Last Wednesday best selling author and serial entrepreneur Christine Comaford took the stage at Fort Collins’ Lincoln Center to explain her “Rules for Renegades,” which is also the title of her latest book. Comaford began by distinguishing between rebels and renegades, the former a person who rejects authority outright while the latter is a person who effectively navigates existing rules by questioning social mores. She then proceeded to outline five points that, if followed, promised enhanced prosperity, greater opportunity, and a higher quality of life:
- Reality is an illusion, so pick one that’s empowering. Comaford advanced the proposition that a person largely determines her own reality, so deciding upon a strong and validating vision of oneself will in turn lead society to embrace you in that manner. According to Comaford, “Pick who you want to be; take decisive action; and follow through.”
- Having picked a reality, other people must consider your “brand” synonymous with “results.” Ask your friends what three adjectives they would use to describe you; if one of the words doesn’t imply results, try harder. Energy equals equity.
- In devising a second stream of income, remember the following equation: Problems plus pain equal profit. Selling is difficult unless you key in on a problem that is a common pain point, but once this equation is embraced the world will recognize your value.
- In the face of rejection, bounce back higher and harder. Put another way, “rock rejection and finesse failure.” Comaford sees rejection as a result of one of two causes: Either there was not a compelling offer or the buyer wasn’t a truly qualified lead. Assess both, and course correct in the case of the first, or find a more appropriate pool of leads in the case of the second.
- Finally, network “palm up.” When meeting a new person, ask what you can do for them, what they are looking to accomplish, and how your Rolodex of contacts can facilitate their goals. Because it is only after you’ve offered a gift that you can expect one in return.
While Comaford punctuated each point with a number of colorful anecdotes, her performance was not merely a motivational exercise. What the author sought to offer the audience was a second source of income – two to three thousand dollars a month – using the following formula: Understand your special skill; learn how that skill can be applied to a common pain point; demonstrate your ability to reduce pain through free samples; sell the rest of your program once the customer is hooked. Which, not incidentally, was what she herself was in the midst of doing with the hundred attendees the Lincoln Center. By offering new pathways to income and the empowerment that arrives through new paradigms, Comaford provided just enough promise to energize the audience, but not enough in specifics that the assembled wouldn’t need to purchase her book, DVDs, and web tutorials.
If a renegade is a person who ignores social mores then Comaford clearly qualifies, given that a magician is not supposed to explain her trick to the audience while in the midst of performing it. Yet Comaford did exactly that, and judging by the number of attendees lined up to buy a book afterward, the audience didn’t seem to mind one bit.
Ms. Comaford’s talk was hosted by Beet Street as part of the Thought Leaders series, designed to showcase those who are shaping opinions. Beet Street is a non-profit center for cultural education and entertainment, dedicated to connecting the residents and visitors of Fort Collins to global cultural experiences. The next Thought Leader program will feature Fran Abagnale on Tuesday, March 10th. Registration for this event can be found here.
