To be the noun, do the verb.
I learned this leadership lesson the hard way:
To be a leader, lead.
To be a CEO, execute.
To be a speaker, speak.
To be a disruptor, disrupt.
To be an artist, create art.
To be an activist, activate.
To be a mobilizer, mobilize.
To be an innovator, innovate.
To be an influencer, influence.
To be a storyteller, tell stories.
To be a visionary, cast a vision.
To be a brand, build your brand.
And to be funded, be fundable first.
Recognition doesn’t come from claiming a title. It comes from action. Often for a long time before anyone notices.
And the same goes for your fundraising.
“Let go of the thing that you’re trying to be (the noun), and focus on the actual work you need to be doing (the verb),” says Austin Kleon.
My wedding vows included a similar sentiment — from a cheesy country music song — “love isn’t something that we’re in, it’s something that we do.” But it took me years to appreciate this leadership advice at work.
Actions speak.
Titles whisper.
Do the verb you wish to be.
💪🏽💛
The daily bonus
A few more golden nuggets of leadership wisdom from author Austin Kleon:
“It’s in the act of making things that we figure out who we are.”
“The only way to find your voice is to use it. It’s hardwired, built into you. Talk about the things you love. Your voice will follow.”
“You’re only going to be as good as the stuff you surround yourself with. Your job is to collect good ideas. The more good ideas you collect, the more you can choose from to be influenced by.”
“If you look to artists who’ve managed to achieve lifelong careers, you detect the same pattern: They all have been able to persevere, regardless of success or failure.”
“The minute you learn something, turn around and teach it to others. Share your reading list. Point to helpful reference materials. Create some tutorials and post them online. Use pictures, words, and video. Take people step-by-step through part of your process. As blogger Kathy Sierra says, “Make people better at something they want to be better at.””
And for visual inspiration, check out his patented art: poetry made by redacting the newspaper with a permanent marker.
Need my help?
If this advice is useful — but you're ready to get even more fundable and findable — check out Brand Bootcamp.
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