A letter to anyone starting today

When you first start out at really anything it can feel uncomfortable. Awkward. Embarrassing. Not fun. Exciting maybe. Weird. Just ok.

In business it's the same. Perhaps you're calling CIO's right out of school and trying to talk about SAP implementations OR talking with CFO's about buying a service that will cost them thousands & thousands of dollars. You may think to yourself, "do they really want to talk with me?". "Am I worth their time?". "I barely know what I am talking about, please don't ask me another question."

Believe me you're not alone.

You can have the greatest training and support system which everyone desires needs. But, you also need to do, right? No, this is not a Nike commerical. But, seriously, shoot 1000 3 pointers and you'll get better. Talk with 20 people and you'll improve. At some point the training wheels are removed and you're expected to execute for the organization that you represent. It's go time.

Here is my advice. Get your misses out of your system as fast as you can. Yes. Swing and miss. What? Yes. Mess up. Strike out. Stink fast. Stink bad. If you really care to get better, losing is the fastest path towards building credibility and success. Listen & respect your losses, and don't run from them either. Equal business stature is gained through experience & not just past business wins, but also the moments that build a personal framework and belief that tells you YOU belong.

If you really care to get better, losing is the fastest path towards building credibility and success.

Easy to write but hard to do, right? You have to find a way. You have to play 1 on 1 against yourself every day. Be curious. Find a way to accept losing internally for a better version of your future self. Ask for help and continue to be yourself. Oh, and when you do win, then heck yeah!

We ALL feel like that little gal or guy above when we first start something new. You're not alone. Keep going and stay thirsty!

-Roger