One of my all-time favorite movie lines was spoken some years ago by a guy most people seem to either love or hate (nothing personal, of course). That would be Rodney Dangerfield, and the movie was “Back To School.” He was trying to land a date with a teacher who was extremely busy (teaching her class) and not terribly interested. The line was (as a few of you will remember), “Well then, give me a call sometime when you have NO CLASS.”

I bring this up because we’re talking this week about classifieds, and classification. I’ve been thinking about this whole process of classifying and wondering if it is truly possible to classify things that really have no class at all. This has become my mental gymnastics dilemma of the week.

Most of us can list one or more things, and/or one or more persons we would consider as having “no class” (not to be confused with a classless society or derivatives thereof). This is a rather subjective determination for the most part. And remember, to have any kind of class at all, you must first be classified, and in certain situations, reclassified on a regular basis.

Now, truthfully speaking, I’ve always thought of myself as having some class, being a somewhat classy guy, a class act, etc. But, on a more worrisome note, I can’t ever remember being formally classified. This disturbing realization has manifested into a nearly full-time (for the immediate moment only) search for true and meaningful self-classification.

Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be many books, tapes, seminars or authoritative scam artists promoting this topic of interest. Hmm… I feel a book approaching: “Effective Self-Classification for Chronic Over-Thinkers.” Any takers?

All of which brings me to the point of this week’s dialog (which generally is supposed to be a tie-in/plug for whatever we’re talking about on the left side of the Bluesletter): You may wonder (silently, of course) about your own “class actualization”, but there’s absolutely no doubt about where you fit in at the Tradeshow Blues Classifieds

As always, I look forward to hearing from you. Email me direct at: jeff@tradeshowblues.com

Update May 1, 2009: We don’t know at this point whether or not we’ll bring back the Classifieds… it was a different time then… but who knows?

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

We’ve recently added a new slogan. You may have seen it. It says, “Be a Part of The Evolution… Be a Part of Tradeshow Blues.” On the surface, of course it’s just another slogan. Fortunately, there’s something underneath.

What I’ve been saying all along is that Tradeshow Blues is about YOU… your experiences and stories, your opinions, your company, your products and services. There’s a lot more, but I want to stay “on message” (and I promise never to say “on message” again).

We’re creating a new kind of connection here–one that delivers information that is useful, informative and entertaining–and does so using an approach not normally seen in the trade media: Humor and human interest.

I’ve always thought that humor was the great connector. Most people seem to agree. I also think there’s generally more human interest in interesting humans than in interesting gadgets. To verify this, take a deeper look at the people behind those gadgets. That’s where the story gets really interesting.

So, my message is: Tradeshow Blues would like to hear from you and give you a chance to make the connection, in any way that you’re comfortable, with the rest of our many readers. To that end we’ve created a whole variety of editorial and humor-based vehicles that you can participate in and contribute to. I hope you’ll take advantage.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you. Email me direct at: jeff@tradeshowblues.com

Many people have asked me in recent days about where we’re going with Tradeshow Blues. My best metaphorical answer so far has been that, “we’re venturing into some new waters on a very different kind of cruise ship.” OK, I admit I was reading Travel & Leisure at the time, but no matter, it speaks the truth.

I have thought for a long time that traditional trade journalism is treated much the way most of us approach work… which is to say, we are way too serious about it. It’s time to lighten up and view things from a slightly skewed perspective.

Now, here’s where I get SERIOUS for just a moment (and please differentiate between serious and responsible—they’re not the same.) Our approach is fun, a bit irreverent, a tad offbeat, a little lighthearted, but our goals and objectives are as responsible as the most serious-minded trade publications on the planet. We are responsible for giving YOU, our readers, sponsors and other stakeholders high value for your time, efforts, and of course, money.

We really appreciate your thoughts, comments and suggestions. Please let us know if we’re missing the boat.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you. Email me direct at: jeff@tradeshowblues.com

OK, I’m writing as fast as I can. But, c’mon folks, this is heavyweight stuff and as you can see, I don’t have quite as much hair as I used to. Oh, and by the way… I’m OK WITH THAT! It doesn’t matter, I have other hair.

And speaking of hair, I sent a little notice about this site to some people I know hoping to get some early reaction to what we’re doing up here in our top-floor office overlooking the water. One response of particular interest was that already-tired but currently still overused line: “Gee, Jeff… you must have way too much time on your hands.”

Now, I ask you… is it really possible to have too much time on your hands? Well, I guess if you’re severely depressed and life really stinks, and you’re about to call it quits… hmmm… maybe. But frankly speaking, I can’t imagine this concept. And it’s hard for me to understand how anybody who knows me even slightly could even consider that a possiblity.

On the other hand, maybe I’m totally out of touch with reality (something I strived for in the early ’70’s and which might explain the philosophical origins of this site)… but I don’t think so. Nope. I think this is the real thing and the real me. But not all of me. So don’t jump to conclusions. I own many suits and I wear them (when appropriate and by appointment only).

So hang on to your hair… I mean… hat. We’re on our way with lots more… so stay tuned.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you. Email me direct at: jeff@tradeshowblues.com