Epic Life Lesson #1- Choose To Be The VIP

Since this blog is dedicated to my journey of creating and living an epic life, I figure I would share with you lessons I learn along the way.  Today’s epic life lesson is to Choose To Be The VIP.

So what does being a VIP mean exactly?

And what happens when a VIP upgrade is not an option?

Those are the two questions I plan to answer in this post.

First, a little background on how this topic even came up.  Cindy’s birthday was a month ago, and I needed to figure out a good present for her.  I try not to buy “stuff,” and  prefer to pick experiences.  I know she is a huge fan of music.  Several of the entertainers on her bucket list include, P!NK, Uncle Kracker, and Kid Rock, to name a few.  It turns out all three were touring this year.  Since I wasn’t sure which one to pick, I reached out to Nicole, Cindy’s daughter, for her insight.  Without hesitation, she blurted out “P!NK.”

I guess I had my answer!

Next up was figuring out the logistics.  It turned out P!nk was playing in Atlantic City, which is only an hour drive for us.  Her concert was part of the Live Nation Atlantic City Beach Concert Series.  If you are unfamiliar (as I was), each year Atlantic City puts on a series of concerts right on the beach.  You can listen from the public beach itself for free.  I haven’t ever tried this, but after seeing the set up, I would guess the experience isn’t great.  You also had the option of general admission tickets, or two levels of VIP tickets.

The gap in ticket prices was dramatic.  You could get general admission for less than $30 per ticket, while the high-end VIP of over $450 per tickets.  There are no seats in general admission, so you get to stand on the beach with 40,000 other people in the blistering heat and Atlantic City sun.  With the VIP, you received a parking pass (most lots were charging $20-50), as well as a food buffet, private cash bars, and private restroom facilities.  You were under a tent next to the stage with tables, and couches, plus you were able to go to the roped off front of the stage if you wanted.

Oh, and you didn’t have to wait in line to get into the general admission with 40,000 other people.

Needless to say, I chose the top-tier VIP package, well, because sweaty half-naked strangers isn’t my idea of a good time.

The doors opened at 5:00 PM and we got there right around 5:30.  We were able to waltz right to the front of the line.  Meanwhile, the general admission line was over 8 blocks long.

No thank you!

The show was amazing.  P!NK is an incredible performer, and her finale was spectacular.  We were comfortable during the entire show, less than 20 yards from the stage, and didn’t have to sweat our butts off with a bunch of strangers.

So, let’s discuss the concept of being a VIP.

What Does It Mean To Be a VIP?

While VIP literally stands for Very Important Person, the idea here is not to act like you THINK you’re one, yet still maintain the mindset of one.

In other words, don’t be douchey.

The goal is to create as many opportunities either through purchasing, or (even better) networking your way to obtaining the status anytime you can.  As a VIP, you just get better perks.  Your seating is better.  Your parking is better.  The after parties are better (or may not even be available to you if you aren’t a VIP).  But most of all, your experience, and the experience of anyone who is with you, is just better.

Having the mindset of a VIP is first and foremost.  You must believe and carry yourself as someone who should be treated as a VIP, because, most people with see that confidence, and just assume you are one.  This could mean the difference between getting that last-minute dinner reservation at the hot new restaurant over the person who is told they are all booked.  It could mean getting upgraded to a suite when you book an economy room at a hotel.  First class on your next flight?  It could happen.

The best way to cultivate the mindset of a VIP is two-fold:

1. Believe you deserve to be a VIP.
2. Treat EVERYONE you come across as if they are a VIP.

When A VIP Upgrade Is Not An Option

Sometimes an upgrade to VIP is not possible, no matter how much you are willing to spend, or who you know.

That’s okay.

If your mindset is right, you still can create a VIP experience for yourself and whoever you are with at the moment.  Remember, first and foremost, this status is about your attitude.  This begins with your attitude towards others.  Just because a formal upgrade is not available, doesn’t mean someone won’t go out of their way to make you feel important if you first make them feel important.

I can’t tell you how many times I have gone to a new restaurant, treated the host, the bartenders and the server like they were the most important person in the room.  Because of this, I received free drinks, appetizers, and desserts.  I have had my table moved from inside the restaurant, near the kitchen, to the best table in the house, with amazing waterfront views.  What about hotels?  I have gone to hotels, and have had my parking fee waived by the front desk, because I was extra nice to them.

I am not talking about kissing someone’s ass.

What I am talking about is treating people better than they are used to be treated.

This is the true meaning of being a VIP. and I challenge you to make the effort everyday to upgrade your status in life.

It’s fun.

It’s easy to do.

It will create so many opportunities for you, you will be amazed at the outcome.