subject: If You Couldn't Speak, How Far Out Would You Hang Yourself? [print this page] If You Couldn't Speak, How Far Out Would You Hang Yourself?
What happened in Chicago? Several weeks ago, there was a conference held by an Internet marketing group. Its name was Gateway to Wealth. The trip was impressive and full of surprises.To start with, I wanted the experience of not having a voice, depending on myself alone, and go to an event with many other people. All strangers, but typical of a conference a person would attend.So I packed my clothes, gassed up the Jeep, and headed for the Windy City! It is a 5 hour drive. About half way there I was imagining what to wear at the different events. You can see what I was concerned about. Then there was a realization, my clothes were hanging in my closet at home!No longer was I dressing for success. In my mind for a second, I imagined people saying, "look at that poor guy, no voice, and no clothes." A Quick analysis of what I was wearing, what was in my grip and it looked to me like a pair of pants and a shirt would get me through the weekend.Lesson # 1, don't depend on your clothes to get you through.Thanks to Garmin, I arrive at a beautiful Renaissance Hotel near O'Hara Field. It was impressive. I parked my Jeep and went in to register which was up an escalator and on the second floor. One of those bigger than life, spacious areas that is meant to impress and it did. I walked up to the registration area, pulled out my note pad, and confirmation information. Handed it to the clerk and waited to see what was next.All smiles and ready to help, the clerk filled in the appropriate information and gave me my "key." When was the last time you got a key to your room? Anyhow, he said to me, this will open your door and you must insert it in the elevator for your floor button to work. Plus, you were served breakfast and in the evening hors d'oeuvres. I am thinking, these guys at Gateway really know how to negotiate a room for $99.Up I went to room 1527, along with my porter and luggage. He opened the door and I was speechless again. This room was fabulous. It was the size of 3 rooms. It had three sitting areas, a king size bed, office area, a bar, wide-screen TV, three phones, how handy for someone, huge bathroom, bathrobe, another TV, and decorated to fit the ambiance. This room was impressive!I was thinking, "There has been a mistake of major proportions." Now I need to tip the porter. I am thinking, how much do I tip him if staying in a room like this? So I give him a $20...and ask for $15 in change...I mean, let's be real, right?This is funny, no clothes, but a great room.Lesson #2, if you are lucky, go with it.Coincidentally one of the largest malls in the USA is near O'Hara, how handy. Directions from the concierge and I am on my way to enhance my wardrobe. About a mile down the road, I see a Marshall's. Perfect for me, and in I go. Out 10 minutes later with new pair of pants, a polo shirt, and all for less than $50. Back to the palatial room, pull out the ironing board and iron to flatten the creases in my new digs. You should have seen that scene. This room has everything.The next morning it is time to go and register for the conference. I had emailed the staff about my coming and concerns and they had responded very positive. I was expected at registration and met Alicia Bowers. She was invaluable the entire weekend. We hit it off, and she introduced me to everyone that was a part of putting on the event.Jeff Wellman, Keith Wellman, and Gary Ambrose are among the most successful marketers in the country; we met and had a chat. The whole conversation initially was with note pad and pen. It works amazingly well. People want to know what you are saying and take the time to read your note, respond and the conversation continues. The conversation is focused and you don't waste words, but they are complete.It was a good day with many conversations, my confidence growing, and my learning curve accelerating.I found out Friday evening there was a private party being held by the Wellman's and Ambrose for affiliates of their products. I wrote a note to Alicia that I wanted to go. She said she would ask Keith and let me know.An invitation was given and I was on my way to the Affiliate Party that evening. As it turned out, it was another lucky moment in my life. Here's why: at the party, I was engaged in conversation with Alicia and Jeff Wellman. I had my trusty note pad and we were talking about webinars, which are meetings over the Internet. I said that I wanted to do a webinar. Jeff was curious how that would be done since I had no voice.That is when he learned about the software on my computer that would speak for me once the information is typed. He wanted to see how it worked, so the next day we went up to my room and I demonstrated the SpeechPro. He was impressed. What I did, was copy and paste one of the articles I had written about the Gateway to Wealth conference. Jeff liked what he heard.Those comments along with the flexibility of the SpeechPro, has now turned into a Webinar that Jeff and I are going to schedule. The topic will be overcoming challenges and excelling because you decided that is what you want. Currently we are in the process of working on the format, content, and logistics of the Webinar that is going to be held soon.Lesson #3 you never know when an opportunity is going to show up.It is now Sunday and the last day of the conference. I have met many people using my note pad primarily, recognize by attendees, and talk to many of them. Today one of the featured speakers is Jeff. I knew he was going to mention something about me because he asked if I would mind if he did.He is up on stage, building steam and momentum on the topic, take responsibility and seize the opportunity that is available to all of us, and then for about 5 minutes he talks about me not having a voice and being at the conference and we are going to do a webinar together. It did surprise me with what he said, and then points me out in the crowd!All eyes are on me for a second and I am thinking, this is surreal. Remember that my first concerns were would I be able to communicate and relate to people. Jeff starts to wrap up his talk of about 1 hour, and again refers to me and my situation. The results were after the talk, I am now a recognized. Some want to talk, many give you that, "so you are that guy" look. Another thing I noticed is that when eye contact is made and I was walking or standing talking to others, people would smile.It did make me feel good, and it also raised expectations as well. If there was someone I wanted to talk to, it was easier because of the recognition. I was also aware of the caution to engage in a conversation by some. It reminded me again, it is my responsibility to eliminate the barrier of communicating and to help the person feel comfortable enough to engage in a conversation. It is important to keep in mind that my situation is different, and folks don't always know how to respond to different.The conference ended around 7 that evening. I was able to have a final conversations with all the leaders and staff. It was a new experience. I gave a testimonial about a mastermind group session that was held Saturday night. I had my portable communicating device with me, typed out my impression and gave my testimonial on camera.Lesson #4 Seize the moment.You cannot be afraid to try doing new things; do not put limitations on yourself.This turned out to be a terrific weekend. It was full of surprises, challenges, and memories that will stay with me for a long time. I am a blessed person.
