My dream of working in television wasn't getting off to a promising start.
Back in 1994, I had sent out 25 résumé tapes to television stations around the country and received 25 rejection letters. I had no idea if anyone had even watched my work, so I decided to try a different approach. I started knocking on doors across the country.
The stations I visited didn't have job openings, but I figured when they eventually did, I wanted them to know who I was. That approach eventually led me to my first job in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and taught me that relationships are worth building long before an opportunity comes along.
Young Joel breaking into TV.
Last week, I found myself applying that same lesson in a familiar place.
St. Louis will always be special to our family. Our kids were born there, and I spent nearly 10 years working in television, first at the local Fox station and later at Fox Sports, which helped launch what has now become 19 years with the Royals.
Despite all those years and wonderful memories, I never built much of a professional network there outside of sports. I've developed a nice friendship this year with Clint Overton, co-founder of the Boardroom Bullpen, and have been inspired by the way he's traveled from St. Louis to Kansas City to make new connections. It got me thinking about doing the same in reverse.
Last week, I spoke at an Acumen breakfast, co-hosted a lunch with Clint, attended an ACG breakfast as his guest and reconnected with old friends. I even found time for a Blues game and a little trip down memory lane.
Acumen event in St. Louis with Dan Cooper and Clint Overton
As I continue to grow my speaking business, I'm hoping to take this same approach in other Midwest cities like Wichita, Des Moines, Omaha and Oklahoma City. Not because I know what opportunities might be waiting, but because I've seen what can happen when you take the initiative to meet people and earn their trust.
You don't have to know where a relationship will lead to know it's worth building.
That's Small Ball.
What relationship could you start building today without knowing where it might lead?
EXTRA INNINGS
A little more from beyond the ballpark.
Come Cruise the Rhine With Us!
AmaWaterways’ Rhine River Cruise
In November 2027, Susan and I will be hosting a special Rhine River cruise, and we'd love for you to join us! We'll explore beautiful European cities, take in incredible scenery, enjoy great food and share experiences that go well beyond the typical vacation. For us, the best part of any trip is often the people we meet and the memories we make together, and we're looking forward to sharing this adventure with friends, both old and new.
Click here to learn more about the cruise and how to join us!
SOMETHING NEW IS TAKING SHAPE
I've been spending a lot of time exploring the connection between storytelling, trust and the small moments that bring people together. I'm working on something new that will bring those ideas to life in a different way, and I'll have more to share soon.
ONE LAST THOUGHT
“Great stories happen to those who can tell them.”
Ira Glass