The Chosen Ones.

If you are all things to all people, you are nothing to everyone.

The tribe you serve is not all people; they have specific values, needs, and dreams that you help fulfill. When you bring them together, make your gathering for them - the chosen ones.

I used to help couples plan the music for their weddings. On a rare occasion, I would be part of conversations that relate to their guest list. If you've ever been married, or know people who have, you know how important a guest list is to people.

The problem with a wedding guest list is that everybody wants somebody that may, or may not, be of any relevance to the couple or their event to attend. They are the ones that we invite because it feels good, or we "should" ask them. These individuals are not the chosen ones. How do you determine who to invite?

Weddings celebrate the union of two people, right? What if we turned it around? This new wedding is for two people to celebrate the individuals that were with them through the most challenging parts of their relationship - the journey. Those individuals who supported the couple are the chosen ones. Our new idea makes it clear who attends and who does not. Not just weddings, how about gigs?

Let's say I am an artist. My music speaks to people bullied in school and inspires them to look past the tough times and be a rock for others. Who would be on my invite list?

Victims of school bullying, school support groups, maybe social support services, parent-school organization members? We would bring together the people that will be inspired to spread our message.

Invite the people that you serve. They want you to share your message with them; they want to be inspired. When planning your next concert, gig, meeting, conference, or gathering - choose wisely.

The Excluded.

Gather to Inspire.