It's good to have a plan until your kid throws up all over you. I was dressed in my best suit, ready for an important meeting, and then... disaster struck in the most unexpected and, frankly, gross way. This isn't a hypothetical scenario; it's how one of the most pivotal days of my career began. 

The Unforgettable Morning

Three years ago, I was on a routine mission: drop my 5-year-old off at school and dash to an important meeting. The plan was simple, but the timing was tight. As I navigated the morning traffic, my son's voice from the backseat broke the silence, "I'm not feeling well, Dad." Before I could even glance back, disaster struck in the form of a child's upset stomach - all over my suit and the car interior.

Turning Chaos into Opportunity

In that moment of shock, frustration, and, yes, a bit of disgust, I did something unexpected - I laughed. This wasn't nervous laughter but a genuine amusement at the absurdity of life. I quickly called the meeting planner, my words steeped in humor as I explained the situation. Little did I know this call was about to transform our business relationship.

Building Trust and Rapport

What transpired next was remarkable. The meeting planner didn't just understand; she was endeared by the honesty and humor in my tale of woe. This candid conversation laid the foundation for a significant client relationship.

Lesson Learned: Be Real

The moral of this story? It's not about seeking out chaotic moments. It's about authenticity. Being honest with people and sharing genuine stories - that's what builds connections. It turns out that being splattered in vomit (figuratively speaking) can be more effective than the slickest sales pitch.

Share real stories. You're not Superman or Superwoman.

Be Yourself.

Be Real.

Be Human.

Wanna learn tips on how to be a masterful storyteller?   Check out this blog post.  In the post, I share methods for crafting a robust and impactful story and how to use your real-life stories by considering your story's intention, timing, relatability, and structure.

Kind Regards,

Matt Zaun