I attended the National Speakers Association conference in New York City this past week. NSA members were treated to a host of great speakers during the three-day conference. We heard speeches from some of the real titans in the world of business and entertainment. I had an opportunity to meet Steve Forbes up close. I shook hands with Bill Marriott Jr., and met David Barger, the CEO of JetBlue Airlines.

From the world of entertainment, I met Kevin Cronin, the lead singer for REO Speedwagon, and David Fishof, a booking agent for ‘A’ list celebrities like Ringo Starr, Roger Daltry, Joe Walsh, and Todd Rungren. And if that were not enough, I had my picture taken with Elvis Presley!

Following the end of the speaking session, all speakers were assembled in a side room off to the left of the main stage, virtually unguarded from very curious people like myself.

As I stood waiting for the crowd to clear the auditorium, someone held the door open long enough for me to see many of the speakers standing in the room. That’s when the idea came. Why not get in that room and meet a few people?

As I reached for the door, Simon Kirke, the drummer for the rock group Bad Company walked out with an escort and held the door for me to enter. Thanks Simon!

Picture me standing there in the doorway, and imagine if you will, the questions that ran though my mind as I contemplated what would happen to me if I were to take a chance and enter. Suppose some security guy grabbed me? So what, I thought.

I pushed the envelope and walked right in like I owned the joint. To my amazement, absolutely nothing happened! I casually walked around the room, and introduced myself around to each of the speakers. Of course I told them how great their speeches were. Ten minutes later I walked out.

Getting to meet those people was one thing, but having the guts to push the envelope and walk through the door was the real thrill.

Lesson Learned: In sales you have one of two choices when prospecting for new business; either you wait in line, or you push the envelope and make it happen. Don't count on the prospects to move your business to the head of the line. They are way too self-centered to even contemplate such a move. It's entirely up to you.

Are you content to just be another face in the crowd? Are you waiting for your number to be called? I hope not.

When you see a closed door in front of you, push the envelope and turn the door knob. Opportunity awaits you on the other side!