It's not for you
A comic gets a gig at a small club in Midtown Manhattan.
She's just starting her career, so each show feels like the stakes are high.
She prepares diligently, practicing different set-ups, feeling into the length of the pauses, and the cadence of her punch lines.
It's only 10 minutes, but in comedy, that can be an eternity.
She starts her set, 5 minutes in, she's sweating—no one's laughed. People stare at her blankly.
She's a professional, so she musters the fortitude to finish the show. Ten minutes, barely a chuckle.
She bombed.
She gets off stage sick to her stomach. She thinks she's a complete failure and should give up her career right then and there.
She decides to sleep it off.
The morning after, the booking agent calls. She's surprised. She thought no one would want to book her again.
The agent said, You know that group that was there for your gig? It turns out it was an Italian tour bus, and no one spoke English.
It's not for you.
This is adapted from Seth Godin's book, This Is Marketing.
I've been sharing it in Meraki Sessions to make the point that sometimes we put our hearts into our work, show up, and get nothing in return.
It's easy to take this personally and to think we are the problem. But often the problem is that you haven't found your people.
It's a lot harder to get someone to understand a new language, interest, or service.
It's much easier to find the right audience who already wants what you have.
It's not everyone. And thank God for that.
If you're just starting out, your Facebook friends are likely not your target audience.
We need to stop taking everything personally and instead remember: It's not for you.
When I used to speak at high schools, sometimes I felt like our comic friend.
Yet on Insight Timer, there's a resonance; my people are there.
Many teachers have found those who speak their language on Insight Timer. It's one of the coolest parts of the community.
But sometimes people don't let themselves take risks that would help them find the right people.
If you want help finding your people on Insight Timer, I have an updated offer to share.
Find Your Voice on Insight Timer (Formerly Insight Timer Growth Accelerator)
I've modified some of the deliverables and investment. Check it out here.
If you're interested in working together, reply to this email.
Rooting for you as you find your people!