Our mad dash across the airport pulls up short in front of the most discouraging sign.
NO LEFT TURN (except airport bus)
Any chance of making our connecting flight flickers out.
Our driver considers breaking the law, then her face brightens.
“I am an airport bus” she says gleefully.
She makes the turn and, with seconds to spare, we slide into our seats as the airplane doors hiss closed behind us.
And it gets me thinking about your Elevator Pitch.
Because it’s a constant struggle to remember who we are.
Even though she was literally driving a bus at an airport, she was unsure of her authority. Her hesitation almost cost us our flight.
Are you so caught up in your work and day-to-day tasks that you forget the value you bring to the table?
But you are the airport bus. You have the authority (and responsibility) to take the lead and own your expertise.
Own Your Expertise
It feels easy and boring to you because it’s your expertise. You’ve worked hard to develop your perspective to make it yours.
People value that.
Also remember that other people have spent their time honing their own expertise. They do not know what you know.
Stop Second Guessing
Everyone feels like an imposter at some point. You think people will “expose” you for not knowing everything.
Remember: they know even less.
And they don’t expect you to have all the answers. They only want you to help them move forward one step at a time.
Take Action
The airport bus driver didn’t sit at the intersection waiting for someone to tell her what to do. She took action.
And so should you.
Now, let’s hear it. What’s one moment where you realized you were the “airport bus” in your business? Share in the comments below. (Trust me, you don’t need permission.)