Last night, my boys and I went on a rare adventure that kept us out past dark (I'm usually in leggings and a sweatshirt by 5 p.m. because comfort).
We went to read to the dogs for our local animal shelter's Paws and Pages program, and as we were introduced to the whole experience, I was struck at the parallels between a simple act of connecting with dogs and our role as creators.
The first parallel that was abundantly clear was the whole lead-up to the program. This experience isn't usually open to such a young group. That's because the dogs in a kennel aren't exactly predictable. If a child wants to pet the dog, they could inadvertently cause the dog to think their fingers are treats, and, well, it wouldn't end well for anyone.
To get us into that event, I had to have connections, but more than that, I had to promise those connections that we would be good. I had to promise supervision. I had to promise that I knew my kids and the ones I invited from our homeschool co-op, would listen to instructions and answer the call. Spoiler alert: All of the kids exceeded expectations.
Business lesson: You might know what you bring to the table, but people who have been burned in the past don't always see your offers that way. It's up to you to make promises you know you can keep, build trust over time, and walk the walk. Thankfully the contact I had knew me well enough to know he could trust my word and let us be part of this program.
Networking matters because it's your chance to share your story with others, build deeper relationships, and when it's time for the sale, make it inherently easy to trust what you're offering because they know you show up with integrity.
I have more.
Once we were at the kennel, we were instructed how to approach the reading. The goal of this program isn't to boost literacy (although my homeschooling mama heart loves that outcome, too). It's to help calm the dogs by sharing a good story.
Because so often, the dog's story isn't so great. It's not calm. It's not loving. And living in those kennels isn't exactly the spa experience we would all hope it could be for them.
The team lead instructed all of the kids to read in a calm voice. That was key. Reading in a calming voice, despite the barking and howling at times, lets the dogs know that it will be okay.
In other words, it's up to the readers to be confident and in control to give the dog permission to be the same.
Business lesson: Your audience is entering the unknown. Their past story might not be rainbows and sunshine. They might be going through some sort of turmoil or angst. It's up to you to use your voice and content to quell those fears and calm them through your confidence and vocal control.
That's where your content comes in. Having a strong pitch, a strong ongoing story, and consistently using your calm, confident voice to share that story matters. It's what'll build trust and build your network, even when you can't see that growth happening.
I hesitated to share the parallels I saw because I know that our stories aren't the same as a dog's story. Yet, these animals are some of the sweetest, most loving creatures, so is it so bad to see the parallels between the two? I think not.
How are you showing up with influence and intrigue?
Earlier this week, I let you know about The Prosper Network where you can connect with others and build visibility for your business. If you attended the networking event yesterday, you know exactly how powerful that online connection is!
But networking can also feel uneasy. When you're put on the spot and asked what you do, it can feel unnerving. You might even feel like you're put under harsh LED lights in a foreign place unsure of what'll come next. To help you overcome that fear, so you can lead with influence and intrigue, I'm leading a masterclass next week inside The Prosper Network and you're invited.
Join here, and when you do, send me an email to let me know you're in so I can gift you a free month inside the Content Club!
P.S. If you're ready to build your own content-fueled, life-first business, here are a few ways I can help:
|
|
👋 Hi, I'm Kimberly
Homeschooling mom, serial entrepreneur, and total amateur adventurer. Those three things are my whole personality. These ‘lil letters I send you are enjoyed by freedom lovers of all varieties, from fellow homeschooling moms to full-time RVers, and people hungry for a more wild & free existence. You can expect personal stories about the search for time, financial, location, and happiness freedom, as well as life’s mess that naturally comes with the pursuit.
In 2025, I’m committed to helping others build financial freedom on their terms through fresh new courses based on what I’ve learned along this journey and popping in here several times a week. I really love writing and connecting with you here! 🥰
|
Here's to burning the rule book in exchange for being gutsy, bright, courageous, and even a little bit wild.
Have a friend who needs to read this? Forward them this newsletter so they can sign up for their copy.