To be more compelling, ask this one question.

What’s the worst thing that could happen?

Figure it would take you a bit to get to the question, did ya?

Nope. There it is.

What’s the worst thing that could happen if I just pop that question right up top?

You read it and leave.

OK. I’m good with that. Perhaps that’s what you came for.

That’s no big thing. And that’s the point.

The worst case scenario usually ends up being not so bad.

That’s so important to get…to truly understand…

      So much so, I am going to say it again.

The worst case scenario usually ends up being not so bad.

Which brings me to a theory. WARNING: it’s kinda sad. 

I have a theory, and it’s kinda sad. (See? I told you.)

Some of the greatest things to ever happen? They won’t.

There are incredible ideas trapped that will never see the light of day. You’ll never know how some could have energized the masses. Impacted our lives. Changed the world.

Why?

Fear.

         Worry.

                   Doubt.

• Sometimes, it’s fear of the unknown.
• Sometimes, it’s the worry of change.
• Sometimes, it’s doubt spawned by what if.

All that fear, worry, and doubt causes a ripple effect where—almost subconsciously—we hone in on the worst case scenario, and then…in an instant…the dream dies.

Maybe you decide not to put that idea out there.

Perhaps you think it’s best put off for another time.

Hell…maybe you even write it down…type it up and save it in a file that you’ll eventually uncover in a few years when you go back through that old folder of files you started way back when.

But right now?

Oh, right now you might not think it dies. In fact, you may find yourself saying things that make it sound like it’s still very much alive:

• I should…
• I need to…
• I’ll try to…
• If only I could…
• I’ll get to it…
• I don’t have time now…
• I might have time later…
• How about on Tuesday…
• Maybe this weekend?
• Next week! Next week I’ll have time!

Make no mistake. These are triggers—surefire signs that it’s DOA.

It ain’t happening.

This is truly a shame because [AGAIN!]…

…the worst case scenario usually ends up being not so bad. 

Think about it. Consider something you’ve been wanting to do for a long time, but have not. Why not? What’s standing in your way?

Answering this question is the one step needed to make your communications more compelling.

Come on dude! How can answering a question help me be more creative?

Of course, your answer is not going to create some amazing message, email, content, or talk.

That’s not the point. So what is?

This:

Compelling does not always mean creative.

Sure, that helps…but the first step is being brave. Being able to throw caution to the wind. Having the guts to ignore the often irrational (and limiting) fear of “what could this do to my brand?”

Get over it.

If you take a chance and put something out there that flops, what happens? What’s the worst thing?

Odds are? Not much.

Conversely, what’s the best thing that could come out of a more compelling approach to your communications?

How about…

• You get noticed.
• Your idea takes off.
• You truly help one person.
• You truly help a ton of people.
• You start a new adventure.
• You start to create a legion of raving, new fans.
• You [FILL IN THE MOST AMAZING THING YOU CAN THINK OF RIGHT HERE].

When you ask yourself the question, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” and answer it honestly and realistically, you learn that the worst thing can usually be overcome with simple steps.

Once you come to see things this way—once the worst thing is no longer seen as anything that bad—you feel more comfortable taking calculated gambles.

And calculated gambles are what make otherwise blasé communications…we’re talking emails, blog posts, presentations, even conversations…stand out.

Try it! Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

• Write a thank you note completely in iambic pentameter.
• Incorporate song into a live presentation (even if you’re a terrible singer).
• Create an email funnel by transcribing how you say it instead of how you write it.
• Send a business email wholly made up of rhymes.
• Write a song parody and post it as a blog. (Here’s one I did way back when.)

What’s the worst thing that could happen?

(OK…now be realistic….what’s really the worst thing that could happen?)

I challenge you to make ordinary communications more compelling by taking a risk.

Be adventurous, not afraid. What’s the worst thing that could happen?

• Will you be uncomfortable? Yes.
• Will you worry? Probably.
• Might you doubt yourself? Sure.

Far too many people get stuck on the negative what ifs.

What about the best case? What if you try something off-the-wall, and it kicks ass?

What if all it took was practicing being uncomfortable?

Push through. Do it, and don’t look back.

You may just find there was nothing to fear all along.

I mean, seriously…What’s the worst thing that could happen?

🤘👊💥😎