Stop Asking People Who Have Never Been Where You’re Going For Direction

This Sunday afternoon, as I leisurely browsed through an online collection of leather-bound journals, planning for next year's grand adventures, a statement on the site struck me with its profound simplicity: "Stop Asking People Who Have Never Been Where You’re Going For Direction." It felt like a jolt of clarity amidst my reflections on nurturing my inner circle and charting my professional aspirations for the year ahead while scrolling through an assortment of leather-bound journals.

I have a number of aspirations – from learning and traveling to launching meaningful projects and making a positive impact, particularly here on LinkedIn with my AI & Ambition newsletter. I'm also finalizing my first digitized mini-masterclass on Personal Branding on LinkedIn (this mini-masterclass will be completely free for you and your peers).

That's exactly why the space I've carved out for myself is so intentional. It's a reflection of what I value and where I'm headed, crafted with purposeful intentionality.

A few months ago, I realized that despite the success of 'Red Bird,' our children's graphic novel that clinched the top #1 spot in seven Amazon categories, I had inadvertently restrained its potential and hadn't taken on new risks with it. 'Red Bird Mighty,' a story championing courage and freedom, ironically, had not been given its wings to soar.

So, I embraced risk.

I pitched a Presenter Session for the Round Rock ISD Student Leadership Summit, an exclusive gathering of 350 young leaders from a district of over 55,000 students. Our breakout small group session, "Lead, Write, Inspire: Raising Leaders Through The Power of Storytelling," was not only accepted but also unveiled the incredible talent and ambition in these 9-11-year-olds. My son, initially co-speaking, ended up leading the final session, and he was nothing short of phenomenal.

The momentum continued.

I secured a coveted spot for Red Bird at the Youth Entrepreneurship Vendor Booth for the Leander Christmas Festival, a milestone that marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter. As we geared up for this event, a spark of inspiration struck me: why not mentor these vibrant, imaginative young minds, helping them to harness and channel their creative talents? Two pivotal insights fueled this idea. First, our 'Red Bird' project had become a haven for children grappling with anxiety. Second, there was an undeniable eagerness among these youngsters to publish their own stories.

Thus, InkFlight Academy was born. This new venture, an exhilarating risk, is a project close to my heart, co-led by my son. It's a bold step in our journey, parallel to my ongoing efforts in developing comprehensive Personal Branding courses for LinkedIn.

In a world overflowing with conventional wisdom to stay in the safe lane, daring to deviate from the norm in personal branding isn’t just beneficial; it's transformative. And it elevates your impact in ways you never imagined.

The Power of Risk in Personal Branding

Risk-taking is the dividing line between trailblazers and followers. Embrace what sets you apart – an unconventional career, innovative ideas, or unique perspectives. Dare to challenge the status quo and share narratives that defy norms. You may even surprise yourself and find a new tribe of warriors alongside you.

Challenge the Norm: Don't just accept industry standards or popular opinions. The most impactful personal branding strategies often stem from questioning the established and being authentic.

Network Innovatively: Broaden your networking horizons. Forge connections across varied industries and roles. These diverse interactions can infuse your personal brand with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Creative Defiance

The phrase “Stop Asking People Who Have Never Been Where You’re Going For Direction” is a wake-up call to not only stop asking the wrong people for advice (keeping you in the comfort lane) but to also start asking the right people their advice. Even if it's something you've never ventured into before, what's holding you back from stepping out into growth opportunities? Afterall, you may just be the answer that other people need.