Strongest. Referral. EVER
I was reading this article “The 6 People You Need In Your Corner” by Jessica Hagy (@jessicahagy) a Forbes contributor. The six types are: 1) The Instigator; 2) The Cheerleader; 3) The Doubter; 4) The Taskmaster; 5) The Connector; 6) The Mentor. The one that I appreciate most is The Cheerleader. This person happens to be my ex-boss — he’s the guy that I hope to become half of what he is and I’ll consider myself successful. Jessica Hagy describes The Cheerleader:
The Cheerleader: “This person is a huge fan, a strong supporter, and a rabid evangelist for you and your work. Work to make this person rewarded, to keep them engaged. This is the voice of motivation”
Recently, he said to me “Pete, I want to make an introduction for you”. While it’s cool that the person that he wanted to introduce me to is someone who could potential open doors for me that I didn’t know existed, that’s not what I appreciate most. It’s how he made the introduction.
Standard Way
[listcheck]
- Email Introduction
- They Respond
- You Respond
- Meet For Coffee
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The Cheerleader, Advocate, Rabid Evangelist Way
[listcheck]
- Email Introduction
- They Respond
- You Respond
- Cheerleader says: “Pete, I’m going pick you up and drive you to his office”
- Cheerleader says in the meeting: “Pete is one of the best hires I’ve ever made in my life… gush, gush, gush.”
- Cheerleader stays in the meeting for the entire time (meeting was scheduled for 1/2 hour, but, goes 2 hours!)
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Generosity With Their Time
Discussions between me and the person that I got introduced to are still progressing. Regardless of the outcome, what I appreciate most is the support, belief in me, and generosity with his time. Time away from work, family, or anything else that is important to him. Time is the most valuable thing that anyone can give. Not to minimize the email referrals that I’ve received over the years (which I certainly appreciate), but, who does this kind of thing for another person?! He’s the one that gave me an opportunity early in my career and believed in me like no one else ever has. I feel like he took a chance on me when there were plenty of other people that were more qualified, had more experience, and smarter than me. He’s the ultimate cheerleader and if I didn’t have any of the other five types of people in my corner I’d say this one person was enough for my life.
I hope in the future I’ll be able to do the same thing for someone else.
Cheerleader
Pay it forward =)
Jamie
This is one of my favorite, if not my most favorite blog post. You can’t underestimate the value of someone like that in your life. Someone willing to stick their neck out for you is huge. This has happended to me once before, and I hope I can do this for someone (or multiple “ones”) one day.
Peter Chee
Thanks Jamie. Very cool, sometime I’d love to hear your story!
Imelda Dulcich PR
“A good Cheerleader is is not measured by the height of her jumps but the span of the span of her spirit.” They have generosity in spirit that allows them to put aside time to say I notice you, I appreciate you and I have your back.
You’ve obviously done some great work, are thoughtful and skilled in what you’ve accomplished in the past, Peter. Your cheerleader made an effort, took the time to make sure you know he saw and appreciated your unique talent.
We get so caught up within our lives that we don’t make enough effort to turn to those around us who do good work and say “Hey, you are amazing. I want you to know I see you, I appreciate you.” A cheerleader has a sense of self-love about them, they are not threatened by your accomplishments or potential.
I am lucky to have the unwavering cheerleading of a few people whose opinion matter greatly to me. I never doubt that. Knowing they are in the stands, cheering for me, allows me to chances without fear.
Peter Chee
Imedla, love your comments. Thanks for sharing that. The original article title of “People in your corner” and your comment of “I appreciate you and I have your back” also means a lot — it creates a support structure that empowers a person to go after and try things because you know someone does have your back.
I think entrepreneurs need lots of this. Always trying new things that one has never done before is challenging all by itself. It’s pretty cool when there are people out there that are watching your back and wanting you to succeed. It’s not often that people go way above and beyond but it’s pretty special when they do!
Rod Brooks
cheer
shout of approval: a shout that expresses happiness, excitement, encouragement, or praise
lead·er
somebody whom people follow: somebody who guides or directs others
I really enjoyed your post Peter. It reminded me of the importance of having a personal “board of directors” for our individual brands. I like the idea of identifying the six board members in the manner that Jessica Hagy defined them.
Like you, I’ve had an amazing cheerleader during my career. Ron hired me once and then was instrumental in recommending me to be hired by three more companies that he was invested in. He found something in me that I hadn’t identified myself. Then he helped me to grow and build my confidence. When there were opportunities he didn’t hesitate to tell others why he believed in me. Every player needs a cheerleader. And every cheerleader needs to know that there are players who appreciate them for getting the crowd up on their feet.
Pay it forward. Be a cheerleader.
Peter Chee
Thanks for the comment Rod. Awesome to have you stop by our blog.
Interesting idea to create a board of directors that fit types of people that you’d want in your corner. I’m glad you suggested that! Pay it forward!