An (almost) Missed Opportunity for a Selfie with John Elway

Ever let an amazing opportunity pass by because you took too long to think about it? Should I do it or not? What will people think? No, maybe I shouldn’t. I don’t know, what do you think? And then POOF! The opportunity is gone forever.

Maybe this happened with a potential investment. Maybe it was a great business opportunity. Or maybe it was as simple as asking for someone’s number to reconnect later. Whatever the situation, it was a missed opportunity that can’t be re-created. There is no mulligan.​

​This happened to me a while back at a chartity event. I was the Carousal Ball which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and Barbara Davis Center. John Elway and his wife Paige were the honorees. I was so excited to attend and couldn't wait for the ‘step and repeat’ photo shoot with the Elways.

Here's where my assumption was wrong ...

Turns out the celebrity pictures were only available to the VIP ticket holders. I needed to be on the special list to enter the reception area and mingle with the celebrities and, I wasn't. I totally expected everyone to have access to the red carpet Step and Repeat, but as this was my first ‘real’ charity event, I was wrong.

There were ten minutes left for the VIP reception before dinner was served. While mingling in the hall, I ran into someone I met earlier and share my disappointment that I didn’t get a photo. He pulls out his invitation for the VIP room and hands it to me. “Here you go. Show this and use my wife’s name. Maybe it will get you in.”

The decision point ...

I was so excited, yet on the fence. Will this really work? Can I impersonate his wife? What if the door man remembers her? Can I really sneak into the room without getting caught?

Enough thinking! I just have to do this or I’ll regret it forever. I’m going for it and see what happens. When will I ever get a chance to meet John Elway again? Worse that can happen is I’m not granted access, right?

I walked up to the doorman and say, ‘Do you need to see this?” “No, just give me your name.” “Torres”, I responded. ‘Oh Ms. Torres, you were in before. Welcome back.’ I’m In, I’m in!! I can’t believe I’m in! I’m doing the happy dance on the inside with major excitement, yet trying to stay calm and blend in on the outside.

I walked around looking for the Step and Repeat photo shoot, but didn't see it. I figured that maybe it was too close to dinner and Mr. Elway already left. But wait …. I spot a photographer. I asked if John Elway was still there and he points him out.

I explained to the photographer that I snuck into this room just for a picture. He laughed, admired my tenacity, and agreed to support me and my goal. ‘Just stand near him and let me do the work.’ I walked near John Elway and the photographer says, ‘Mr. Elway, one photo please?’ Elway agreed and we take the picture.

I couldn't believe the next few words that came out of my mouth

All of a sudden, I heard myself saying out loud, “Mr. Elway, mind if we take a selfie?” He graciously agreed! Celebrate! I practically skipped out of the VIP room back to my new friend to return his wife's pass.

‘It worked! I got in AND I got the picture! Here’s your pass. Thanks for letting me borrow it.” “Go ahead and keep it. You earned it”, he replies.

The event continued to get even better. Usher, Ruben Studdard, David Foster, and more provided the entertainment. People generously donated hundreds of thousands of dollar in the silent and live auctions. Kids with diabetes were excited to hear the artificial pancreas was closer to reality. It was incredibly amazing. I felt so fortunate to be a part of this charity event.

The event continued to get even better. Usher, Ruben Studdard, David Foster, and more provided the entertainment. People generously donated hundreds of thousands of dollar in the silent and live auctions. Kids with diabetes were excited to hear the artificial pancreas was closer to reality. It was incredibly amazing. I felt so fortunate to be a part of this charity event.

I wondered, should I do it again ...

At the end of the night, I noticed John Elway taking ad hoc pictures with anyone who asked him. I already have my picture, so decided to let other people get their pictures.  While watching the crowd gather around Mr. Elway, I overheard two guys debating whether they should go get pictures or not (sound familiar?). Back and forth, discussing pros and cons, trying to decide if they should do it.

Elway leaves. They missed it. They were just about to finally say yes, but it was too late. The opportunity was gone! Bet they were mad at themselves! I wish they had read my blog: How to Conquer Procrastination and Accomplish More.

Are you going to continue to sit on the fence with an important decision or go for it? I would have been so bummed if I didn’t at least try to get into the VIP room for that picture. The worse that could happen is they wouldn’t let me in, right? Hardly worth spending time debating. The risk was fairly small, so I took it.

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Please share a time you took a chance and were rewarded.  We'd love to hear your comments and stories.