11 Million People Heard the Judges from America's Got Talent tell her... "You're Not Good Enough!"

​Yes, it's absolutely true -- Pop-violinist Lindsey Stirling was actually told that she was “Not Good Enough” in front of a live television audience of over 11 Million people on the nationally televised show America’s Got Talent in 2014.

In her own words... “I was devastated.” 

She went on to say that she had to admit that “It was not my best performance… as a matter of fact I collapsed under the pressure.”

It would be very safe to say, that she has gotten past all of that... as a matter of fact, she is way past it. 

You may, or may not even know the name Lindsey Stirling, but if you watch YouTube videos at all, her videos are a phenomenon.  Many of her videos have well over 100,000,000 views – YES, that’s 100 MILLION!! 

Most Entrepreneurs can only dream of having that kind of exposure.

When you think of a violinist, the first thing that comes to mind is NOT that she would have a following on YouTube of THAT magnitude.  But, Lindsey Stirling is NOT your average violinist.  Spend a few minutes and watch the video below, and you’ll begin to understand what I am talking about.

Recently, my wife and I had the opportunity to attend a sold-out concert with Lindsey Stirling -- one of many she does these days -- at the university our daughter attends.  Let me just say, it was the most amazing, emotional, creative, visually stimulating concert we have EVER witnessed.   

It was an evening of pure joy that we were honored to be able to experience!  If you ever have opportunity, I recommend it highly.  You won’t be disappointed! 

Now, I thought there would largely be a younger college-age audience, but that was not the case.  In fact, there were people from all age groups in attendance – from 9 and 10 year-olds, all the way up to many senior citizens.  She has a following (think "customers") today that transcends age. 

From that devastating performance in 2014, Lindsey Stirling could have just as easily crawled into a hole, and given up on her dreams and ambitions. 

As a matter of fact, she was told on national television that she needed to be part of a performance group, that she just couldn’t be unique enough to be a solo-performer that could fill music halls and arena's.  Wow, the judges certainly got that one wrong!

Here are three key questions for you: 

1. How would you react and what would you do in the face of national shaming in front of 11 million live TV viewers? 
2. Compare that experience and feeling to your most recent failure that, at least in your mind, would equate to being devastated on national TV if it were aired? 
3. And, finally -- and this is important -- how much time do you spend listening to your critics, and how much credibility do you give them? 

Obviously, Lindsey Stirling didn’t give up.  She continued to have confidence in her abilities and her dreams.

That failure on national TV propelled Lindsey to work harder, to keep at it, and most importantly, to ignore “the experts” that were judging her that day.

In the process she has now perfected her style, her talent, her violin playing capabilities, while simultaneously using perfect ballet-style dance steps at a level that is simply unparalleled. 

Lindsey Stirling has become a star in her own right and a professional performance artist par excellence.

So, how did she pick herself up from that devastating appearance on America’s Got Talent, to become what she is today?

I certainly don’t know all the details, but I know that she has grit.  She has confidence in her abilities.  She was not willing to listen to her detractors.  She was not willing to give-up on either herself or her dreams.  She was simply not willing to quit!

And in the process, she found an audience (customers) that was willing to embrace her for who she is, the talent she portrays and performs, the message she delivers, and the emotions she is able to draw out through her performances.

The message for you is exactly the same, and being successful in your own business is no different. 

In fact, it requires the same grit, persistence, confidence, ignoring your detractors, and not being willing to quit.  The bottomline:  There are no secrets nor shortcuts to success. 

If you are to achieve the success you see for yourself, those that you have dreamed about for months and maybe even years, dreams that you are actively pursuing right now – then you will need the same resolve and determination as Lindsey Stirling.

Once you’ve done that, it’s simply a matter of getting up every day, figuring out the details, pursuing the next opportunity that is before you, creating more opportunities than you have now, building a team of business professionals, and a following of exuberant customers who love what you do and will buy what you have to offer.

By the way, Customers are your following, if you haven't picked-up on that by now. Don’t take them for granted, continue to give with all you have, and they will reward you beyond your wildest dreams and imagination!!
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Until next time…  I look forward to seeing you in the trenches, where we're building businesses and living the Entrepreneurial dream!

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About
​Kyle Robinson

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​Following are a few highlights about myself and my background:

• I have a 30 year track record as an Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner, having launched and built a number of businesses over that period of time;
• I am also a Nationally Recognized Inc. 500 Listed CEO – one of my companies, Bizstrata, Inc. appeared on the Inc. 500 List of America’s Fastest Growing Companies at #329 back in the year 2000;
• I have been a high-paid business consultant and advisor to dozens of companies for most of the last decade;
• I have been quoted for my accomplishments on the websites of the four major media networks including:  ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX affiliates.
• Through my newest adventure, the Business School of Hard Knocks, I have a passion for celebrating, honoring and educating every Entreprenuer who has been run through the wringer on their way to success.

Your comments and feedback are encouraged.  If you know Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners that will benefit from this Blog Post and website, I am personally inviting you to please share it through social media.

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