If you join our team at The Gathering Spot, there's a high chance that I will probably offer this quote to you at some point. ‘People would rather hear what was or what will be than what is.' This lesson is crucial for anyone positioning their product to consumers. Often, people understand what is, but what inspires them is the why. The “why” can be explained by discussing the roots of the problem you are trying to solve (“what was”) or where you hope to go in the future (“what will be”). What “is” they see on the surface is likely easily understood and potentially boring.
I believe this principle also applies to life. It's one thing to tell your professor what you want to become, and another to discuss why you want to become it. One of the superpowers of any good businessperson is authentically connecting with your stakeholders. To do this, some vulnerability is likely required. It's about peeling back the layers of what makes you unique and sharing those insights that often remain unseen but are integral to your journey.
By focusing on the backstory—the challenges faced, the lessons learned, and the milestones achieved—you provide stakeholders with a more comprehensive view of who you are and what drives you. This not only humanizes you in their eyes but also makes your interactions with them more meaningful and engaging. They get to see the passion behind the persona and the vision behind the venture. People, at the end of the day, need to know and be invested in the outcomes you are trying to achieve.
What does this look like in practice? When discussing a new product launch, instead of just detailing the features and functionalities, share the inspiration behind the product. Talk about the problems it aims to solve, the research that went into it, and the impact you envision it having in the future.
When you open up about the struggles and the triumphs, you allow your audience, be it potential customers or investors, to understand the real you, not just the business facade. This can lead to stronger relationships built on trust and mutual respect, which are crucial for any successful business endeavor. To be clear, this isn’t a one-way street. You’ve got to be equally interested and invested in bringing other people’s visions to life too.
At The Gathering Spot, this principle has been core to our work. We believe in the power of stories and the depth they add to our connections. Whether it's with members, colleagues, or the community, sharing the 'why' and the 'what will be' opens doors to conversations that are rich with meaning and potential. It turns simple interactions into opportunities for growth and collaboration.
So, let’s go beyond merely sharing what we do; let's explain why we do it and where we hope to go. Every interaction should be an opportunity to let our genuine selves shine through. This approach isn't just about how we connect—it's how we build lasting, impactful relationships that lead to success, whether in the classroom, in business, or in life.
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