“I’m team captain, and I choose you.”
Have you heard of that before? Maybe you have, maybe you haven’t. We’re all adults now, so it’s safe to admit if we weren’t the most chosen kid among our classmates. But do you know what adults still do? They keep up with the Joneses. Which means it’s still a game of popularity and whether or not you make the cut to fit in.
Luckily, we’re in marketing because in some shape or form, we chose to be. Even if you hate it, you wouldn’t be here trying to learn how to improve it. That means you’re still in the game. And if you’re going to play, you want to be chosen. Gone are the days of sitting on the bench watching all the jocks get sweaty, cheer each other on, and celebrate after a win. You are going to be one of them, but how?
You Need to Level Up
Little fish don’t win games because they barely have a chance to play. There’s no captain choosing them and so they wait until they’re called, if ever. You need to figure out how not to be a little fish anymore. This is scary. If you’ve never increased your skills, there are obviously going to be mistakes, failures, and challenging moments ahead. For instance, if you were playing a soccer game but you were terrible at being quick with your feet and instead stumbled every time you tried to pass a ball, what skill do you think you’d need to learn next?
The team captain isn’t going to choose someone who stumbles all the time. Your first objective would be to practice passing a ball between your feet as you run. Once you find more success in this than failure, you’re ready to level up your game.
In marketing, this could be related to being an introvert. Perhaps you’re afraid of networking events but you know you need to get out there and meet others. Those others? They’re big fish. If you were to level up your social skills and get noticed by the big fish (team captains) out there in hopes they choose you as their marketer, you need to talk to them.
If you’re brave, you’ll go for the top professional. However, we recommend throwing yourself at a fish slightly smaller than a shark.
Go After the Dolphins
Dolphins are loved by all and super fun. They usually don’t have a fierce personality attached to them when described and are the epitome of social skills and driven agendas. They’re not as large as say, a Great White, but they’re bigger than you, Nemo. Try to talk to them because you will feel less threatening and more comfortable. It’s still leveling up, since they’re larger than you, but it is telling your brain that you’re safe to proceed. These dolphins will be friendly and less likely to eat you alive.
Give Yourself the Proof
All you’re looking to do with this leveling up is to give yourself the evidence that you are capable of this. With enough practice, and most likely after even just one try, you’re going to prove to yourself that you can do this. You don’t need to be the little fish anymore. There are plenty of opportunities to be chosen and plenty of games to play with others who are better than you. Once you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll be pumped up to play more.
Dolphins to Sharks
You may find that you’re content with the dolphins, I mean, who wouldn’t be? No one is saying you need to go talk to the sharks. However, if you find that you’re not fully content with where you are and you want to play better games, then you may need to take the same approach with the bigger fish of the sea. The difference is that you’re now a level or two higher than before and a lot more confident. Not to mention, because you worked with the dolphins, you got experience under your belt and some credibility. You’ve probably built up a networking list of top names in the industry who have your back, too. So, when the sharks ask the dolphins if you’re worth it, they’re more likely to put in a good word for you.
It’s time to get off the bench but again, you don’t need to jump right into being the top player on your team. Every captain started from your shoes and built their way up. You can say leaders are born but leaders are experienced because they showed up during scary times. Each time they got scared yet still played, they proved they were worth it. You are worth it, too. Maybe one day you’ll be the team captain.
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