Attention any current or future clients, partners, contacts and friends: I don’t golf. When I was a young man, my father would gently try to get me to join him on the course, and I always declined (sometimes politely, sometimes not). I’m aware that a lot of deals are closed on the course, but it’s not my thing.
While I haven’t ever joined him for nine holes, what always made an impression on me is his admiration for Tiger Woods. Woods’ father also made an impact on his son, particularly in the early years, making sure that Tiger had whatever it took to succeed as a golfer.
What I didn’t realize about Tiger until years later was actually prompted by a line from a sitcom character: “Hey, even Tiger Woods needs a swing coach”. What made the line funny was that the character was attempting an activity for which he had no natural ability, but the reality is that Tiger Woods, widely considered one of the greats, has had many swing coaches over the years. That doesn’t make him less great; it actually makes him greater.
Just to be perfectly clear, I’m not comparing myself to Tiger Woods in any way, but I’ve found this to be true in my own business. Entrepreneurship is never easy, but it’s even tougher - some would say near impossible - when you try to go it alone. Over the course of my journey, I’ve had the support of career coaches, mentors, contractors, networking contacts, family, friends, neighbors and sometimes, even strangers.
I can tell you that each and every one of my clients had the talent and mastery of their story to produce excellent speeches. In my mind, that’s rarely in question (even if the client questions it). What they ultimately need is someone who is a collaborator in their corner. Someone that will take the time to become the expert in their experiences.
They need their own swing coaches, the person that will enhance an innate ability. Swing coaches don’t give you the ability to play golf. According to Golf Channel Academy, they help you translate your already developed abilities from the driving range to the course.
Likewise, speechwriters cannot create content where none exists. Their biggest value add is closely collaborating with reflective clients, highlighting the stories and insights that are already there.
And that brings me to you and that upcoming speech or talk you have. Who will you choose to translate your stories from the page to the stage?