Email this article to a friend

Have you ever had something happen to you and left you speechless? Ever stop to think about how the universe had to align for the happening to happen? This event was set in motion 6 years prior, and happened just over a week ago.

I’m usually very clear about the one point a story makes. I think this one has several. Maybe you can even see one that I don’t. Though I’m not totally sure why, I felt compelled to write this story.

While attending the Orlando NSA Convention, I was feeling very overwhelmed. So, on one of the free nights, I wanted to get away from the chaos and relax. My friend, Joyce, chose her favorite place to eat in Orlando, Johnnie’s Hideaway. Sounded fine to me, so we hopped in a cab and went to eat.

When we got to Johnnie’s, it was cool inside and I’d been in air-conditioning all day. We decided to enjoy the warmth of the early evening sun. They couldn’t seat us right way, so we walked towards the bar, when I heard a voice from behind the bar ask, “Excuse me, are you Darren LaCroix?”

“Yes?” I turned toward the voice, and the bartender reached below the bar and pulled up a copy of my book, Laugh & Get Rich.

My chin dropped, as he continued, “I’m Michael Carr, I met you at a Direct Selling Association conference six years ago and got your book and speaking tools. I was an aspiring speaker.”

He went on to explain that he had left his job to to pursue his own dream and start a new company, Big Ol’ Trucker Energy Juice. It’s an energy drink that doesn’t have caffeine. He’s working part-time at Johnnie’s as he works towards his dream.

Here’s part of the irony. I didn’t even speak at that conference! I was actually at a tradeshow booth when he saw me. At the time he worked for a company that sold pots and pans. They were pretty cool, and I didn’t have any at the time, so I traded him. I still cook with them… um… well… on occasion.

Fellow NSA member, Randy Pennington, says, “Speaking is a distribution system. It’s like being a Coke machine. Would you rather be the Coke machine or the Coke?”

Speaking is just a method for transferring our stories, knowledge, and experience. What Randy is saying is that we are not “speakers.” We are experts, thought leaders, consultants, whatever, but we are not speakers. Books CDs, and DVDs are just additional “distribution” methods. If you are serious about your message, find more distribution systems for your expertise. Multiply your impact.

He told me that he listens to the CDs two to three times per month, is re-reading my book, and was inspired by my Path to Powerful Presentations DVD with my “Ouch!” speech and the story of my first time on stage. Michael said that he gleaned from my story that I didn’t do a lot a little, I did a little a lot. Think about that. It’s like the famous story of the Little Engine That Could.

Points I see in this story:

• It’s amazing, the things that happen

• We never know how we touch people

• The power of product

• The power of inspiration

• We may never know whose lives we’re touching

• Success comes not from a lot a little… but rather a little a lot

What are the odds of that happening, that night? I believe it was meant to be. Not sure I even understand why. It did inspire me to write this article for you.

What are the odds…

• Joyce picking that restaurant?

• We decided to eat outside that night?

• Michael working outside that night?

• Michael being told to bring a book?

• Michael choosing my book?

• Me going outside because it was too cold inside?

Michael asked me to sign his book before I left. I signed it, “Dream Big… your kids are watching.” He sent me an e-mail asking what I meant. Throughout my life, I remember several times wanting to quit. Sometimes we need extra motivation. I know he still has some challenges ahead of him as he continues to pursue his dream, but most people will do just about anything for their children. Michael had expressed how much his kids meant to him. I wanted him to remember that kids hear what you say — but more importantly, they see what you do. That’s what teaches them the most. I guess it struck a cord with him.

I was so excited to see his excitement. I hope that somehow, some why, you too see the results on the face of the people who have invested in your programs and done something with the inspiration and wisdom. There is no greater compliment to a mentor than the success of a student.

Michael sent me another e-mail saying that he, too, has told this story to many people. He’s getting the same reaction, “What are the chances of that all happening?”

Congratulations, Michael. I’m pulling for you!

What other points do you see?

Stage time,

Darren LaCroix
World Champion of Public Speaking

P.S. Meet Michael. Hear him tell this story into my iPhone video camera. Forgive the quality, it was “in the moment.” Click here!

P.P.S. Peak behind the curtains on my trip to Australia! Click!