How I Sat My Way Into The Career of My Dreams

What do you do when you want something so bad? How long do you wait? How many times do you need to hear the word ‘no’ before you stop?

What are you prepared to do?

Day 1

A twenty three year old guy walks into the reception area of your business.

He’s not a stranger, he’s a friend of one of the employees, has been seen around occasionally and is known for his professional activities in other parts of the industry.

You have a vague idea of his skills but have not seen them demonstrated. He’s likeable and confident in his abilities.

But you’re way too busy to be dealing with him right now so you say thanks for the offer but we don’t require anyone at the moment.

He thanks you, chats with some of the other employees and leaves the building.

Day 2

The following day at around 10:30am he returns and sits in the reception area for an hour before he sees you and again mentions that he’d love to apply his skill to any of the current projects and contribute somehow.

Again you say there’s really nothing available at the moment.

He remains there for a couple more hours writing in his book. By this time your business partner has become intrigued by this guy who seems to always be sitting in reception.

Day 3

The third day arrives and at 10:30am the guy is again sitting in reception, talking with one of the employees whom he knows.

He’s not intrusive, remaining at a respectful distance as you go about your morning’s business. Its busy today.

A major client is scheduled to come in with a new project and you’re preparing yourself. The place is buzzing with activity. You’re apprehensive and excited. Its an opportunity. But with most of your team busy on other projects you’re short on people.

The guy’s still sitting in reception, two and a half hours after he arrived.

You approach him, smile and point out that he’s again sitting in your reception.

He nods, smiles back and again repeats his offer. But instead of declining and turning him away, you ask him a single question: Can you program a drum machine?

The Pay Off

The drum machine was a Roland R8. The project was a forgettable record company artist who was having a cocaine fuelled affair with the National A&R manager.

A week later the drum track was down, the client was happy and the young guy was now being asked to help on another project.

Four years later he was flying in private jets across the US, backstage at music awards and performing Madison Square Garden in New York.

Those three days waiting in reception were possibly the most productive he’d ever spent.

He was visible. He placed himself in the front line where everyone would notice him.

But he wasn’t a hustler, that wasn’t his style. He was quiet.

He knew who the decision makers were and he knew who the influencers were.

There was a method in his actions and he kept quietly asking for the order, never giving up on making the sale.

And he did it all sitting down over 3 days that changed his life.

Where can you place yourself today that will put you in front of your customer? Who’s social feed or reception area can you be visible every day?