Oh, the People You Meet When You Show Up

Sometimes, showing up is the whole assignment.

My plan was simple: attend the Black NSA Banquet, celebrate a few friends from my speaking community, and enjoy the evening.

I was not attending the full conference this year. I did not have a long networking list or a carefully planned agenda. I simply wanted to be present.

And I am so glad I was.

I walked into a room filled with love, excellence, laughter, and support. I reconnected with people I knew, met speakers whose work I admired, and had conversations I never could have planned.

I came to say hello to a few friends. I left with new relationships, new energy, and an even greater appreciation for the speaking community.

The video captures some of those moments. Every selfie represents a conversation, an introduction, a laugh, or a reminder that the people we meet can shift how we see what is possible.

That is the power of showing up.

It would have been easy to convince myself that attending one event was not worth the travel. It would have been easy to wait until I could experience the entire conference.

But sometimes you do not need to do everything.

You simply need to take the next step.

The Negotiator’s Mindset™ is not only about making an ask. It is also about positioning yourself for opportunity. It is recognizing that you cannot build relationships in rooms you never enter.

I left the banquet inspired, encouraged, and already looking forward to what comes next.

I am booked and ready for NSA Influence 2027.

Until then, I am continuing to sharpen my message, grow my business, build meaningful relationships, and prepare for the stages ahead.

Take a look at the video.

I hope it reminds you that one decision to show up can introduce you to people, opportunities, and possibilities you never expected.

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