And then I got kicked out of the House of Billiards

I thought it was the coolest place you could go. 

A place that was off the beaten path so only a few people even knew about it.

A place where hip people stood around having deep conversations.

A place where guys in jeans rolled up and pegged 90s style were winning games of 8 Ball in just five effortless shots.

A place where college kids hung out, for heaven's sake!

The House of Billiards.

So on a Friday night, my friends and I scooted into the cab of my red Chevy pickup and drove the 45 minutes it took to get to Huntington, West Virginia — and the House of Billiards. 

After all, there was nothing to do in our small town besides go to the movies and cruise the park, and we'd done those things a thousand times already.

You had to be 18 to get in, but I was just three weeks shy of my 18th birthday, so I figured I'd have no problem.

Even so, when we walked into the smoky interior I was a nervous wreck. And it must have showed, because almost immediately a woman called to us from behind the bar. 

"Are you girls 18?" she shouted across the pool tables.

I was hoping one of my two friends would answer, and I think they must have been hoping the same thing, because we all just said nothing while looking at each other like three idiots. 

That was all the information the bar lady needed.

"You're outta here!" She jerked her thumb toward the door. 

We left. I just barely survived my embarrassment.

Later, I was relaying the story to a friend of mine (who'd become my husband five years in the future, but that's another story). He said we got kicked out because of the way we were carrying ourselves. 

I didn't know what he was talking about.

"You probably shuffled in looking all around like some kind of tourist," he told me. "You have to walk in with confidence, like you belong there. When you do that, no one questions you."

I didn't know it at the time, but that's some of the best business advice I ever got. Walk in with confidence. Act like you belong there. Assume no one will question you.

Even when you're new at this.

Even when you're not sure of yourself.

Even when you're technically not supposed to have a seat at the table.

Whether you're showing up on an Instagram reel or offering a new service to your clients. When you act like you've got this — you have a way better chance of actually getting this.

I hope you’re having a restful holiday season. And wherever you go, walk in with confidence.