When I was just starting out I found myself in the position of attending an office party with a brand new client. This client was our biggest yet – both in how big they were as well as the amount of revenue they meant for our company. I was a bit rushed to make it to the party on time but managed to make it – looking and feeling confident. It went well and I had a great time. I thought that the employees and I got on nicely.
When I got home, as I told my wife about how it went, proud of having wined and done with the first huge client we had obtained, I looked down to take my shoes off and noticed something odd: I was wearing mismatched shoes. I had worn them to the party I attended with a huge client. Luckily both were black dress shoes but if one looked right at them it would be obvious that they were not a matching pair of shoes.
In that moment I realized something – it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real. I had been real during our first visit with this client and I had been real when I presented myself, my company and what it is we do. When our marketing firm was chosen above the others who bid on the account I was thrilled – and real about that too.
It was a great reminder of a good lesson and one I continue to carry with me in life and business. Do what’s right and be yourself. The rest will follow.
If any readers have a similar story of success coupled with (potential) embarrassment I would love to hear it – and what you took away from it.