Get uncomfortable on stage

As you may have noticed we won the “Start-up pitch” during the Affiliate Grand Slam in Malta. I want to tell you the story of what went on behind the scenes. For some entrepreneurs these few minutes during a pitch might be a complete game changer. For that reason it is worth sharing this post as it might improve an entrepreneurs’ life for good.

For many reasons this prize means a lot to both HyperSKU as well as myself. For the company it is a first time we participate in a global event outside of China. We have been recognised by Chinese investors, but this was the first time to get international recognition on a global stage. Internally we have been going back and forth to come up with the best storyline for the pitch. It was truly a team effort on what was presented on that stage, both visually as well as vocally.

For me personally this prize means much more. From 2015 I have challenged myself to become a public speaker. What many don’t know is that actually I had stage freight. I was nervous and afraid to step on a stage. Worried about what other people thought about what I had to say. On the other hand I also knew that to be able to change lives you need to be visible online and on stages.

In the past years I have challenged myself to train this stage muscle. I did over 50+ speeches, presentations, workshops, panel discussions and lectures. I was a podcast host for over 2 years and I even joined Toastmasters to get feedback for improvement.

I still get nervous before going on stage, but have trained myself to change this thought into feeling excited over nervous. That simple mind change helps me to deliver with confidence and with a smile. Although this was the first pitch I ever did the preparations already started in 2015. I am no longer worried about what people in the audience think as I know that most are supportive and eager to learn something new.

So for all of you afraid to step on a stage or worried about what others might think. Remember these three things:

1. You need to start before you become good

2. Change your nervous mood into feeling excited. It is just a mindset

3. You all have a story to tell and someone is waiting for you to deliver it