We don't talk about first steps enough.
Recently, this topic has entered my mind a few times. A few of my closest friends are experiencing parenthood for the first time and babies' first steps are one of the most celebrated moments in their entire development.
It's Instagram-multiple-post-worthy for parents. It's a HUGE deal.
I was also thinking about first steps as it relates to sales. (Yes, I made a thought about babies turn into marketing, this is what being a business owner does to your brain.)
For any project or goal you have, there's a first step. It's rarely as celebrated as the first baby steps you took, but it SHOULD be. That first step is huge, even if you're doing it quietly in your room, tapping away at your keyboard.
Last week I took my first out-of-state non-work-related vacation in.... far too many years (since 2012, maybe? I KNOW, I KNOW, the work-life balance people are coming for me).
I don't often get a chance to be a tourist in a new city, so I fully indulged and walked into any store or shop that caught my eye.
Now, I realize I'm beyond spoiled by living in Denver and how many people here are so talkative (I forget the East Coast cities are a little more fend-for-yourself), but it caught me off guard how many store owners in Boston don't even look at or acknowledge you.
There were even times where I was holding an item, looking around for someone to answer a question so I could buy said item and they still didn't acknowledge my existence. TAKE MY MONEY, PLEASE?
Although I'm ~loud~ on the internet, in person I hate to bother people if they look like they're in the middle of something.
Now, as I said, I am spoiled with my friendly city here. But I got to thinking about how many of us have potential clients all around us but we're not making the first step to reach out. We're not making that metaphorical eye contact. They have money, in their hand, and they're WAITING for someone to acknowledge them so they can give them money, but no one shows up to say, "Hey, I can help!"
While that's happening, we're huddled in the corner focusing on our own things and overthinking every first step along the way.
It came to mind again when I was in Little Italy in this amazing pastry shop that had a line around the block. We waited forever to finally get in (only to discover it was cash-only, and thankfully I had brought cash - pro tip: bring SO much cash to Boston, every vendor hates the credit card fees). When we finally got up to the front, we met this adorable man straight from Italy who poured his heart and soul into his food.
For the few items we asked about, he told us how he made it, pulled it out with care, showed us the art behind each pastry, and then took the time to hand wrap each one with love and care. He wanted to chat and build a connection, even though the line was out the door.
He took the step to build a connection. He took that first forward step. (Yes, it also helps that his cannolis were to DIE for, but a quality product should be the cost of entry to business.)
Something to think about: What is in your life that you can take your first step toward? Who is ready to hire you if you just reach out?
What first steps have you taken lately that you can celebrate? Don't let babies take all the credit, your bravery deserves a dance party, too.
A few bonus extras:
If you're looking to take your copywriting career seriously, I have a new video on the first necessary steps: here.
Also, this is the last month to get one of my Power Hours! (I'm moving at the end of November so my life will be in boxes.) I also added a 30-minute option for the next month. Let's hop on a call and flesh out your own first steps: here.