A Lesson I Learned From a Millionaire Can Spark Your Next Story

In 2021, as the third company at which I'd worked during my adult life was exploding and dying in a most spectacular way, I did something rather out of character.

I found the LinkedIn profile of a local business guru, founder of several successful businesses, friend requested him, and sent him the following note:

Mr. *Exx,

For the past 10 months I’ve been part of a start-up company that didn’t have a sound growth strategy. Loves Furniture expanded too soon, had shaky funding, and did not do the work to secure support partners to allow Loves’ success.

In talking to Julie *Kxxx and Steve *Gxxx I know that, unlike my recent experience, you have a purposeful and thoughtful approach to business as well as a proven history of success.

For the past 30 years I’ve both worked in sales and supported sales organizations. My superpowers are building teams, identifying problems, and creating solutions to achieve results. I am focused on winning; I’d like to bring you an Americano and discuss ways I could use my superpowers for your winning team.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. You name the time and I’ll bring the coffee.

After I hit 'Send' I powered down and started the long trek back towards home. Not five minutes into the trip I got a phone call from Mr Exx, and suddenly I had an interview the next morning- coffee accepted (black, no sugar). Six months later I was employed as a consultant, which led to a job offer within a few weeks. For several reasons, I didn't accept that offer, but I did learn a lot in the time I was there, and I remain a fan and supporter of his companies- going so far to suggest someone I knew to take the position they had in mind for me.

OK- Back to This Article

During that interview- which was one of the most unconventional ones I've ever seen, heard of, or participated in- he asked me a question to which I related an overheard conversation from a recent trip.

I had been in a restaurant and could hear two men talking in the booth behind me. It was obvious that one man was trying to entice the other in joining him in a business venture, perhaps working for the company. The conversation went on and one, and as I munched on my salad it started to sound familiar. Gradually the theme became clear: it is the 'company' that tris to reach people to try and get them to renew/purchase the car warranty!

As I related it, I was obviously mocking the 'job opportunity', when Mr Exx commented

"You know; they wouldn't do it if it didn't work at least some of the time." - Mr Exx

And That Brings Us to 'Latest Stories"

It is my practice to browse through between 20 and 50 pages of 'Latest Stories each morning. I do that for several reasons (some to do with unattributed-AI), as explained here:

Like you, I've noticed a distressing (to me, at least) number of articles that I would categorize as Spam, and most likely created with AI and/or lifted directly from other unattributed sources (plagiarism).

Topics I often see include

• red light therapy
• changing your name as an airline customer
• securing limo rides in major cities
• tourist destinations
• keto diets
• liposuction
• how to grow thicker hair
• tips on crypto
• using SEO
• sexual enhancement toys, pills, and positions

And that is just from this morning!

What Does This Have to Do With Writers Block?

As Mr.Exx commented, they wouldn't do it unless it worked... at least sometimes. So; scan the titles. What are you thinking?

Maybe "That's just publicity, I could do better than that!" Then write an article that is better than that and post it.

Maybe "That doesn't work, they should try this..." Then write about what you know to be true and post it.

Maybe, as the waves of spam numb the voices in your head: "Enough! Write about THIS!" Then listen to that voice and write about it.

My morning routine brought to mind the comment from Mr. Exx, which led to this article, which will be my first entry to the new Vocal Writers Community. I encourage you to pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and give it a try.

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Maybe my poem about my 'why' of writing will also give you some ideas for your next story. (And- yes: my comment about the neck tattoo IS in reference to a particular person)

*(Note that names have been altered so that they aren't bombarded on LinkedIn with requests!)

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