Coachella
We had it in our grasp.
The coveted bright orange wristband with purple lettering.
It symbolized a good time, being with friends, great music, and freedom.
Then my son woke up with a hellish cough, body aches and a fever.
Yeah, there was no way he was going to Coachella.
I had to sell the wristband pronto.
Within minutes after placing an ad on Craig’s list, I received over 400 texts and phone messages from a plethora of people desperate to get their hands on the wristband.
Area codes popped up on my phone display from all over the country.
What fascinated me most, was what people did to grab my attention.
I heard all kinds of crazy stories:
One guy reported that he came all the way from Norway to attend the music festival.
A woman lamented that she was scammed out of a ticket twice.
Another individual called me his savior.
Many offered to meet me anywhere, anytime.
I had offers of more money and less money.
Every one had a story.
It made me think about what we do when we really want something.
What is the narrative you create?
What are you willing to do to make yourself seen and heard?
And how do you share it with the world?
Whether you’re pursuing a job, a relationship, or a Coachella admittance, consider the following:
–Clarify your goals.
–Spend some time developing a plan to carry out those goals.
–Develop a solid core foundation that makes sense.
–Figure out what will draw someone in. Find the unique quality you possess.
–Add humor.
–Gather your confidence.
–Bring all your energy to the table.
–Follow through.
My day of commingling with the potential Coachella-goers demonstrated that the people who expressed their story honestly, authentically and bravely, got my attention.
Some pulled at my heartstrings.
Others caused me to chuckle.
A few surprised me.
The woman who wanted my ticket had driven many miles to meet me.
She had been robbed the day before when she attempted to get a ticket.
Going to the music festival was something she had wanted to do all year long.
When the business exchange was completed, the young woman who was now in possession of the orange wristband, graciously thanked me, hugged me and excitedly made her way to the desert.
I smiled, feeling richer for the experience of hearing her story.
