Martin Luther King Jr.: Small Business Coach, Keynote Speaker and Lifeplan Facilitator

Through the power of his biography, Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrates great value to small business entrepreneurs. Every fantastic small business coach I know uses examples from his own life to coach others. MLK Jr. is a one-of-a-kind example from which any small business coach, keynote speaker, or Lifeplan facilitator can benefit. On this day, it is only natural that his tale inspires and ignites entrepreneurs and small company leaders. My aim is that his narrative fires and motivates you to own and live your life to the best of your ability.

For those of you who do not know all of Martin Luther King Jr’s story, you can read about it here. As I watched his I Have A Dream speech this morning, I noted some of the big take aways any small business leader can apply to their life and business. As I share these points, I challenge you to think about, share and live out your dream. What is your “I have a dream” speech?

His vision and desire were so expansive that he was aware they would never be realized in his lifetime. I still don’t think his dream has come true the way he wanted it to, and I hope it never will. What size dream do you have? Is it possible to achieve in this life? How big is it?
MLK Jr. had an unwavering faith and belief in his dream and vision. Once he dreamed, it was absolutely imperative he believed in it with certainty. The way he carried himself, spoke, acted and lived throughout history showed this to be true. He decided (read what this really means) with absolute certainty that his dream was right and just, and put it out there for the world to follow. How certain are you in your dream being accomplished? Does that certainty translate to others believing in and following you?
His dream and vision was so big, he knew it would never be accomplished in his life. To this day, I do not believe that his dream has ultimately been accomplished the way he envisioned it. How big is your dream? Is it reachable in this lifetime? Is it big enough?
MLK Jr. brought us all together at the human level. He united us all under the common language and drive of what we deserve, and are entitled to, as humans. He held us all accountable to treat each other with dignity and respect. While appealing to all of us as human, he absolutely addressed the lack of accountability of respects towards African Americans as a people group. The problem he addressed at the African American level required all humans to be inspired to act and believe differently. He spoke up for and addressed them while speaking to the entire world. As you share vision, sell, recruit and grow your business, are you driving to the core foundation of what it means to be human? In doing so, are you appealing to your solving something for your “people group”?
A dream and vision with no action is just a cool ‘would have’, ‘could have’, ‘should have been’ story. MLK Jr. acted, he decided to step into the fight, and he fought! He was not afraid to take a beating, and worked tirelessly until the end. He knew he was David going up against the Goliath of racial inequality, and decided to step into that valley to face his giant with only a stone. Hey, that sounds like a title of cool keynote… What is your giant? Are you committed to standing there on the front lines of the fight with only a stone and fighting?
He made decisions about how he would fight in this battle and what would be consistent with his personality. In contrast to Malcolm X, he took a more nonviolent stance, which was the face of his brand. As millions of eyes watched and followed, he always stayed true to his brand. He was aware that one poor action, phrase, or movement may ruin his reputation. What are you known for? Does it fit who you are as a person? Are you as cognizant of every action, word, and deed you take and what they signify for your brand as MLK Jr. was?
He could speak like a boss! I am certain he practiced his public speaking skills as he was the most phenomenal keynote speaker I have ever watched. He clearly and inspirationally called people to unite and act. It is one thing to have a big vision, know it and understand it. Communicating it at the heart level and uniting a nation to act is another thing entirely! As MLK Jr. did everything mentioned above, he did so as he emotionally connected to his crowd with strong analogies that tied us all together. He challenged us as a nation though a concept we could all understand (debt and a bounced check), relating back to history to prove that we were in deed indebted to the fundamentals our nation stood for. Can you speak like a boss? Are you practicing your keynote and presentation skills? Can you unite and inspire a crowd to act?
I recently went through the Lifeplan process with my good friend, Reza Zadeh. He is a certified Lifepan facilitator through the Paterson Center, and he owns the Propel Group. He mentioned to me the concept of an arrow. MLK Jr. was an arrow. He was sharp, he pulled back to see where we were as a nation, he aimed, knew his exact aligned 100% certain trajectory, and then he released. He peacefully pierced into the heart of the United States. He knew that he would pierce and rip something open. He was ready to take all the pressure, and knew of the inherent dangers he faced daily, which ultimately led to his death by a bullet. He also knew that once the arrow pierces its job is done, and he was able to open up a hold for others to charge through! Although his dream may not be technically accomplished, his purpose as a man was.

What will your tale be as you look back on MLK Jr.’s life and the legacy he left? What legacy will your life leave for others really is one of life’s biggest concerns. You resemble an arrow being fired from a bow in that you are a projectile. Where will you end up if your trajectory is incorrect now by only one millimeter in 30, 40, or 50 years? What about a millimeter and beyond? Are you leaving an MLK Jr.-like legacy or just an ordinary one?

Thanks again so much for tuning in this week to read my blog. If you aren’t already, I would love for you to receive weekly inspiration and ignition to own and live your and life with excellence. Click on the Café con Leche cup to the right to get caffeinated with me on a weekly basis!

Martin Luther King Jr.: Small Business Coach, Keynote Speaker and Lifeplan Facilitator

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