On Wednesday morning at 9 AM at the Springfield Art Museum, I’ll be telling stories at 1 Million Cups.
I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity as I love to tell stories. Our brains are hard-wired for story. Humans tell stories, read stories, and write stories because stories help us make sense of life on this beautiful ball of dirt. Stories teach us how to feel what others are feeling and can give us courage through the toughest of times.
The challenge is to live a good, meaningful story.
All that said, I’m quite nervous for Wednesday as I don’t really have any business training.
Sponsor I’d Really Like To Have: “What will be the outcome of this project? How will this story end?”
Me: “I have absolutely no idea. But I’ve got a good feeling about it.”
Gut-instincts and Field of Dream-like whispers don’t look very good on a project budget or outline or when seeking sponsorships.
“1 Million Cups is an educational program,” Sterling said. “It helps entrepreneurs think through their startups with other entrepreneurs and local business people.”
I also don’t think of myself as an entrepreneur.
In good stories, everyone needs help to be their best.
Thankfully, Sterling’s helping me tell my best story on Wednesday.
Sterling is part of the original triumvirate that helped 1MC expand to Springfield from Kansas City. When he’s not working at the bank or exercising or reading or taking care of his vegetable garden, Sterling’s helping keep 1MC moving forward with big dreams.
“I would love to see 150 people here on a consistent, weekly basis. My favorite part is watching the connections take place that only happen in an environment where entrepreneurs ask for help and are willing to learn so they can better shape whatever they are working toward.”
Sterling and Jessie graciously agreed to give me a practice run at my presentation and offered fantastic feedback, helping me shape my story so it will be heard by the 1MC audience.
I asked Sterling if he’d be up for a game of catch if I got to the Art Museum early.
“I’ll need to borrow a glove. Also, I just did a hard workout a couple days ago followed by a long run the next day, so you might have to take it easy on me.”
I cannot remember the last time I did a long run, although I did ride about 10 miles on Dad’s stationary bike last week. Or maybe two weeks ago. And even without hard workouts, I’m finding new muscles that are sore every morning.
This isn’t my first 1MC catch-playing tale; I tossed a ball with Liz on Day #59.
But this might be my first catch with someone in a suit.
Thankfully, the afternoon weather topped 50 degrees so I could actually feel my fingers and I didn’t make any horrible throws that risked damaging Sterling’s suit or sweet shoes.
After catch and after I practiced my story, Sterling encouraged me with a handshake, “I really like this project. You’ll do great on Wednesday.”
I am incredibly grateful for Sterling’s help with my story as well as his patient invitations to come be part of the 1MC community.
Hope to see you Wednesday!
