present for your group, association or company, and to check date availability, email [email protected] or call 732-422-6362.
International inquiries email [email protected] or call 001 732 422 6362.
Here’s are some highlights of the Twitter feeds and comments from recent conferences where Alan was the featured speaker:
@CakeCoaching: If you have the chance to see @alanberg speak, take it. This seminar was funny, real and insanely helpful.
@OnSiteCompanies: Thanks a lot @alanberg for the great talk today. It was a help to both our sales and marketing team. #motivation #onsite
@BKathleen_: @alanberg isn’t just good for weddings, he’s good for business. Follow him.
@jellifi: @alanberg at the #WMETX convention! People are scared to sit up front but this guy fills up a room with knowledge!
“I took your website workshop at the NPVA a couple of months ago and my conversion tripled the next day after I made the changes.” – Elena Coyne, Luxury Wedding Films, Boston, MA
“You sir are amazing. My daughter attended your seminar and it’s as if she attended a semester of college. Thank you for what you do.” – Chef Bob Vaningan president, chefbob.com inc., Birmingham, Alabama
“Ten minutes into Alan’s presentation, though, I found myself interested, engaged, and eager to learn more! He made some brilliant points and following them has helped me increase my wedding bookings by 50% so far this year . . . and the year is only half over!… He is brilliant, dynamic, and an excellent investment.” – Gwyneddh Jones, Bittersweet’s Chocolate and Pastry, Stow, OH