In the hustle and bustle of life, business, and personal growth, there’s one fundamental truth that stands above the rest: success begins with showing up. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? Yet, this basic principle is often overlooked in favor of more glamorous concepts like strategy, innovation, or talent. While those elements certainly play a role, they’re meaningless without the consistent act of being present—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you’re a small business owner, a sales professional, or someone chasing a dream, showing up is the first step toward turning possibilities into realities.

The Power of Presence

Think about it: every great achievement, every closed sale, every thriving business started with someone deciding to show up. That entrepreneur who launched a now-thriving #SmallBusiness? They showed up to present their idea, day after day, even when the odds were stacked against them. That top-performing salesperson you admire? They showed up to every meeting, every call, and every follow-up, even when rejection was the only response they got. Showing up isn’t just about physical presence, it’s about commitment, consistency, and resilience.

Woody Allen famously said, “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” While the exact percentage might be up for debate, the sentiment rings true. You can’t win a game you don’t play, and you can’t achieve a goal you don’t pursue. In sales, for instance, showing up means making the calls, attending the networking events, and putting yourself out there—even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s the foundation of #SalesTraining and the bedrock of any successful career.

Consistency Beats Talent

We’ve all met people who seem to have it all: charisma, intelligence, natural talent. Yet, how often do we see those same individuals fall short because they fail to follow through? Talent is a gift, but consistency is a choice. Showing up every day—rain or shine, motivated or not—builds the habits that lead to long-term success.

For #SmallBusiness owners, this might mean consistently marketing your brand, even when the budget is tight, or the results aren’t immediate. For those in #Sales, it’s about sticking to your process, refining your skills, and staying engaged with your clients. The beauty of showing up is that it doesn’t require you to be the smartest, the fastest, or the most experienced—it just requires you to be there, ready to take action.

Overcoming the Fear of Failure

One of the biggest reasons people don’t show up is fear. Fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of not being good enough. But here’s the secret: showing up is the antidote to fear. When you take that first step—whether it’s presenting to a new client, launching a product, or asking for the sale—you’re already winning. You’re proving to yourself that you’re capable of action, and that’s where confidence is born.

In my years of experience training sales teams and coaching small business owners, I’ve seen this play out time and again. The individuals who succeed aren’t always the ones with the most polished presentations or the biggest networks. They’re the ones who keep showing up, even after a “no,” even after a setback. They understand that every “no” is just a steppingstone to a “yes,” and that can only happen if they’re in the game.

Showing Up for Yourself

Success isn’t just about showing up for others, it’s about showing up for yourself, too. This means investing in your own growth, whether through #SalesTraining, personal development, or simply taking time to reflect on your goals. How can you expect clients, customers, or colleagues to believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself enough to put in the effort?

For small business owners, this might mean carving out time to learn new skills or refine your business plan. For sales professionals, it could be practicing your pitch, studying your product, or seeking feedback to improve. Showing up for yourself builds the self-discipline and self-worth that fuel external success.

Saturday, I had the opportunity to fuel myself by attending a live event and having a tremendous lineup of speakers impart wisdom for me to consider and embody. To a person, they shared nuggets of knowledge and wisdom that I absorbed, shared thought-provoking material that made me think, and suggested actions steps, many of which I’ve already put into action. Filling your own tank not only gives you the encouragement you need, it also allows you to fill others’ tanks, empowering and encouraging them.

Success is a journey, not a destination. By showing up consistently, you commit to continuous improvement. You learn from your experiences, adapt to changes, and refine your strategies. This commitment to growth is essential in a competitive business landscape. As you show up day after day, you accumulate knowledge and expertise that propel you toward your goals.

The Ripple Effect of Showing Up

Here’s the exciting part: when you show up consistently, it creates a ripple effect. Your energy, your commitment, and your results inspire others. In a #SmallBusiness setting, your team sees your dedication and follows suit. In #Sales, your persistence motivates your peers and builds trust with your clients. Showing up isn’t just about you—it’s about the example you set and the impact you create.

I’ve witnessed this firsthand in my work with clients. One small business owner I coached started by simply showing up to a local networking event every week. At first, nothing happened—no leads, no breakthroughs. But over time, people began to recognize her face, trust her consistency, and eventually, her business took off. That’s the power of presence. It’s not always about immediate results; it’s about planting seeds that grow over time. A flower does bloom the minute you bury the seed. There is a nature growth cycle in all areas of life and business.

Opportunities often arise when you least expect them. By showing up consistently, you position yourself to seize these opportunities as they come. Whether it's a chance meeting with a potential client, a networking event, or a sudden market shift, being present allows you to act swiftly and decisively. Remember, success is not just about waiting for the right moment; it's about being ready when the moment arrives.

Practical Steps to Start Showing Up

So, how do you put this into action? Here are a few practical tips to get started:

Set a Schedule and Stick to It: Whether it’s making sales calls, posting on social media for your #SmallBusiness, or attending training sessions, committing to a routine.

Start Small: You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Show up for one task today, then build from there.

Embrace Imperfection: You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be present. Progress comes with practice. Done is the new perfect.

Track Your Efforts: Celebrate the act of showing up, even if the outcome isn’t what you hoped. Every step forward counts.

Get Support: Surround yourself with people who encourage your consistency, whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or a community.

Your Next Step Toward Success

Success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not reserved for the lucky or the gifted—it’s earned by those who show up, day in and day out. Whether you’re building a #SmallBusiness, sharpening your #Sales skills, or chasing a personal goal, it all starts with that single decision to be present.

Let’s Pull it All Together

Success starts with showing up. It is the foundation upon which all other elements of success are built. By being present, building trust, seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and committing to continuous improvement, you pave the way for success in your business endeavors. Remember, the journey to success is not a solitary one. Engage in sales training, seek guidance from experts like Scott Schilling, and surround yourself with a supportive network.

As you embark on your journey, keep in mind the power of showing up. It is the first step toward achieving your goals and realizing your dreams. So, show up, take action, and watch as success unfolds before you.

If you’re ready to take your success to the next level, I’d love to help. Contact me at [email protected] or visit https://ScottSchilling.com for resources, training, and personalized coaching. I’ve spent decades helping individuals and teams unlock their potential through the power of showing up, and I’m here to guide you on your journey.

So, what are you waiting for? Show up today—because that’s where success begins.

#SmallBusiness #SalesTraining #Sales