Always Be Ready to Say Yes

Back in July 2017 I sat down in Orlando with singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Cat Ridgeway for an interview that would become Episode 179 of “Now Hear This Entertainment.”  We had scheduled the sit-down, including the date, time, and location.  It was all very planned and there were no surprises.  Everything went according to plan.

This weekend, however, was the complete opposite.

Although we follow each other on Instagram (well, the Now Hear This Entertainment account follows her), I couldn’t have known that she would show up at the After Party that I attended as part of this weekend’s fifth annual Podfest Multimedia Expo, where I was a speaker.  But just seeing Cat show up unexpectedly doesn’t substantiate “the complete opposite.”

Instead, unlike 20 months earlier, not only could we have not known we’d see each other a couple nights ago, but, it couldn’t possibly have been anticipated that I would get her on stage at Howl At The Moon singing in front of an enthusiastic and wowed group of podcasters. (See accompanying photo.)

I always talk about the value of connections.  Being very well connected with the organizer, I introduced him to Cat when he said Hello to me at the After Party.  When he realized that she was a singer and asked me, “Is she good?” – and note the trust factor involved there – it led to her then being whisked to the stage to delight the packed venue.

Someone that I’ve done business with for a number of years has complimented me in the past by saying, “I like that you’re willing to put your clients into uncomfortable situations.”  However, I have been disappointed in the past when developments not too dissimilar from the above have arisen and a client would hold their ground and say No.

I saw little if any hesitation with Cat Ridgeway relative to getting on stage at Howl At The Moon.  She might not have gotten to sit in on drums, nor did she have her guitar, but she sure brought her voice and, as importantly, her willingness to seize an opportunity.  She too knows the value of connections, not only by keeping up with me over Instagram, but, circulating in the crowd after she got off stage.

The unexpected brought more unexpected as I heard people asking her, “I hope you’re a professional singer?” and knew that the door had swung wide open for her to tell potential new fans about her original music.  I also saw folks who were looking her up to follow her on Instagram.  Talk about growing your following organically!  Then, of course, came the connection with the musical director and the exchange of contact information, which will more than likely lead to a future booking for her there.  With Podfest Multimedia Expo set to take place in Orlando again next March, one could even wonder if perhaps it could lead to a more planned performance by Cat (and her band) at the 2020 edition of the huge (1,000 attendees) podcasting event?

“Just say no” is part of the anti-drug campaign.  “Are you a god?” “No.”  That dialogue came from the original “Ghostbusters” movie.  Two good examples of when No is the logical answer.  However, when opportunity knocks and there’s a chance to showcase what you do, the answer is always Yes.  Be ready, friends.  Always be ready.

When did you get an unexpected opportunity that you said Yes to and what did it result in?  Talk about this blog in our Facebook group.