A few weeks ago I did an event, called a “fireside”, where the entire city was invited, and the high school auditorium rented out, with an expected audience of over 1,000 for a Saturday evening.
From the looks of things about 100 people showed up.
When you get 10% of the audience you were expecting, as an event planner, you are disappointed, especially when it’s a free gift to the community to deliver a presentation that they feel is valuable to bring in.
I have had this happen so often in my career, where many are expected and few arrive (for a variety of reasons), that it has become something of a running joke to me. And that’s the only way we can look at it, as I can’t take it personal or I would have given up my career by now.
If you judged it by your performance and delivery on the backend then you would never continue with your projection and dreams, but when you judge it by people’s schedules and life getting in the way of attendance and showing up in the first place, I don’t hold it against people, I have learned and written about this extensively:
Never punish those who show up!
And another lesson, relearned every time this happens, and not as many people as you hoped would come end up showing up:
You NEVER KNOW who’s listening and needs to hear your message!
I didn’t know in that audience that very night my message was needed for one particular person, who later posted his thoughts online {SEE BELOW}. And what a major blessing it was for me to read his words, as I drove the long hour home wondering if I should continue with particular types of events…
Truth is this also: Nearly 100% of people THINK about posting their thoughts and never do.
And so, today I highlight that ONE person whose life was changed, and I’m grateful they shared this online so I could continue to know that one lesson:
No matter how many people are in attendance there is always THAT ONE who is listening! (and very likely many others were listening and gleaning, too…who will never share their thoughts with the public, or with me.)
This is The Promise of The Audience:
To share good reviews instead of only bad ones!
This is The Promise of The Performer:
To give 100% no matter how many are in attendance.
You just never know who’s listening.
How are you living The Promise?
~ Jason Hewlett
Husband, Father, Writer, Hiker, Coach
- Speaker Hall of Fame * Award-Winning Entertainer * Promise Legacy Coach
- World’s First & Only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions, and comedy to teach the Power of Keeping Your Promise
- Founder of the Bunless Triple Patty Baconator Club (available only at Wendy’s drive-thru, along with heart monitor cuff test mandatory before ordering)
Author of “The Promise To The One”
12 Responses
Great message. I’m glad you share the reality and your vulnerability. You are a big man and I admire your strength. Always love your messages.
Thank you Evan, my friend and brother. This is so kind of you to say, as the feeling is definitely mutual.
Yes, you never know who is listening (or reading). This week I had a performance where the registration was not as high as anticipated, but, like you I hit the performance button and delivered my content to the audience as if the room was packed. It was live and there were people literally from Maine to Alaska. When the session ended, I knew that I had delivered content that could change lives.
The next morning a brand new graduate sent me a message. There are huge legal issues in how my colleagues are getting paid and this brave young woman dealt with an office manager who was insisting she be paid incorrectly. She said her heart was racing and her hands were shaking, but she stood firm on not being paid incorrectly. I was in tears when I read her note. What a brave young woman.
“Your course was perfect timing. So thank you again. The more educated we are the more we can protect our license and our profession. I suppose as a new grad, cash or check with out taxes taken out sounds like a great deal. I know I did the right thing but I did get emotional after the call ended.”
This remarkable young graduate did the right thing…….and my heart is full. The power of the podium is real and it is a privilege. What an honor to be able to help so many. It is humbling.
Anne, well – this is just astounding and wonderful! Look at all the good you are doing. And often we would never know! So grateful you received this powerful message. Continued blessings to you my friend!
This resonates. I know what you have shared is true. Thank you for being an example of doing what Christ did, reaching the one! : )
Mary Ann, I’m glad this resonates, and your comment makes me feel so very humbled. You do the same for others as well my friend!
I continue to enjoy your insight. Thank YOU for sharing your light.
Rita, you continue to make me smile every time I hear from you. Hope you are well!
Goodness..I have to admit that I have seen your posts come through and because of one thing or another haven’t taken the time to read through the first couple of lines. I’m so glad I stopped for a moment to read your message. Looks like he needed to receive your message and you needed to hear from him! Blessings all around!! You are a bright light…and thanks for the reminder this morning to slow down..read and be inspired! Tis the Season after all…well everyday really should be! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Kim! Thank you so much for reading, commenting, and stopping for a moment to do so. I’m grateful it brought what was needed. Merry Christmas to you and hope we get to work together soon!
“The guy with the big mouth” lol Love this – doesn’t matter how many people are in the room – it matters that they were compelled to listen and learn. And they were lucky to have you in front of the room 🙂
Thank you my brother, it was an honor to be there.