Who ARE you?

I made a video last week following an event I attended. I felt some pressure to go, but wasn’t sure it was for me.

It was hosted by a fancy investment house that billed it as an “Executive Networking Happy Hour.” The founder of the company reached out to me to ensure I had received the invitation. I clearly thought he had the wrong Steve Harper so I deleted it. Then, he reached out again.

I explained I thought he had the wrong guy. But he assured me and encouraged me to come. I thought about it. I thought about it some more. Then I RSVP’d and agreed.

When I got downtown, I started to regret my decision. You see, it was held in a swanky club, a “Member’s Only” kind of place, where you wouldn’t normally find The Ripple Man.

I got there early so I could scope out the scene and see how people were dressed. I felt like I was okay with pants (#nopantsentrepreneur), boots and a nice, button-down shirt. The people I saw going in dressed similarly.

But when I was directed downstairs to where this special event was being held, most everyone looked like they just walked out of some high-fashion shindig in Milan. People were coming up behind me, so I walked forward like I knew what I was doing. But honestly, I felt like a lamb walking to the slaughterhouse.

Downstairs, another entrepreneur immediately came up to me who was dressed in tennis shoes, jeans and a Hawaiian shirt. I felt better. We chatted a bit and I learned he owned a gaming company and sold his first venture for big bucks. This conversation was nice enough, but I sensed, as the evening wore on, a certain amount of posturing could take place among people I perceived to be ‘high-rollers.’

I was uncomfortable. But hey, there were snacks and free drinks.

I always tell people not to prejudge situations. This event initially had my introverted shyness on full-tilt. But as I mixed and mingled, I had some delightful conversations with really interesting characters, including one of Austin’s business legends who seemed more intrigued by my story than networking with anyone else. And in the end, I was really glad I took a risk by bringing my real self to an event full of people I might not have met otherwise.

I thought about how the event progressed and the Ripple theme for this month - WHO ARE YOU?

It took courage to lean into who I am, a badass entrepreneur in my own right. I didn’t drive up in a Porsche. I haven’t sold a company for a bazillion dollars. But I’m creating some things, including The Ripple, that are making a difference in the world. I had a good story to tell about why I’m passionate about the companies I run and they seemed to resonate with people. I stood out for being open, friendly and genuine.

Based on the follow-up emails and calls I’ve received, people saw me for who I am: Steve Harper, business owner, entrepreneur and a guy who is casual, comfortable and approachable.

That’s who I am these days. What about you? Who are you?

Ripple On!!!