A couple of weeks ago, I ran my first live workshop on Pinterest Marketing.
Yes, it was small, but if you had told me 12 months ago that I’d be able to do something like this – stand up in front of people, talk confidently, and even manage to sleep the night before – I would have told you that you’re nuts.
I’d have told you that me and public speaking have never gotten along.
(Which isn’t strictly the truth).
I was about 12 years old, and was doing a Toastmasters course – so clearly I wasn’t so terrified then.
Also, at 12 years old, I was about 4’10” (I had a late growth spurt to achieve my current towering height of 5’4″!)
Anyway, my turn came round, to get up behind the podium and give my speech.
Except I was too short. And I couldn’t see over the podium, or reach the mic.
I remember a ripple of laughter from the audience (and that memory still makes me want to cry).
Someone came to my rescue with a box, so I could at least be visible and heard..and somehow I got through it, with a wobbly lip and an overwhelming feeling of embarrassment.
I’m pretty sure that’s the last time I ever stood up to give a speech (voluntarily anyway).
So, what’s changed?
Getting visible as an online entrepreneur.
To my complete and utter surprise, I am absolutely fine at plastering myself all over Facebook.
I enjoy Facebook Lives. I can sit and waffle on all day – and I don’t particularly care how tired or unkempt I look.
I’ve been delivering webinars, sharing videos on social media, posting videos of myself on my website (all very boring and above board, thank you very much!)
As a result, little by little, I’ve gotten over this fear.
I’m not sure I’m ready to get up and deliver a speech, but for the first time in forever, the IDEA of it doesn’t make me want to run and hide in a cupboard.
Why am I sharing this?
I’m not sure.
I guess it’s yet another little marker for me, that I’m on the right path, and following the right dream.
If your chosen career not only makes you happy day-to-day, but also starts slaying some demons…well, you’ve got to acknowledge that somehow.
(I might dare myself to do a TED speech one day!)
