This reflection hits home for me because—complete transparency—I punted this one straight into the stands! Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to connect with some incredible people. One conversation in particular taught me a valuable lesson: be prepared.

Here’s how it went down…

I reached out to a well-known individual and platform with what I thought was a passionate, well-rehearsed pitch:
“I’m ready to change the world—if someone would just give me a chance!”

To my surprise, he responded—and even set up a meeting.

The conversation started strong. I introduced myself, shared my platform, and passionately explained my heart for mentoring young people, leading others, and inspiring people to live purposefully. Things were flowing… until he asked me a straightforward question:

“So, what can I do for you?”

“Oh crap,” I thought.

In all my rehearsals, I somehow skipped the part where I was supposed to have a clear answer to that question. I had plenty of abstract ideas and the standard “I’ll do whatever you need me to do to make a difference!” line—but no specific product, service, or plan to offer.

I started talking in circles, desperately trying to land the plane.

He finally interrupted, kindly but directly:
“Sooo… you just want to share each other’s content?”

Embarrassed, I said the only thing I could think of:
“Sure! That’s a great start.”

But my honest, internal answer?
“I have no clue whatsoever.”

He graciously ended the call, “Let’s stay in touch.”
I hung up, quietly cringing at how my unprepared passion speech had just turned into the verbal version of spaghetti thrown at a wall.

Thankfully, he truly did stay in touch, and we’re still connected today. But I walked away with a few key lessons that I hope will help someone else avoid the same awkward fate:

5 Ways to Stay Ready for the Opportunity You’ve Been Asking For:

1. Turn Passion Into a Plan.
   Passion gets attention. A plan earns respect. Ask yourself: If I had five minutes with the person I admire most, what would I offer? What could we build together?
2. Have a Clear Ask.
   A confused ask rarely gets a yes. Be specific, whether it’s a collaboration, feedback, mentorship, or partnership. Know what you’re asking before the opportunity shows up.
3. Build Before You’re Chosen.
   Don’t wait for permission to start. Create now. Serve now. Share now. That way, when the spotlight comes, it’s shining on work already in progress, not just good intentions. Remember: The size of the audience doesn’t count; the size of the impact does.
4. Create a “Go Packet.”
   I learned this concept from my Marine Corps mentors: Always have a “Go bag.” In the Marine Corps, that’s a kit that you have packed and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. In business, that could be a one-pager, a media kit, or a short pitch deck; regardless, have something that explains who you are, what you offer, and how people can support or partner with you. Keep it simple, clear, and current.
5. Rehearse With Purpose.
   Don’t just practice your passion speech—practice your value statement. Get comfortable explaining the outcome you bring to a room, a relationship, or a project. Purpose without a clear plan is just noise.

I’m sharing this because I know what it feels like to be passionate but unprepared. If that’s you today, don’t beat yourself up. Just get ready now, because that opportunity you’ve been praying for might come sooner than you think.

Let’s stay ready! 

#LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #PurposeDriven #Opportunities #LinkedIn