Page 51 - July 2020

PERSONAL NARRATIVES

Making It Happen

Kelly Martin

On June 27th, Kelly attended the TLI session, Finding Your Story. Attendees were given the opportunity
to use the narrative formula shared in the session to write their stories for publication. Kelly’s is the first
of several stories that will appear in this column.

What am I thinking? I hate being in front of well— let’s make this happen!

people . . . let alone being front and center of a With the uncertainties of all that was
video that will be seen by thousands! Why did happening in the world, many things changed. I
I take this job? Why do I keep setting my goals started a new business as an Independent Scentsy
so far outside my comfort zone? consultant to help supplement my income,

I have to speak on camera, AGAIN! I get knowing that cuts were coming at my 9-5 job.
so nervous, I don’t want to speak for a public But we can’t meet people face to face, so all of our
facing website. Thousands of constituents are parties are currently on line. I have to post videos
being asked for feedback. This is so horrifying, I weekly, host live video chats, and run trainings on

won’t even use Skype for one-on-one meetings. Zoom . . . more face time in front of many, many
Thank God for the videographers patience, people. Thanks, to my ability to practice each
understanding, and mastery of piecing together week in a comfortable environment, I was able
the few good clips I am able to produce! There to hit Sensational Start level 3, an achievement

has got to be a better way! only reached by 0.07% of all new consultants with
Then, at the top of the stairs on my way to this company. Not only did I hit it, but I achieved
my desk, I see a flyer inviting everyone to visit it with 45 days to spare! This is UNHEARD of!
the Toast of Old Town Toastmasters club across This, is because I gained confidence through my

the street. Every Thursday at noon, literally one supportive Toastmasters club.
block away. I can’t beat that. I need help gaining Now, I am mentoring a new team in my
confidence speaking in public. I’ve heard about business, and I am serving as President in my
Toastmasters, and maybe now is the time. Toastmasters club, while feeling more confident

I joined the club, quietly attending meetings, in my 9-5. Thanks to the confidence I have gained
and getting comfortable with those in the club. through Toastmasters, I was able to surpass my
Then Covid happened! Now every meeting goal of supplementing my income with a few
is on Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts—some parties a month to building a successful team,

type of video chat . . . and I am having to lead and am now dreaming of the day that I will be
meetings with large groups of people! Time to able to walk away from my 9-5 and focus on
engage! Our Toastmasters meetings are now all helping others to build confidence in themselves.
online, I am learning yet another program, and

VOICES! | JULY 2020 51