Every athlete was an inspired kid at some point, and I think that’s a cycle which we’re obligated to sustain. Being a great role-model, leading by example, and taking an active role in our communities and local schools are all ways to affect positive change in our youth, and ensure that the next generations of athletes have people to look up to, just like we did. The word “Champion” has two meanings: a person who wins a competition and someone who fights for a cause. As athletes we have an awesome opportunity to champion causes which we feel strongly about. There are so many charities, foundations and causes out there to choose from, that every athlete’s passion, personal experience or story can serve to promote or advocate one or more. It feels great to win, but it feels profoundly gratifying to use what you’ve just won to promote something of importance.
Within the Dale Carnegie Course setting I had numerous opportunities for self-reflection, where I discovered how many stories I have that deserve to be shared with people in a manner that they can understand and relate to. The course really took me out of my element and made me think more critically on my feet. It has provided me with the skills to put my ideas and thoughts together into something worth sharing.
Since my participation in the program I am more assertive and take initiative in speaking to those in my community in hopes of making more meaningful connections with the people around me.
My Major Benefit & Breakthrough: I successfully negotiated the shipment of a product (speed fins) from Russia to Canada.
The cost of the fins would have been roughly $450 CND, if I was to purchase them from speedfins.net myself, compared to the other companies where I would have had to pay around $800+ CND to import them into the country.
By seeing the need for an alternative option for speed fins in the Lifesaving Sport, I was able to provide a cost effective way because of my ability to communicate clearly - even over a language barrier and then problem solve.
As a result, of my efforts, I received the speed fins for free from the company, while adding the growth of speedfins.net by increasing the popularity of their fins and also elevating my own image in the Lifesaving Sport, as both an athlete and a leader, in dealing with communication, people skills, and human relations over any obstacles.
In summary, I was able to increase the money in my pocket, while giving many athletes the ability to obtain top of the line equipment at a cost effective rate. I helped the company to extend their reach into the North American market place, and potentially helped them to increase their revenue greatly thus creating a “Win, Win” scenario/partnership!
I accomplished this all by learning and using the principles that I have been taught in our Dale Carnegie Course, in an efficient and skillful manner.
I’m truly happy, I decided to put my application in to take part in this course and I would highly recommend it to everyone and anyone who is looking to have a more influential role in their communities, business lives and in relationships, both professionally and personally.