Often, we undervalue the work we do that has the most impact. Why?
Because it comes easy to you. But your easy thing? It’s your gift, my friend.
Here’s what I mean.
Just over a year ago, I gave a free 2-day “Win Work” virtual training program to a team of colleagues in the construction industry.
They had recently lost a $35 million contract, almost entirely because of a lackluster performance during a competitive pitch to a client. It was a real heartbreaker of a loss.
The training workshop didn’t feel groundbreaking to me. It was simply sharing the approach I’d researched, learned, tweaked, implemented and taught like an overzealous presentation evangelist over the last 15 years with BLDD Architects.
But the training WAS a big deal for my construction friends. It resonated with them. It gave them confidence and excitement for the next interview. And we had FUN! So we did a few more (no longer for free lol).
And you know what? They started winning work.
From 7 straight shortlist losses to enough wins to net ~$100 million in new contracts. Within 6 months! WOW!!
After that group’s success, the momentum picked up outside of just IL & IN, with several more opportunities across the country. I facilitated group interview trainings, strategy workshops, 1×1 coaching and even gave a keynote (with a standing O!!) to a national sales and executive leadership gathering.
In all, the teams I’ve worked with since this began just over a year ago have secured contracts totalling over $1.6 billion dollars. Yep, you read that right. BILLION. I can hardly believe it myself!
This thing I was doing on my PTO time started to feel like it could turn into something. It was not just extra “work.” It was more like a GIFT.
I was having a blast doing it, meeting lots of big thinkers, and watching people grow right before my eyes and make an impact.
So, OUTRĀJESS IMPACT was born.
The last few months have been spent laying the groundwork and I’m excited to share her first big public milestone…
This one is definitely going in the scrapbook.
Moral of the story… if you’re looking for your own special spark, it’s likely that thing that comes as naturally to you as breathing. The thing you love reading books or watching YouTube videos about. The thing people call for your advice on.
PPS – If you or your team are ready to up your persuasive pitch / marketing game, my neon OPEN light is officially on for new clients!
