I was surfing LinkedIn Friday and came across a post from Mark Pew. It is one of those eye-catchers in which he illustrates what he has been up to. Since he began educating in the workers' compensation community in 2012, he has tracked his public presentations and some of the associated demographics (over 70,000 attendees at programs and over 40 jurisdictions). However you might carve that, it is a lot. Perhaps Mark will eventually make it to all 57 states?
He noted that he has reached 700 times presenting educational content. I thought I was the only person on the planet who kept such information, but it's worse. I texted Mark and he has much more data on the subject than he included in his post. He has co-presenter names, topic titles, and more. He offered to send it all to me, and I did not reply. The last thing I need is more data.
So, perhaps the point is to congratulate him on the milestone? Well, that too, but no. The simple fact is that the post struck a chord with me in multiple ways that are worthy of addressing.
I have also kept track of statistics over the years. I had an older lawyer tell me early in my career that I should keep track of trials and the information would be of assistance with a board certification application. This lawyer presumed I would seek that one day (I had no intention of it). As a result, for years, I kept that data as well as counts on depositions, hearings, and more. That is all lost to the ages at this point. I do know how many presentations I have delivered, but all that other data went the way of the floppy disc.
Mark's post got several comments. There were the brief "congrats," and some more in-depth. Some noted how he had been a mentor to the commenter. He replied to several of those and noted how he had grown or learned from them. There were mentions of OCD in the keeping of date, compliments, and collegiality.
No, the point is not the post itself. There are several points actually.
First, note the mention of mentoring. I had a lawyer tell me to track data. She assumed I would seek certification one day. She presumed I would remain in the practice, and progress. In being a mentor, she did not question. Her approach was to offer advice for the success she presumed I would one day enjoy. That was a confidence builder. Who do you mentor? How do you mentor?
Mark's commenters congratulated, but several noted he was a mentor. I am certain that was not isolated. But, do you need to post on LinkedIn to get that kind of feedback? If you had a mentor, like Mark, why wait? Reach out to them spontaneously (today maybe). Tell them how you are doing, what they did to inspire, guide, or support you. Why not share that feedback in a world that is too often weary and challenging?
Reverse that. Mark's reply to one commenter was essentially about how much he has learned from this mentee. If your efforts and course have led you to someone from whom you have benefited and grown, ditto the above. Why not reach out and say so? Every day has a bit of challenge, and sometimes that is the preponderance of people's day. Think how valued such a quick text or call might be.
Second, note that in his comments Mark admits that he had little in terms of credentials in 2012. He said he kept the numbers as the "only thing I had at the beginning as a complete unknown with no credentials but lots of opinions." I am not a fan of "fake it 'til you make it." And in truth, he is being self-deprecating as to what he brought to the table. But, the point is to strive for what you want.
Know this. There are lots of opportunities to do what you would enjoy. If that is speaking to groups, do so. I know, "I never get invited." Have you let anyone know you are interested? Have you sought out people who produce education programs? Have you offered to help them, to serve on panels, to support their efforts? Some programs are "pay to play," but the majority are not. They pick people on a different basis. They want and value hard work, sincerity, and collaboration.
Know what you know and what you do not. Find topics that you can be passionate about. When you experience a great presentation, take the time after to compliment the speaker. Ask if she/he would join you for a cup of coffee and pick their brain. Some may defer, but many will not. Don't hate those who defer, but treasure those who help you. Generally, this community is full of good people who will revel in your success as much as you will.
Third, Note that Mr. Pew is not a spring chicken. Sorry, Mark. I think he already knew that, but really age is in the eye of the beholder. I mention it because he notes that his odyssey into public speaking began about a dozen years ago. You can evolve and you can try new things in life and work. You can find purpose at 23, or perhaps a few years later. You can wander into passions and pursuits, or purposefully seek them. But one must persistently remember that it is a decision to open doors or to walk on past. You decide but do so consciously.
Finally, I note persistently that when he travels for such a presentation, he spends time at the event. There is value to both the speaker and the event from such engagement. I have persistently struggled with that. I find myself always short of time and resistant to extended travel. I have many times driven in an hour before, and been gone again before lunch. Always trying to cram too much into limited time.
But there is value in the experience. The Pew post notes the power of networking and connecting. It is extremely difficult to build relationships virtually. Networking in a 3-hour stop is challenging as well. There is value in being present, watching presenters, and engaging with them. There is no speaker from whom you cannot learn something. Find a way to be present and to participate. I have recruited many a speaker because of familiarity and persistence.
The lessons that this seemingly innocuous social media post conveys are clear and notable. Engage in your community with a mindset that both mentors and mentees benefit (sometimes you cannot tell which is which in a relationship). Lead with what you have, passion, experience, curiosity, you name it. Any strength can be leveraged. Know that life will throw challenges, changes, and curve balls. It is always all about how you elect to interpret them and respond. Be present when you can, and engage with the community. Growth and opportunity come through involvement, not through isolation.
I reflected on many conferences I have attended that included Mark as a speaker. I am reasonably confident that those did not include us sharing a stage. I texted him to confirm, and he reminded me that we did share a screen once on The Point (he also noted that he did not find that in his list, so he is really at 701 presentations). He also suggested an occasion in which I did not show up as planned (not my plan, they planned and did not tell me I would be called upon). Sidenote, be prepared for the unexpected.
See, Mark keeps records of those appearances and of topics, co-presenters, venues, and more. My record-keeping is a bit more rudimentary (date, sponsor, town, topic), and I lament that in retrospect. As a very old dog, I will adapt to his trick moving forward and note my colleagues.
There is a great deal about social media that is a complete waste of time. But we can learn from it, and be reminded by it, if we take a critical view. Find social interaction that brings you value, whether that is in the real or virtual world. Recognize that either may bring you both ideas and strength. I have met many people through those interactions and I stress to my students to find ways to do so.
When you choose a professional social media, and nonetheless note a post that really belongs on FaceBook, you can lament it, comment on it, or just move on. But pause for those that describe things that worked or did not for people. Learn from both the mistakes and the successes of others. You can evolve slowly while making all the mistakes yourself or you can absorb the experiences of others and grow with less pain. If they insist on telling you about their lunch or offer an inane poll, perhaps just scroll on by. They are trying to be relevant with their macaroni and cheese, perhaps that works for them?
In the end, there is much to learn and the path is long. Few will find a "forever home" in business (even people with their name on a door often find some young protege eventually showing them that door). Careers will be even more evolutionary in years to come. Change will be increasingly a challenge. The workplace and professions will be persistent opportunities for growth and fulfillment. But that will require conscious engagement, persistence, and focus.
Find your center. Choose a (new?) passion. Plot your course. Change your priorities as needed. Engage your community. Know that there will be disappointment and challenge. Keep swimming. The fact is that success is out there if you care enough to pursue it. Watch for those who can inspire you, strengthen you, and reinforce you. They are rare and worth keeping.
So, congratulations on the 700 Mark. That is an incredible achievement. While it has delivered value, the real point is that you are engaged in the community in a way that fits both you and the community. You are an example for your peers, and more critically for the next generation of contributors, writers, or speakers (of whatever age or experience).
