A Crazy Idea...

Sunday Jazz,

Good evening.

I’m sitting here, listening to the sound of fire eating through the wood.

My entire body is in pain. I tried Hyrox for the first time, and I can’t move. 😆 

I thought this newsletter would be FILLED with “Asks".

But…

Crickets, nothing, zip, nada.

First, I felt frustrated, “Really, nobody wants help with anything?”

Then, I began to chuckle.

Today, the conditioning and stigma around asking for and receiving help in our society are written about by:

• Harvard psychologists.

• Spoken about by names such as Esther Perel.

• Discussed in our coaching, therapy, and retreats.

We know, but we don’t act.

In my last newsletter, you received the invitation to ask for help, and there is no way I believe that there is nothing you would benefit greatly from receiving help with.

And yet, out of 100+ people, nobody took action on it.

Unfortunately, it proved all that research correct.

Come on, let’s break the mold. 😃

But feel free to take your time, it took me 30 years to begin opening up so I understand.

In the meantime, I got something connected, but different for you.

14 February 2025 marks my 8-year birthday on this topsy-turvy ride of entrepreneurship.

And I got an idea:

Success or Story

Over the last 3 years, and especially last year, I have experienced something I had mostly heard of in entrepreneurship.

The saying that there are two types of clients, those who buy your success and those who buy your story.

Have you heard that too?

Most people buy your success - and most entrepreneurs sell success.

You know, the “you made it to the top of Mount Everest success”, so now you can talk about how to get fit to climb mountains, what gear to choose, and the mindset required.

The people you attract want quick fixes, shortcuts, and status.

Please note, that they only come if and once you make it to the top.

They are also the first to leave to i.e. that person who ends up climbing faster than you.

They are the ones you have to remind to pay, they pay little and negotiate on price.

Do you know them?

Here’s the exciting part

The ones who buy your story, are the ones who join your journey.

They are rooting for you, they are with you down the trenches, up to the top, and all the time after.

They want to help you, they want you to succeed too, and it doesn’t matter if others are doing it faster or if you fall 10 times along the way - they are with you.

They are the ones who want to pay to work with you, they pay well, and they pay early.

Over the last 3 years, and especially last year, I realized those are the people I get to work with now:

• They ask, “How are you Erik, really?”

• They pitch me to others in their network.

• They proactively create workshops and opportunities.

• They invite me to their birthdays and Christmas parties.

• They write about me in their articles or newsletters (I just received such an article).

Imagine how it feels working with them.

How did I reach them?

By telling my story.

The vulnerable version, as it happens.

I spoke up about my homelessness on LinkedIn - when I was homeless.

I told people what I was facing - when I was facing it (instead of “Oh it’s great”).

Without coming off as that one person who just complains and has so much trouble - I told my story.

If you’ve followed my story, you know where the pivotal moments arrived, and you know authentic, yet assertive communication is my gift.

So, as 14 February 2025 marks 8 years for me on this rollercoaster journey of entrepreneurship…

The idea

For the next 4 weeks…

I invite you to receive the guidance that allows you to move from hiding to thriving in self-promotion and sales conversations - using your story.

You know the moments when…

•  You are in a discovery call.
•  You are told to introduce yourself in a podcast.
•  You are asked “What do you do?” or "What's your price?"

And instead of, “Oh strange, it’s so hot in here”, difficulty swallowing, and hesitation.

Or,… loooong, detailed, explanations, and history lessons of your life that bore and confuse.

You sell more, you sell for a price that feels fair, and you attract those clients who want to make you succeed too.

All by making those moments warm and inspiring conversations.

Moments where you use your story and the technique of storytelling to make it feel authentic.

No pushy, scripted, or bragging styles here.

In these sessions, you get inspired by the guidance and engagement of a small group practicing together.

How does that sound?

Note, that this is not about online funnels or cold calling.

If it’s ONE thing I’ve learned…

I’ve met hundreds of talented, passionate, and ambitious people giving it their ALL for their businesses, missions, and dreams to flourish.

They are big-hearted, committed to contributing, and desire to do meaningful work.

But so often feel stuck, unseen for their potential, and undersell their services.

(while watching others, way less experienced or big-hearted, get ahead).

Not because they aren’t skilled enough, but because they struggle to communicate their value clearly and confidently.

And if it’s ONE thing I’ve learned…

Once you move from hiding, confusing, and boring…

…to be clear, confident, and inspiring in self-promotion and sales conversation - the world turns.

Is this just a crazy idea, or a crazy good one?

I’m open to suggestions and look forward to hearing from you. 😃 

With love, jazz, and sass,
/ E and little e

_{Written 100% human, 100% AI-free.}

P.S. Did you celebrate yourself or someone else this week?

Tell me in a reply to this email - I love reading your messages, and every story motivates and inspires the next newsletters.