It isn’t easy taking risks, especially if the outcome could go either way. If you’re a public speaker, a business owner or occupy a position in which you are judged by the public, every decision you make will have some kind of impact on your success. (Photo: redfriday)
There’s much talk about the importance of carefully nurturing a public persona, creating an air of professionalism if you will. But at what cost? Do people hire you because you appear polished with perfect videos, perfectly created websites, perfect blogs? Or do they hire you because of your authenticity? Or both?
I am bringing up this topic because a dear friend of mine told me last week that if she didn’t know me and had been introduced to me via the contest video from last week, she would not have been at all impressed, especially with the kind of speaking fees I command.
To say at the least, it was shocking to hear this, coming from a long time supporter and friend.
She was speaking under the condition of a close friend, “Your subscribers love you and they aren’t going to tell you the truth.”
“But I will,” she said.
“What made you say that?” I replied, dumbfounded.
“When the contest video started, you were reading from something, not looking at the camera. That’s where you missed the opportunity to connect with the viewer. And then at the end, we saw an unflattering picture of your neck when you attempted to turn off the camera. Compared to the speaking demo tape (which was highly professional and polished), it was an amateur job and if I were a meeting planner and who saw that video before I got to know you (either through the demo tape or places like my speaking website), I would not have hired you. If I were you, I’d take that video down immediately.”
Thrown for a complete loop, I sat in silence, thinking hard.
Did I take an unnecessary risk by posting the contest video on YouTube (which has garnered well over 3,000 views and a stream of nothing but positive comments)?
Or did I take a leap of faith and went for it, even though I did not yet know how to edit the video? (I still don’t).
It’s all a matter of perception. One person may see this as a foolish mistake, risking a loss of potential clients. Another might gloss over the imperfections and concentrate on the message instead.
Like the book publishing business, videos, podcasts and other forms of media are judged by an entirely subjective group of people. One publisher might think someone’s book has the making of a runaway bestseller while another might look at the exact same material and toss it in the garbage. That’s what happened to JK Rowling, the world’s first billionaire author of the mega-successful Harry Potter series.
A long-time subscriber who saw the contest video put it this way:
You have created a video that people LOVE and you have done that having only created two of them in your life. Perhaps I am biased because who you are and what you say and how you say it drums louder for me than the video protocol of which your friends speaks. I didn’t notice that because that wasn’t what I was looking for. Others who are tech savvy, etc. may agree with her and her feedback may have some substance. [But] you telling that story in the way that you did was incredible for a 2 minute time slot.
The purpose of this article is not to slam my friend nor defend my actions using comments from subscribers like the one above. I’m completely neutral on the subject matter.
To be fair, I can see her point. I do not envision very famous speakers putting out a video that ends with an unflattering shot of their necks. All of their work is top-notch, professionally done.
On the other hand, if I had let my inexperience with video editing stop me, I would never have given myself a chance to compete in that contest. At this stage, while I haven’t won the most number of views (a couple of others garnered much more than I did), I am still in the running as the judges have not yet tallied up their votes. I’m told we’ll find out very soon.
Based on past experience, if you’re afraid of taking a risk because you think others will judge you in a manner that you might not like, then you’ll miss out on an opportunity to touch and reach the right people.
Some people might or might not agree with my friend who called the video amateurish. I know she was speaking from the heart and meant it with love. I told her so. But on the flip side, not everyone will subscribe to what the above-mentioned subscriber said either.
So who’s right?
Contrary what you might think, I’m not trying to win over anyone to anything. But I’m quickly finding out, especially at this stage of my career, the more I advance toward my dreams and take risks, the more I will encounter differing opinions about whatever I’m doing. And it’s not the first time it happened either.
A few years ago when I told a veteran flight instructor that my dream was to become the first instrument rated deaf pilot, he laughed at my face and eagerly (too eagerly I thought) showed me the FAA rule book to prove his point. Was he acting in my best interests?
That’s the price you pay for putting yourself out there. Having said that, the question I have in my mind is will this contest video, in the long run, turn off potential clients? Should this video be taken down once the contest is over and replaced with a more polished cut?
Or should this video be left to its own devices, in the hope and belief that the universe will attract the right kind of people who are trained to look past imperfections and see a diamond in the rough?
My situation is not at all unique. We all face these kinds of questions at some point during our lives, especially when we shoot for the stars and possibly stumble along the way. There’s always the potential of looking like a complete fool. But one won’t find that out until the leap has been taken.
In my book, there are no mistakes. Only experiences. There are no right or wrong answers.
The floor is yours in the comment section. Please feel free to offer your take on this. Let’s make this a fun, value-added and respectful conversation!
Food for Thought: What’s your take on this? How far should you go in taking risks? What constitutes a foolish risk versus a daring risk that could pay off in spades?
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Welcome! I'm the founder and professor of Adversity University specializing in personal development for spiritual beings having a human experience. To see a speaking demo tape and other information, please click 
8:58 pm on March 2nd, 2008 1
Hey Stephen, I’m always going for things, never looking back. I’ve put out a few things that weren’t my best, but I also figure that I’m learning as I go, and that more turns out right and it always leads to the next thing. I loved the video! I say, GO FOR IT!
Michelle Vandepas’s last blog post..By: How to Stop Spending Your Money | Divine Purpose Unleashed
11:01 pm on March 2nd, 2008 2
Stephen,
In my opinion, it’s not about the neck (smiles); it’s about the message. With 3000 viewers and positive feedback it was well worth the risk and the viewers have spoken. There is never going to be a perfect time to do things and sometimes we won’t be able to get it perfect, but I think what was important — your seizing an opportunity, your stepping up to the plate, and sharing your story the way you did was done to the very best of your ability — was as close to perfection as you can get. You worked hard to perfect your story ntil you felt you had done your very best.
Take the risk every time because you never know if one of the 3,000 hold the key to the next step in your life or the next level or to your life changing overnight. Had you not taken the risk, you would have missed out on whatever opportunities come as a result of this contest and I believe there will be many.
People become successful by being willing to do what others are not willing to do, they take chances that others won’t take and they extract life lessons from everything they do and make adjustments as they move forward toward their goal.
I say keep pushing the envelope, keep taking risks and stay true to yourself. You never know what good may come from it unless you put yourself in the arena.
Sharmaine
7:40 am on March 3rd, 2008 3
Sharmaine:
What an incredibly value-added, heartfelt comment from you! You certainly spoke your piece, didn’t you? I appreciate it very much. It presents an interesting viewpoint. As I mentioned, there are different ways of looking at the same situation.
Thanks for pouring your heart out on this one!
7:41 am on March 3rd, 2008 4
MichelleVan:
I can tell, from the moment I stepped into your world at your blog, that you seemed to be the type to go for things, never looking back. I think that’s a cool way to live - without regrets.
One thing is for sure - you won’t be lying on your deathbed saying, “I wish I had done this or that.”
8:09 am on March 3rd, 2008 5
Stephen,
I have to commend that friend for speaking to you
in the way she did with her honest opinion.
It takes great courage to speak an opinion that is
against the grain.
I do not agree with her. My reason being, if someone
is a meeting planner, I highly doubt they would let
1 video which is under 3 minutes be the deciding
factor in choosing to hire you.
Most likely a meeting planner would evaluate you
and take into higher account the information from your professional speaking web site.
http://www.sjhopson.com
I agree with Sharmaine about not knowing who might
come from you being out there with 3000 views
of your video.
Leave it up, but THANK that friend. It’s friend’s like
that who keep US grounded.
xo xo
Deb Estep
Debra Estep’s last blog post..Military Angel Of Protection - Angel Rubber Stamp
8:17 am on March 3rd, 2008 6
Debra:
I am definitely thanking my friend - she does keep me on the ground - that’s for sure!
Thanks for your input - it was another very interesting viewpoint.
Keep your comments coming! I think it’s a very interesting subject, especially for those of you who are trying to reach for the stars and encountering “interesting experiences” along the way.
8:19 am on March 3rd, 2008 7
PS….
Maybe grounded was not the best choice of words
for a pilot. Let’s say she was keeping it real
in HER opinion.
10:53 am on March 3rd, 2008 8
Stephen,
I am new to the blogosphere but I have considerable experience in business and I must say that the only real mistake is not getting out there and actually doing something. Waaaaay too many people let their desire for some impossible standard of perfection get in the way with doing something that will make it happen. Jack Canfield says “ready, fire, aim” and then persumably fire again.
Regards,
Wayne
waynekey1@gmail.com
12:53 pm on March 3rd, 2008 9
Much better to be in the arena trying new things and putting your self out there than sitting in the stands watching others.
While both sides are interesting on this video, I think the better question is this: What will you do differently on your next video?
1:03 pm on March 3rd, 2008 10
Stephen,
I’m not that familiar with your blog or your work as a public speaker. However, I’ve been on boards that select speakers. There are multiple inputs from board members and different criteria are evaluated. In other words, ‘you never know what will happen’.
You could say that your video presented your versatility. You weren’t doing it for your speaking career you were doing it for you publishing. It presented a different aspect of who you are. It is engaging and resulted in the, ‘what’s the rest of the story reaction’. And that is, after all, the purpose of the contest isn’t it?
1:46 pm on March 3rd, 2008 11
Hey Stephen..I thought your video was as fabulous as I think you are. I have been following your blog posts for a while and truly enjoy them. I have a 26 year old hearing impaired nephew,and he totally inspires me with his courage and the risks he takes. I’ve always said it was because growing up he never heard the “no’s” or the fears and negativity people associated with what he was risking. He is so refreshing to be around, and that’s my experience of you. Let’s keep rockin’ the world with the risks we take. Why not?!?
2:04 pm on March 3rd, 2008 12
Stephen, great write-up. Lots of questions for people to think about. It’s all about substance versus style. Substance always carries the message while style deals with perception that could make or break a person’s image. Everybody’s a critic, as they say. But the one thing that gets people’s attention and that would be seeing the confidence in a person. If you have confidence and a message to share, that’ll certainly get a lot of people’s attention.
We all take risks everyday. The difference is taking a calculated, well measured risk versus a highly irresponsible risk taking measure. Stephen, I enjoyed your video. I can relate with a lot of things you do in life since I, too, have a hearing loss.
I’ve done public speaking in a hearing and deaf audience, all using my voice. Including speaking to a live internet audience along with the audience sitting in front of me. I have no regret in what I am doing today or have done. But should I worry about those things, then how can I move forward with confidence? It’s a great, great learning experience when it comes to public speaking. I’m constantly trying new things and tweaking myself in the process. Only because I believe there is a message that need to be heard. Just like you.
2:44 pm on March 3rd, 2008 13
Stephen, only you can look at why you felt the need to do the video to begin with. I don’t think its purpose was perfection. If so, then your friend is right. Take it down. Personally, I don’t think that was your reason for doing the video.
I am glad that you did the video. It shows me that at some point in the future, I can learn to do the same. You make it look not as complicated as my fears would make it into. Fear of failure can keep you from experiencing the fullness of your life if you let it. That is one of the things that I really like about you, fear doesn’t stop you from moving forward. The video makes you more endearing and human to your readers. It took courage to share that video with us, knowing that it isn’t showing you at your best. It makes you more human, more approachable. You have made no claims about being an expert in doing videos. We all know this is only your second attempt. I thank you for sharing this part of your journey with me.
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker’s last blog post..The Wisdom Of Letting Go
4:49 pm on March 3rd, 2008 14
Geez Louise -
What do we have to do to catch a break around here?
These videos were designed to send to your FRIENDS on your blog - not to clients.
It’s as though you would correct the grammer on a personal family Christmas letter and send it back to the sender.
I am not going to stumble this article because I do not want to encourage the person who did the criticism!
Fuggedabowdit
8:09 pm on March 3rd, 2008 15
PS
And all your “FRIENDS” thought it was charming and wonderful!
10:18 pm on March 3rd, 2008 16
You’ve only done two videos on this blog, yet you showed the confidence of public speaking experience.
Internet video contest versus a speaking engagement in person are two very different animals.
A speaking engagement requires a ton of research, careful presentation of impact on a targeted audience, speech skills and gift of humor when ya flop, travel, business expenses, overcoming stage fright, and a host of other factors. Hard to be spontaneous under those conditions.
A video log implements some flying by the seat of your pants
I know, you’re a pilot! Unknown audience, uncalculated presentation, well, it’s a crapshoot, a gamble in the clouds! Like flying without instruments, dude.
But there’s something about doing it on the fly that can be just as gratifying as a well-done speech that gets a great reception. It’s your stuff and you put it out there, not knowing what kind of reception you’re gonna get, without expecting anything in return. You never know what will come back to ya, but the fact you gave your video presentation freely may return good karma.
7:56 am on March 4th, 2008 17
Wayne:
Thanks for your input - Jack Canfield was right when he said it was important to get “ready, aim and fire and then fire again.” That’s an interesting way of putting things.
7:59 am on March 4th, 2008 18
Scot:
You asked an important question: “What would you do differently on your next video?”
I’ve been thinking that myself. I’ve actually thought of a few things:
1. buy a higher quality camera with a remote control
2. learn how to edit!
3. ask someone to be in the room videotaping for me so that I won’t have to do it myself
Those are a few things I’ve thought about doing differently. It’s still a learning curve for me but I’m grateful to have taken the leap of faith and gone through with it without letting internal fears stop me.
8:03 am on March 4th, 2008 19
Joan:
The fact that you’ve been on boards that select speakers adds great value in this discussion because it is people like you who end up evaluating speakers and hiring them.
Thanks for your interesting input. I agree with the philosophy of “you never know.” And I also think meeting planners, if they happened to come upon this video would know this was for a video contest, not necessarily an advertisement for a speaking slot.
I think you’re right that this could be seen as another way of getting to know me. Most, if not all, people have commented on how the enthuaisasm grabbed them first. My thinking is that a meeting planner like yourself would be engaged in the spirit of the video, not necessarily the technical aspects of it.
Good discussion we’re having! Thanks again for your input.
8:05 am on March 4th, 2008 20
Tuck:
I loved the energy of your comment. Yes, let’s continue to take risks and rock the world, right?
The reference you made on your 26 year old nephew who is also hearing impaired intrigued me. What kind of a career is he following? Even though you haven’t said much about him other than the fact that he inspires you, I sense a great feeling of energy about him!
8:09 am on March 4th, 2008 21
Mike (McDonnell):
Yes, everyone is a critic - even myself. Trust me, I’m my own worst critic sometimes. But I think you nailed it with regards to substance versus style. Like you said, everyone has a different perception on it but the majority of people who have written here seem to agree on pretty much the same thing. Even a lady who sits on boards that selects speakers echoed pretty much the same thoughts.
One key line in your comment that struck me was “But should I worry about those things, then how can I move forward with confidence?” That’s pretty powerful right there and should apply to everything and anything we choose to do.
I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my videos. It’s been a fun learning experience for me.
8:13 am on March 4th, 2008 22
Patricia:
You’re right - it was not “perfection” that I was striving for although I do have a tendency to dabble in that area from time to time.
The thing that I remember most was after I had done the video, I was hit with that warm feeling of “knowingness.” It was a divine confirmation that “this video was it.” I took that as a message to go with it and submit without further delay. That was the overall motivation to go through with it - because of that special feeling that overcame me.
I appreciate your comments about how my videos make me more human and endearing. That’s cool! You’re right…videos can make you very transparent, can they? Videos don’t like - what you see is what you get. Of course editing and special effects can “gloss” things over but otherwise, that’s why I decided to start video posting - to get closer to the readers and visitors of Adversity University.
8:18 am on March 4th, 2008 23
Corinne:
I see that the comment my friend made touched a nerve with you. That’s okay. I’m glad you spoke your truth and expressed yourself exactly the way you intended and still kept the conversation respectable.
Thanks for your input. I can understand your reluctance to Stumble the article because of the comment that my friend made but that would have been okay even if you decided to do it. Ultimately we do what we think is best and so I thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Yes, I was sharing among friends in the blogging world but let’s not forget that my blog is also designed to catch business opportunities as well. I mean, look up at the top portion of the blog and you’ll see “Hire Stephen.” This blog is also being used as a business model in an effort to broaden my reach to people around the world in the form of potential speaking engagements.
So, it’s both friends and business. But the comment made by the lady who sits on boards that selects speakers was in line with most of what you and others have thought.
This thing has developed into a fascinating look into how different people perceive different things. It’s exciting to hear back from people of a variety of backgrounds. Thanks for your input!
8:21 am on March 4th, 2008 24
Ann C:
Yes, a contest video versus a speaking engagement in person are definitely two very different animals. That’s true.
Doing something on the fly was and continues to be rather gratifying, indeed. The whole thing about video posting has been a rather interesting journey for me since I had never done it before. I find it exhilarating, yet frustrating when trying to untangle myself from the different problems or challenges I encounter while learning the ropes. It makes the end result all the more exciting.
Thanks for your feedback - like the others, it added great value to the conversation.
2:33 pm on March 4th, 2008 25
Stephen - ditto with what everyone has been saying here. I liked the video. I think it depicted you and your true nature. It made me feel like we could all do that. The video was an exercise of you demonstrating to the world that you walk your talk - you put yourself out there in the midst of adversity. You believe in who you are and what you can accomplish and that is what I saw coming through on the video. I admire that.
Keep on keeping on and follow that leading in your heart - that’s why things are happening for you.
Pat R’s last blog post..What Do You Identify With? The Ego Knows
5:04 pm on March 4th, 2008 26
I have always been one of those people who thought that heart was more important than spit and polish. No one is perfect, and just because someone can put up a professionally done bit of work (especially after several takes and plenty of editing) does not mean that they don’t put their pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else.
Yes, a professional image is important, but anyone who wouldn’t hire a SPEAKER because they weren’t also a video specialist would simply be missing out due to their own short-sightedness.
Keep doing what you do, Stephen!
7:41 pm on March 4th, 2008 27
Aaron:
Thank you Aaron - you are definitely one of those bloggers who care more about the heart than polished spit and shine. It is one of the reasons you’ve been a highly successful blogger.
Thanks for the encouragement to keep on truckin! I appreciate it a lot!
2:35 am on March 5th, 2008 28
[...] So, it was a real pleasure to come across my friend Stephen Hopson’s excellent post on risk taking over at Adversity University. [...]
10:48 pm on January 24th, 2009 29
From the moment a person starts each day, that person has choices about his perspective and perception. Every event that unfolds, every individual you entcounter, is like an effort from the universe to test your resilience. As you create a bubble of feelings around you, only you decide which experiences, if any, will burst your bubble, knock you around, disrupt your inner joy, peace and compassion. Whenever negative is generated, then you have permitted something to get the best of you. This is also an invitation to take it back.
7:01 am on January 25th, 2009 30
@ Liara Covert:
Oh yes, we’re constantly being tested and challenged by the universe! Oh yes! Haha.
It’s true that we decide what outer things will burst our bubble, knock us down and disorient us. It’s up to us how we respond to outer events - thus the challenge in maintain a degree of “centerness.” Being calm and centered is the key.