In February 2010 I wrote my first email to Scott McClellan. He was the editor of a magazine called Collide Magazine. I had an article I’d written that I wanted published in the magazine.
My email was polite. But the content in this article was absolutely atrocious. It was seriously embarrassing. The premise of the article was “how to be creative”. I literally suggested people stay up late and drink lots of Red Bull. That was probably the best content from the article.
I obviously knew nothing about creativity and had no business writing as an authority on the subject. I’m still sort of embarrassed I sent that.
A couple months later I sent another article. It was a little bit better. But Scott rejected it. And rightfully so. A couple months later, another article. Didn’t make it.
Eventually the company discontinued the magazine. (Maybe because I kept sending them crap and pressuring them put it in their fine publication.) Their new venue was a conference. So of course I wanted to be part of that. I began asking.
At long last I finally was invited to the conference for free. I wouldn’t take part as a speaker or anything, but I could at least come check it out.
I asked again next year. This time I actually got to speak! It felt surreal.
A couple months after that, Scott stepped down as the director of the conference. And guess who got the call to take his place. Me. That was Echo Conference. So I got to be a huge part of that for one year.
And now guess who is partnering with me on Sunday| Mag? Scott McClellan.
I’m so glad I wasn’t bashful in asking for help from Scott. Sure I made a fool of myself multiple times. But apparently that didn’t damage my chance to work with him.
Don’t let fear of looking stupid keep you from approaching people. You never know where your bravery will take you.
Love it.
I should tell you my story of learning to play guitar and my first worship leading experience. Even God got up and walked out of the room sadly shaking His head.
Great post. Funny and so true.