Why Leading With Your Strong Suit Is The Only Way To Go

Singer Jimmie Herrod stood on the America’s Got Talent stage, a little nervous, but excited to be on the big stage.

Judge Simon Cowell (king of recording deals): “What song are you going to sing?”

Herrod: “Tomorrow from Annie.”

Cowell: “Are you serious? Do you know that is my worst song in the world—you’re going to sing that? You should do another song.”

Herrod: “I don’t have another.”

Cowell (in disbelief): “All I can say is ‘good luck’.”

Herrod took a moment to center himself and launched into an emotional, soulful, frankly unforgettable version of that song.

Goosebumps.

It was so absolutely show-stopping that he got “the golden buzzer” that skips him past the early rounds to the very end.

Even Simon Cowell gave him a standing ovation, with: “It’s not my worst song anymore.”

But here’s the thing.

This wasn’t just about delivering a performance. This was about knowing his exact sweet-spot—delivering a big Broadway bring down the house number—and sticking to it.

Even when one of the most influential decision makers in music told him otherwise.

He made his decision and he nailed it.

We’ll probably be paying $200 bucks a ticket to watch him on Broadway in the very near future.

But until then, this is what exquisite positioning—and the courage to own it—looks like.

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