How I Got A Call From A Celebrity.

David Chilton — international best-selling author & the “nice” dragon from the hit CBC television show, Dragons’ Den.

David Chilton was the “nice dragon” on the hit show, Dragons’ Den.

He’s the author of international best-selling book, “The Wealthy Barber.”

He wrote his book in 1989.

Yes, 32 years ago.

In my book, “Unexpected Mentors. Weird & Creative Ideas To Boost Your Career.”, I poke the reader to be really bold in their asks in their career and life. You might recall my phrase…

“A$$-clenching BOLD.” GRIN.

Yes, that kind of bold.

I’ve been a$$-clenching kind of bold in my asks since publishing my first book, “Hired! How To Get The Zippy Gig. Insider Secrets From A Top Recruiter.” I’ve reached out to Ellen DeGeneres, the CEO of Guess, executives at Hallmark, and the list goes on.

And I certainly didn’t stop there.

I’ve been simmering on writing the second edition of “Hired!”.

I was having a cup of coffee one early Saturday morning, hanging out with my giant cat, Phoebe and I said to myself — OK Sheila, what are some books that have stood the test of time?

I dashed to my bookshelves for some inspiration. As I started to scan my collection, “The Wealthy Barber” stood out like a beacon. I’ve always loved advice in this book, as it taught me to save 10% of my income at a very young age.

It’s still front and center in the business section of every bookstore in the country… 32 years since being written.

Sidebar: I’d be perfectly happy if my book “Hired!” is still on the shelves after 15 years. Smile.

32 years is certainly the epitome of standing the test of time!

Soooooooooooooo, I googled David Chilton to find his email address. It was quite easy to find it on his website. And he’s actually quite funny, too!

I drafted an email to David.

I explained who I was — Calgary based recruitment firm owner. I regularly do media appearances as a resume and interview expert. And I’ve authored two books. One is still a top-ranked book today!

My asks to David Chilton:

1. Would you consider being interviewed for my upcoming 2nd edition of my book “Hired!”?

2. Might you have one nugget of wisdom to share on how you’ve kept your book, “The Wealthy Barber”, relevant?

I thought I should wait until the morning to re-read my email before sending.

The next morning, I opened my laptop, re-read my email. It still made me smile, so I hit the send button.

I shared with my Rockstar recruiter, Steven, what I’d just done.

My phone rang a few minutes later.

Here’s how that call went….

Caller: “Hey Sheila, it’s Dave. Dave Chilton.”

Me: “Well, hellooooooooo Dave!”

In that 7-minute phone conversation, Dave shared he doesn’t do interviews. So, a firm no to being interviewed in my book.

He then said,

“I’ve taken a quick look at both of your books on Amazon. And, quite honestly, you should be able to sell hundreds of thousands of copies into corporate North America.”

OMG. David Chilton just told me I should be able to sell HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF COPIES OF MY BOOKS!!!

He shared some of his experiences on how he got his book noticed back in the day.

It was GOLDEN information.

We wrapped up our conversation. I thanked him for his call and taking the time to share his insights and knowledge.

I floated into Steven’s office and said, “Guess who I was just on the phone with????”

DAVID CHILTON!

I was on Cloud 9 the entire day.

I called Mom-Betty to share my exciting news.

I got her voice mail.

She texted back, “Sorry dear, I’m at the church supper and I can’t talk right now.”

I quickly texted back, “Hi Mom! Guess which Canadian celebrity called me today?” Thinking she’d surely call me….

Her text reply, “Dear, can’t talk right now. I’m at the church supper. Marjory is swooping in on the butter tarts…”

Laughinggggggggggg.

I did finally get to share the news with Mom-Betty later that evening.

And I knew I’d have a great story to write about and certainly an amazing story for future “Unexpected Mentors” keynotes!

Back to you.

What’s your next a$$-clenching BOLD ask?

I’m off to start working on THE plan to sell a few hundred thousand books!

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this article, here’s a few other excerpts from my book “Unexpected Mentors. Weird & Creative Ideas To Boost Your Career.”

I write about resumes, job searching & interviewing & career inspiration all with a dose of humor. I’ve written two books, best-seller, “Hired! How To Get The Zippy Gig. Insider Secrets From A Top Recruiter.” & “Unexpected Mentors. Weird & Creative Ideas To Boost Your Career.”, available on Amazon. www.sheilamusgrove.com