How to (Get People to) Show Up

A course for folks who don't know how to be here. And for folks who don't know what to do with empty rooms.

Today, I’m introducing a course — starting with a series of posts that’ll pop up each week or so — meant to help folks figure out how to show up and how to be shown up for. I’m calling this a course because I’m a teacher and professor by trade and because that’s how I roll. It is *not* one of those sales-y courses you’re going to find everywhere else, because I’m giving it away for free. I just hope you’ll participate and invite others to take part.

Is This Class for You?

(Hint: if you work with people, yasss)

How do you know if this series is going to be for you? Muse on:

Ever get that feeling that people just don't come through for you? Want to get more folks to really be there – in all the ways that matter – for your gig, project, crew, or circle?

And how about being more present for yourself in your everyday hustle?

We're all after those real connections and aiming for genuine engagement, but let's face it, it's not always clear how to make it happen.

We've all got that sense that solid relationships are what hold a community together, but dang, it's a challenge. The world's doing its thing and a lot of us are left feeling like we're barely keeping up, worn out, and not quite in sync with life.

If you're looking to bring folks on board – or aiming to figure out how to genuinely connect with others – this course is right up your alley. It's all about sparking interest and excitement in what you're offering, and then we're diving into how to keep them coming back for more.

It's not about you, it's about the connections you build. So, okay, it’s about you. Hard to change what you're not seeing, right? If showing up for yourself or others feels like it's not hitting the mark in building real bonds, this course is here to help you crack the code.

Building Community in Your Context

Get ready to learn the ropes of getting folks to show up. We're laying it out step by step so you can reel in the perfect crowd for whatever you're up to – whether it's leading, managing, creating content, or putting the word out there. The possibilities are endless. You'll get the scoop on crafting an experience that's so good, people can't wait to shout about it to their pals and keep coming back.

In this course, we're spilling the beans on attracting people and making them feel fantastic about themselves and their role in your circumstance. You'll level up your empathy game and pick up the skills to be a top-notch leader, team player, content creator, or just an all-around good human.

Inside Baseball for Belonging

We've all learned that showing up means being present, listening, and responding. But what if there's more to it? What if showing up also means setting the stage for others to feel comfy and welcomed? And hey, what if getting others to show up is as simple as helping them shine at their best?

Building a tight-knit community can be a struggle, thanks to all the roadblocks in the way. We're often left with surface-level engagement, or worse, folks not showing up at all! But fear not, this course is here to break down those barriers and give you the tools you've been missing to build that community you're after.

Getting People to Show Up

Ever feel like people just don’t show up for you? Or maybe you're eager to help more folks show up – in all the ways that matter – for your event, service, product, or community. And hey, let's not forget about showing up more for ourselves in our daily grind.

We're living in a world that's shifting fast, and a lot of us are feeling the strain – overwhelmed, disconnected, and out of sync with our own lives.

If you're nodding along, let's dive right into this. This course is designed to help us understand why folks might not show up and give us strategies to make sure they do.

Class is in Session

I’m using the plural here on purpose. For this all to really work, we need this to not just be a series of blog posts, but a back-and-forth community of its own — a virtual classroom where we’re all sorting out how to belong. And in doing so, you’ll be shaping the class as we go.

Now, I know we've all got a million things vying for our attention – work, family, and those Netflix binges we can't resist. But here's the deal: if we invest some time now by signing up today (and it's free!), not only will my life improve, but the ripple effects will spread to those around me too.

The Professor is In

Why should I be confident in this course? Well, my track record is pretty good. I've teamed up with a wide range of businesses, startups, educators, community leaders, and many more, all aiming to ace the challenge of getting people to show up. They knew my approach was the real deal, no matter the budget or time crunch. More importantly, many, many of these folks are the real deal, and taught me a lot. Now, it's my turn to share that magic and make it work in your world.

Secret Sauce(s)

There isn’t a secret sauce: there are many secret sauces. This journey isn't just about understanding motivations. It isn’t a Psych class. It isn’t a Social Work class. It isn’t a Marketing class. It may not even be a Leadership class. Or it isn’t just those things – it's about having the tools to ensure everyone shows up. A class in Humanity. And here I am a Theatre major.

Hopefully, by the time we finish, in whatever context you serve, those who might have been absent before will be right there, and those who already showed up will be even more engaged. Let's dig into understanding how people think and act, and see how I can turn that knowledge into leverage (in a good way, of course). Life's too short to miss out on these insights. Time to get started.

Syllabus

In How to (Get People to) Show Up, we'll work on different types of showing up: showing up for yourself, showing up for others, and then how those principles can be turned outward to get folks to show up for you. We’ll touch on principles of team, community, and group engagement (being present, being accountable & being vulnerable) through a framework I call PAID (as in “Time to get PAID”):

• Purposeful Presence

• Authentic Alignment

• Intentional Insight

• Disciplined Delight

This framework is able to build trust between people who have been disconnected from one another in some way. When we learn how to show up authentically for ourselves and others by practicing these skills regularly in our daily interactions with each other we become better able to create an environment where everyone shows up because they belong.

Developing meaningful connections is essential to creating positive communities, groups, and teams. That often means we need the skills and tools needed to show up in a way that is rich in intention and true connection with others around you or elsewhere. But what does this look like in practice?

That’s what this course is about. We look at the habits and practices, tools and techniques, strategies and solutions all wired for connection, authenticity, presence, and empathy so you can find and build value wherever you need it -- client relationships, event or product marketing, finding sponsors or underwriters or investors for your genius, teams, customers, students, your community -- you name it. You can do this.

Okay, so you're ready. We're going to make sure that people will show up for whatever it is they need, want or desire. But maybe you don’t know how. Or maybe you know parts of things. Or maybe you’ve been tinkering with tactics in search of a strategy.

Here's what we do in this course - we teach how to be an engaged participant in the world and within yourself. And once you've learned those skills, we'll teach you how to get other people involved too. We turn the very principles of showing up for yourself and others outward. And we know how to do it. Here’s why:

My Story

Hello again. I'm Jeremy, and I'm really glad you're here.

Growing up, I always felt like a bit of an outsider. My dad was a youth pastor and then a pastor, and my mom was a special education teacher. These roles came with their own set of challenges that made me feel like I didn't quite fit in. I was the kid tagging along with older groups, and I wore thick glasses, indulging in my love for reading and imagination. This sense of not quite belonging stuck with me, even as I tried to engage in various activities like sports, theater, and choir.

However, I discovered something early on – I could show up. I may not have been the best singer or actor, but I could be present, always available for whatever was needed. This knack for showing up became a rocket pack for my interests and ambitions, propelling me forward.

Throughout my life, I've pursued the arts, earned degrees in culture and the arts, and ventured into entrepreneurship, starting projects, advising, leading teams, serving nonprofit and community organizations, and consulting. The common thread in all of this was the art of getting people to show up, to create a sense of belonging and community.

It hasn't always been easy. I've faced challenges like the 2008 housing crisis that almost closed down the college where I was working, and later, dealing with bullies at another job. These experiences shook me and made me realize the power of belonging. That feeling of being in the right place, surrounded by like-minded individuals, was essential.

I founded a nonprofit theater company, joined community boards, taught in some of the most diverse classrooms and contexts in America, and worked as a strategist and coach, and honed my skills in building and managing teams. I learned how to create a space where people could show up and thrive, much like I yearned for myself.

With my background in the arts, education, leadership, and coaching, I've approached the concept of showing up and creating community from multiple angles. I'm excited to share my experiences and insights with you. Together, we'll explore what it means to show up, how to foster a sense of belonging, and the techniques that make it all happen.

And what I’m most excited about is that, through this course, we'll create a community where we can all learn, share, and grow.

So, let's embark on this journey together. I'm thrilled to have you here, and I can't wait to explore how we can show up for ourselves, for each other, and ultimately, create a more connected world. Let's dive in!

Showing Up to Class

As we journey together, I invite you to engage wholeheartedly with these blog posts, each a reflection of my background. Whether you're here to learn about the power of presence, building a strong community, or simply understanding how to get people to show up, you're in the right place. Feel free to dive into the topics that resonate with you, share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow explorers on this path. Together, let's uncover the magic of showing up, creating bonds, and embracing the sense of belonging that enriches us all.

This class is always going to be here, so you can always work back to earlier posts, catch up on comments, and more. I’ve also got a Facebook group called the Controlled Burn Sparks Community where you can join for more interaction at any time.