The Power of Rolling Up Your Sleeves

Good morning, everyone! Welcome back to another edition of The Mindset Blueprint. Today, I want to dive into something I didn’t expect to talk about, but here we are—volunteering.

This year at Relativity Fest 2024 I'm volunteering instead of speaking and it has been a fulfilling experience so far. Instead of being on stage or leading a session, I got down in the trenches—helping out wherever I could, learning as I went. And, believe me, there were some great takeaways from the experience that I want to share.

What I Did at the Merch Booth?

One of the roles I took on was working the merch booth. Now, you might think, “It’s just a merch booth,” but let me tell you—it’s one of the highlights of the event. Outside of attending sessions, networking and soaking in all the valuable knowledge, the merch is what many people look forward to walking away with. For some, that merch is more than just a t-shirt or a water bottle; it’s a badge of honor, a memento, something that represents their experience at the event.?

We had a green t-shirt, a blue t-shirt and dynamic air water bottles—basic, right? But here’s the fun part—we wrapped the t-shirts up to look like burritos and sub sandwiches and people loved it! The excitement was off the charts. Lines were forming from both directions, people eagerly waiting to get their hands on these creatively packaged shirts. It wasn’t just about the item; it was about the whole experience. The energy was electric and I realized that this wasn’t just a simple booth job—it was an opportunity to engage with people, share laughs and make their day just a little brighter.

And let’s not underestimate the importance of the merch itself. It’s something that people will take back home or to their offices—something that will remind them of the connections they made, the sessions they attended and the overall experience of Relativity Fest. It’s part of the takeaway and it matters more than we often think.

What I Learned

1. People Love a Unique Experience?

It wasn’t just about handing out t-shirts—it was about the fun, unique way we presented them. People got a kick out of receiving a “burrito” or “sub sandwich” shirt. It reminded me that how you deliver something can be just as important as what you’re delivering. It’s a great lesson in customer engagement—whether it’s a product or a conversation, people remember the unique touch.?

?? Action Step: Think of a routine task you do regularly. How can you add a unique twist to it to engage others? Try presenting your ideas or solutions in a more creative way this week.

2. Sales Fundamentals Never Die?

Standing there in the middle of this high-energy booth, I was taken back to my sales days—where every interaction matters. Building rapport, making connections and creating a memorable moment—these are timeless principles. It was a good reminder that whether you’re in a booth handing out merch or closing a business deal, it’s all about connecting with people.?

?? Action Step: The next time you meet someone, focus on building a connection rather than just exchanging pleasantries. Ask open-ended questions and listen actively to create a deeper rapport.

3. Sometimes You Just Need to Roll Up Your Sleeves?

Let’s be honest, volunteering isn’t always the most glamorous role. I started the day wearing a casual yellow Relativity shirt, ready to dive into the work at the merch booth. Rolling up my sleeves and getting hands-on taught me valuable lessons about myself and the people around me. After my time at the booth, I changed into my blazer, polished my shoes and put on a crisp shirt for more formal networking.

However, it’s important to note that the shift in attire wasn’t what mattered most; it was the mindset behind it. Whether I was in that casual shirt or my blazer, the roll-up-your-sleeves mentality was what propelled me forward. It reminded me that both sides of the coin—working in a relaxed environment to help others and presenting yourself professionally to network—are equally important. They’re just different expressions of the same commitment to getting the job done and making an impact.?

?? Action Step: Identify an area in your life where you can dive deeper and take a more hands-on approach. It could be a project at work, a home improvement task or even helping a friend. Commit to rolling up your sleeves and tackling it with enthusiasm.

4. Conversations Matter More Than You Think?

As I passed out t-shirts and water bottles, I had quick conversations with people. Those few moments of lighthearted banter or simple hellos made me realize how important small interactions can be. It’s easy to think big presentations and speeches are where the impact happens, but sometimes it’s in the casual moments where you make the strongest connections.?

?? Action Step: Make it a point to initiate at least three meaningful conversations this week. It could be with a colleague, a neighbor or even someone you meet in passing. Focus on being present and engaging genuinely.

Challenge: Where Can You Roll Up Your Sleeves??

Look for areas in your life where you can step in, get involved and do the work—no matter how small the task might seem. The lessons you learn and the connections you make in those moments are often the most impactful. Whether it’s at your job, in your community or even at home, rolling up your sleeves is an opportunity for growth and connection.

?? Remember the true power of rolling up your sleeves lies in your willingness to engage, learn and connect with those around you. The attire or role you play don't matter. What truly counts is your mindset and the commitment to dive into the work, cultivating relationships ad creating experiences. The lessons you learn in these moments can be transformative—not just for you, but for everyone you encounter.

Join the Conversation!?

?? Spread the Word: Share this newsletter with your network and help others discover the power of a Rolling up Your Sleeves.

???? Let’s connect! I’d love to hear from you. What’s something you’ve learned from rolling up your sleeves and getting involved? Whether it’s a volunteer gig or a task at work, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your stories, strategies and progress with me on LinkedIn.

?? Catch Up: Missed last week’s newsletter? Check out "Sharpening Your Axe — 7 Steps to Mastering Preparation and Standing Out " for more strategies on transforming mindset into momentum.

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Thank you for being part of The Mindset Blueprint community. Here’s to embracing growth and continuous learning! ????