Pressure is a Privilege

When you’re on the cusp of a major opportunity does the pressure get to you? Pressure can magnify our flaws, expose any preparation gaps, and push us to make unforced errors either by rushing or overthinking.

I’ll admit, pressure has knocked me around quite a bit at times. When I gave my TEDx in 2023, I had a solid practice performance run time of 15:00. On stage, I sped through it in 12:40! More recently, I was leading a golf tournament after day one and choked away the championship on day two.

I’m working hard to reframe pressure and what it means so perhaps this note is for my own use. I hope it helps you, too.

Tennis great Billie Jean King said, “Pressure is a Privilege - it only comes to those who earn it.” What a beautiful statement. In her case, you can feel the pressure to close out a major tournament by thinking you shouldn’t be nervous or that you need to avoid the expectations. Or, you can realize that it’s your own hard work, skill, and talents and have afforded you the opportunity for pressure. You’ve put in all the time on the practice court so you could step into the final moments of a match and win.

My overall feeling when under pressure is “don’t mess it up.” But with this reframe from Billie Jean, it could be “enjoy the moment you’ve earned.”

This week or next, you’ll make a big pitch to a potential client.
Or, you’ll ask for more money that you’ve ever earned.
Or, you’ll launch a new product that you know your audience will love.

In all of those scenarios, I hope you can remember that you have done the work to make those opportunities possible. And, you can lean into the enjoyment and unique feelings that a pressure packed situation can bring.

For me, it will be hosting #SBOC25 presented by Horicon Bank (yes, I still get nervous every year.) I’ve been working on the conference since November 2024 and in just 16 days, it will all be over.

It’s a privilege to host the conference and connect with our guests as we work together to make our business dreams come true. I just hope I don’t deliver my 45-minute keynote, “Quit Charging Too Little” in 31 minutes, lol.

PS - You’re absolutely right I’m going to share Billie Jean by MJ…I can’t miss a chance to share one of the top 10 hits of the 80’s.

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Newsletter Networking
Free Plugs for Small Business Summary Readers

We are creeping closer to 2,000 readers. To celebrate, I want to introduce you to some of the super-cool Small Business owners that are already reading the newsletter.

Last week, I invited you to hit REPLY and tell me about your business. Here are the readers that stepped up to take advantage of the opportunity!

• Michael W Walker | Box Alarm Concepts, LLC
  South Eastern, KY | boxalarmconcepts.com
  Box Alarm Concepts was started to design products both physical and digital to help make first responders lives a little easier whether it be something to get a good laugh after a hard call or a product that makes a favorite piece of equipment more versatile. We are working to solve the pain points of the Emergency service world, while still serving the communities these responders serve.
  

• Laura Hulleman |
  Creator of the Endotype Formula and host of Raving Coaches podcast |
  Merrimac, WI | https://www.ravingcoaches.com
  I am a business coach and marketing strategist for coaches, with 15 years of success coaching as a life and fitness coach. I do things a little different with the coaches I work with, which results in them securing more clients and getting paid faster. 
  
  Laura also answered our “How are you using AI?” question with a killer answer: AI
  
  I have been using AI to create unique and powerful Strategy Session Summaries for the coaches I work with. They have become my great sales tools.
  All of us have had a great convo with a coach or strategist and promptly forgot what they said. We also don't have a way to capture the great things we say about our work. During a Strategy Session, my coaches say amazing things about the work they do and we uncover the challenges that are holding them back. Knowing what makes them unique, (ie their Endotype Formula,) I can ask really unique, dialed in questions and provide great feedback. 

  But after the call, 70% of all that is gone from the coach's mind. I use the transcript of the call and AI (with clear and personalized instructions) to create a 4-6 page strategy review. I include quotes from the coach, where they are operating in their coaching genius and a list of the challenges / potential solutions we uncover. AI gets this 85% done in 10 minutes; then I spend a little time with touch ups. 

  Not only do my clients benefit greatly from this Strategy Session Summary, but it leads to more sales for me, because it is setting me apart from other "Discovery", "Connection", or strategy calls offered. 
  

• Sara Deacon | 360 Degree Emcee | Milwaukee, WI
  https://www.saradeacon.com 
  I partner with entrepreneurs who use events to grow their businesses as their emcee and co-conspirator for maximum engagement and impact! Anyone can read your script, I'm the one who reads the room, holds the space and guides your audiences exactly where you want them to go. 
  

Bonus points to YOU if you reach out and connect with these folks on LinkedIn!

Tweet of the Week

#SBOC25 - Building the Conference

TICKET SALES END 9/5
BUILD YOUR RECORD YEAR AT #SBOC25
Presented by Horicon Bank
September 16-19, 2025
Brookfield, WI

See the full lineup and get your ticket here: https://event.smallbusinesscommunity.com/25conference

A HUGE thank you to our major sponsors: Horicon Bank, Money Masters, Athena Legal Solutions, Magnolia Tax, and Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative

Last bit: To those of you that enjoy watching NFL football and perfecting your fantasy football teams, best of luck to you this year…provided you’re a Bears fan. 🙂 We’ve waiting all year for kickoff. Make the most of it.

NOW GO SELL SOMETHING!

Pat