How Well Can You Tell Your Story?

Mark introduces the topic of self identity in the context of how people feel their story about who they are and what they do Jim chimes in with a story about the event he attended that generated our topic for today At the event they did a "speed dating" like exercise where one of the questions was "what do you do?" Cool story. Jim found that changed his answer as he learned by practicing with 40 or 50 people He identified as a podcaster and found that people were very interested in his podcasting story His other favorite question was "what is the best advice you've ever received?" "Water your own grass". Grass always looks greener… Mark liked it because it makes you think Jim also found that when asked, most people were happy doing what they were doing Mark has found otherwise in his recruiting and staffing career Both guys suspect it might be circumstantial Mark talks about his perspective based on his staffing experience Mark reflects on asking yourself that question…what do you do and then says most people struggle with answering and provide little to no context Jim shares the wrinkle that everyone was on the clock. They had 5 minutes to answer…speed dating… Jim proposes that he and Mark try the exercise on themselves. Both guys struggle and have fun with the exercise. What do you do for money…or just what do you do Mark talks about being asked for a bio and the fear and confusion that request drums up Jim shares that he has begun to identify as a "podcaster". "It's part of who I am" Both guys agree that podcasting has made them better at everything else they do Jim talks about what he does as projects. I do projects Mark describes himself as a teacher, coach, agent Jim asks Mark what he does and Mark answers and the guys go back and forth Jim likes the word "agent" and feels that everyone needs an agent Mark says objectivity is critical in being an effective agent Jim says it also depends on who is asking the question Mark likes the speed dating concept. Time is ticking Mark begins all of his consulting with "what do you do". He likes "what does that mean". He tells his story about helping his girlfriends daughter Mark thinks people don't practice their story because we think it's our story and we can obviously tell their own story. Jim brings up the value of having an agent again Mark thinks anybody you can trust can be helpful, but Jim thinks we should stay away from friends and family Mark says it's critical to be paying someone for advice because skin in the game makes a difference Both guys also think context is critical Mark shares his technique for crafting a good story in three parts. The long story (interview), the elevator pitch and the tag line Jim shares that he gravitated to the word "inventor". I'm an inventor… Jim critiques Mark's response and Mark shares the evolution of his story identity Professional development is where he arrived Jim shares his story/identity evolution Mark also likes the idea of putting people on the clock when crafting their story Jim shares the judgement he felt at the start and gained confidence as he practiced Jim makes a great point about the importance of how people introduce you to strangers. How would describe me to others? Mark loves the speed dating idea to kick off a networking event Mark recommends crafting and polishing your story for everyone He recommends shooting for clarity Jim talks about his father and his professional story. Mark does the same and talks about their generation how they were discouraged to brag about themselves Jim says we live in a different time now where everyone seems to be building a brand Mark talks about the self doubt monster pops up Mark ends with a suggestion about focusing on clarity and recording yourself Jim says get comfortable with your words and certainty. It's not a one man job