Self-Improvement: Courage — #ILLUMINATION
The Time I Sold a Balloon Bicycle for $495.00
Or how to boldly ask for whatever you want.
When was the last time you made a ridiculously brave move?
Like trading a 15 cent balloon creation for $495?
Chris Guillebeau was in town to promote his latest book, $100 Start-Up.
It was in May 2012, but I had been following Chris on his blog Art of Non-Conformity since 2009. I had met him in person in 2010 during his first book tour.
The book was on display at the table where he would be speaking and signing copies. I noticed that the cover had a picture of a bicycle. I grabbed a couple of balloons and created the bike and set it in front of the book.
He hadn’t seen me do that, but when he came up to speak, he asked me if I had made it and thanked me for it. (My balloon business didn’t make it into his book because it didn’t meet the parameters he had set.)
Chris had also organized the World Domination Summit, a massive meet and greet for his tribe. I wanted to go to the sold-out event
After the meet and greet, I approached Chris and made him an offer. I would entertain his guests at the World Domination Summit if he let me join the sold-out crowd. He said he’ll think about it and to send him an email. Then, when he needed a ride back to his hotel, I offered to take him. We talked on our way there and shook hands.
But there is more.
Once I was on the list of participants, I noticed that on the last day of the event, there would be an event called tales from the participants, or something to that effect. I sent in my story. I made the final cut to be one of the 13 speakers.
It took all of my Toastmasters training to create a two-minute speech.
My Three Takeaways
1Opportunities are everywhere if you keep your eyes open. Be prepared to take action. When I saw the picture of a bicycle, I recognized my opportunity. I had the balloons in the van; I was ready.
2Give first, without any expectations. I had not thought about the offer I made until Chris recognized me in front of the crowd. He saw the value in what I did, and that gave me the idea. Again, when he needed a ride, I jumped on the opportunity to serve.
3Know what you want, and don’t hesitate to ask for it. Most people are hesitant. I used to be one of them, but I learned that you must ask before you can receive it. If I hadn’t asked, I wouldn’t have made it to WDS and then on to the stage where I had the opportunity to impact the lives of a thousand people.
Day nineteen of the 30-day challenge. My theme: Self-improvement
Rasheed Hooda writes about Personal Growth and Self-Improvement on #ILLUMINATION
As always, thank you for reading. And here are some more stories.
I am a self-proclaimed weirdo living a Freedom Lifestyle and writing about related topics — Travel, Personal Growth, and entrepreneurship. (Join the Tribe)
“You can let others tell you what it means to be successful, or you can decide it for yourself.”
