Loading ...#5 Who Taught Us This Stuff?
[Originally published on April 18, 2002]
I’ve been wondering a lot lately how it is that suddenly at age 52 (which is still young… isn’t it?), I’m finally doing the things that I fully expected to be doing at age 32. What took so long?
There’s probably a couple of reasons: One, I didn’t listen very well to people wiser than me (and who were 52 then) when I was 32. Two, I routinely threw away the instructions, convinced I could put the thing (whatever it was) together with my eyes closed. Any bells ringing yet?
Having confidence in our abilities is one thing. Taking that confidence for granted is something entirely different and profoundly limiting. It’s not very difficult to become comfortable with our own knowledge. Like a nice couch or great chair, it’s easy to sit on it… and, of course, go nowhere.
Just as it’s highly advisable to get off the couch and exercise your body, so it goes for the brain matter. Our ability to grow and accomplish great things has a lot to do with our willingness to listen and learn from others who know more than us.
I hope that by introducing The Instructions here on Tradeshow Blues, we can provide an ongoing educational resource for many of you. We’ve just started this, so check back often for new opportunities to listen and learn.
As always, I look forward to hearing from you. Email me direct at: jeff@tradeshowblues.com
Update May 1, 2009: Oddly enough, we’re about to reintroduce The Instructions on TSB 2009… stand by
Wow… this is exciting… I never thought I’d see the day… but… hey, here we are.
It’s about DAMN TIME! Best way to keep tabs on the industry short of networking at EXHIBITOR SHOW.
I like this! Sign me up.
Why are we so passionate about trade shows? Does anyone have a definitive answer? I’d love to know.
-Patti
Thanks Jeff. It’s great to have a designation that really explains what we are – fans, believers, supporters, boosters, and enthusiasts of our industry. It’s easy to explain to clients, friends, colleagues, and instantly understood ;^)
Bob… there is no other Bob Thomas like you… you are truly a one-off. Your contributions to the business are vast and broad… and you appreciated for all you’ve done.
Congratulations Jeff! Your search is over. I know you have been looking for someone with nuanced intellect, quick wit, sex appeal and star power for the Blues Wall…and you’ve found that and more in my dear friend Art Veale. They don”t come any better than Art. It’s been said that “it’s always darkest right before it’s pitch black”. Well, if that is the case….here’s the light at the end of our tunnel. I’m signing up.
Christopher Clark
Manger-Business Development
Riverview Systems Group
Lighting-Sound-Projection-Staging-Systems Integration
Let's hear it for Harris!
Very nicely done… good luck and keep the fly on the pole!
[polldaddy 1588167 http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/1588167/ polldaddy]
Question: Are we having fun yet?
Congrats, Ben. It's been a while since we did the AYFS gig but as usual, you pulled it together and made it happen. You certainly deserve the top honors… Bus
You had me at "Back to School."
Can't wait to add TSE to my resume….no explanation of course! I 'll get calls just to know what it is!
Thanks, Bernadette… I assume you meant CTE… Certified Tradeshow Enthusiast… We'll look forward to it…
I like your program, but complicated for old guys like me to communicate
keep up the good work.
Way to go – love when the efforts pay off
Thanks… we love it, too
To have EVOLUTION you first must create CHANGE. To create CHANGE, you must think of it as an acronym.
Collective
Human
Attributes
Nurture
Genuine
Enthusiasm
Create and go beyond!
This cartoon sucks!