The other day I was speaking to one of my role models – Audrey Joy – singer, entrepreneur, pianist and all around wonderful person who never lets an obstacle stand in her way.
I met Audrey Joy, a blind musician (from birth) at my former Rotary club in New York City where she was our pianist and singer. With fingers that fly on the keyboard that create beautiful music and a voice that would rival anyone on “The Voice”, she lights up any room she enters. She and I became friends when I was giving away a book one day at the club and just happened to say-“Who has a birthday in February?”
Audrey “sees” so much more than so many people when it comes to taking the initiative, creating a wonderful life and doing it all with a smile and a positive attitude in spite of any challenges that she has had to endure in her life. As she told me- “Music and Networking are my lifeblood”. She truly walks the talk.
In her own words, here is how an ‘everyday encounter’ turned into an opportunity:
Last Saturday, I went to the bank and there was a small line. The 3 people in the line offered to let me go in front, but I declined and said “I’d rather wait in the line and do some networking.”
Well, I introduced myself as a piano player/singer/songwriter. There was a young man with headphones on between me and the lady who owns a store in the neighborhood (her name is Linda). We were talking about what items are sold in the store, when the young man took off his headphones and asked me about the piano and what kind of music I play. I took out my “Walking Jukebox” business cards, and handed them out. Then I told Linda and Justin about my Futura company; my partner, Kalvin, and how I develop and showcase new talent.
I then had a conversation with Justin; it turns out he’s a college student studying something unrelated to the entertainment industry, and plays piano.
Bottom line: Justin is now working with us to put together our website, help with social media, and just exude enthusiasm.
Take a lesson from my role model Audrey Joy – and turn an everyday encounter into an opportunity.