"Sometimes the worst cast can catch the best fish"

On sales and timing.

Twice lately I’ve been reminded that showing up again and again is how you show up at the right time.

Young Oly (Oh-lee) Hickman is growing up to be a steelhead fisherman. In this Patagonia Films short he’s just caught a gorgeous steelhead trout. He’s tired. He says he needs a nap.

But first, his dad asks, how did you catch it?

“Sometimes the worst cast can catch the best fish.”

Oly’s dad is a steelhead fishing guide. His job is to help others stay calm, cast flies, and catch fish. He’s taught his son well. And I reckon there’s a lesson for anyone looking to land a big fish.

Or a customer.

Troy Munson is an entrepreneur and account executive. He shares his approach to selling and outreach.

One of his key principles, shared a month or so ago, is to send a message today, not when it’s perfect.

So much of selling - like landing a fish - comes down to timing and showing up.

Maybe the fly Oly tied wasn’t exactly right. Or the email you sent didn’t have a crystal clear CTA. But if it lands in front of the right person at the right time with just enough to catch their attention, it works.

Sometimes the worst cast does catch the best fish. All it takes is showing up where the best fish swim and throwing a cast.

The next time you struggle to nail the perfect message for an amazing prospect, write something hand crafted and hit send. If it lands, amazing. If not, find another prospect and hit send again.