I am always looking for inspiration and thankfully, I never have to look far to find it. Today, I came across this video. The guy’s name is Chris Bliss. He’s a juggler.
“Yawn,” you say, “a juggler. Does he jump on a trampoline and juggle chain saws? If not, I’ve probably already seen it.”
Chris is a simple juggler. He juggles 3 small balls. He’s wearing street clothes. There are no pretty girls, no backdrops, no fire, no chain saws. Just Chris, a beautiful song and his take on that song.
I’m not even sure what makes this video and Chris so compelling. I know I was inspired by it and the audience watching him gives him a standing ovation.
My take away is this. Chris brings his own ‘voice’ to his craft. Do you think Chris is being true to himself? Do you think he is letting his passion show?
I work to find my voice by doing the things I love, by connecting with passionate people and by believing in myself. Some of the happiest people I know are those who love what they do for a living.
Maybe losing that last job was a blessing in disguise. I’ll bet that Chris spent a lot of hours juggling and wondering if he was doing the right thing before he performed in that hall, to that song for those people.
Please tell me how you’re finding your voice, your passion… and what you think of Chris Bliss.
Duane Hallock
September 8, 2009Thank you for entertaining me with the video, for making me think about how I might stand out in a roomful of ordinaries, and especially for sharing “in your own voice” the passion you seem to have for life.
As a professional marketer, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about differentiation. You’ve pointed out something so obvious I almost missed it: Finding one’s own voice and speaking from it with passion is often the best way to be unique and to stand out from the rest of the pack.
By the way, I subscribe to your blog via RSS and even have it marked as a favorite in my Google Reader.
Deborah
September 8, 2009Duane, thank you so much for your comments. A vote of confidence means a great deal.
I didn’t really think of this as differentiation but you are, of course, on target (no pun intended from your blog!)
I believe the core of social media/networking is this concept as well as ‘the gift economy’ and building whuffie (social capital). Companies that get this and do it well will win. The others will keep floundering around and wondering why it’s ‘just not working!’
Michaeleen
April 27, 2010I never thought I’d say that juggling could be compelling and beautiful but Chris Bliss really shows his passion for his craft – what an inspiring take on a great Beatles song.