This week, coaching a writer who lives in New York, we came to her block, “but I don’t want to appear salesy,” she said.
And because she loves words, I told her this story
which might help you in your business and life.

“You have a gift.
A rare and precious gift.
And your job while on earth is to present it.
That’s why it is called a present.
A gift only has value, when presented.

You can spend your life wrapping it, making it perfect and presentable.
But if never presented, it will have no value.

You don’t want to die with the gift still in you.
Yet sadly, people do this all the time.

Because, there’s a catch.
There’s always an exchange.
Your gift’s value is determined by the person receiving it.
That is called the market.
If given to the wrong person or people, it may be criticised and returned.
Or deemed of little or no value.
Causing you to doubt both yourself and your gift.

You look at other people’s presents, and how they’re wrapped, and imagine them to be so much more worthy than yours.
This is a soulless distraction.

The key to realising your value is discernment.
You have to find the people your gift is intended for.
There might be 200 or 2 million of them.
The fewer the number, the more coveted and priceless your gift.
This is called marketing.

And when you find them, the exchange is seamless.
You’re greeted warmly, with relief.
“Finally! I found you! You get me! I feel like I’ve known you forever. I thought you’d never get here.” They grab your present and open it like a delighted child. And you feel cherished.”

So know the value of your gift
To the people it is intended for.
Find them, and make the exchange
And it will never feel like sales.