CBOF - OVER!

The Chicago Business Opportunity Fair was a wonderful success. Kudos to WCIU for sending such a wonderful team to the Fair for interviews with minority firms and corporations. PHEW! Allstate was interviewed so that should satisfy them. And the interview went well and the piece was well produced. I also give credit to WCIU for entrusting an intern with the interview and assignment. She was awesome and even handled pressure with poise when an interviewer ran off, accidentally, with the microphone still affixed to his collar. She didn't panic and, despite the lost time, was able to get all of her interviews.

Be kind and humble

Kindness pays. Went to Lexington and was picked up at the airport. Saw a fellow AKA and gave her a ride as well. She didn't know I was a VIP but she showed up in my workshop and was taken aback. She said I should have told her I was a VSG (Very Special Guest.) My humility impressed her. I could have boasted but she found out through another route when I was introduced. She gave me the loudest applause. There's a lesson in there somewhere.

Support your friends/associates

Attended Emilie McKendall's launch of her television show, "Emilie and Friends." It is a TV version of her popular radio show. First guest was Tom Burrell, author of the insightful book Brainwashed. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon that was both educational and informative. It was great to see new friends and to hear the provocative interchange.

Emilie McKendall is one of my favorite folks from forever. I had a lot to do Saturday but was there for my friend.

Great week in Birmingham - BE PREPARED

Always be prepared! Went to Birmingham to ASSIST with a workshop and the person who was supposed to do it was unprepared.

I had to step in and talk for 90 minutes -- OFF THE CUFF!

Everyone enjoyed it but I was sweating bullets. But I know my stuff and pulled it off.

Moral to that story: BE PREPARED -- you never know when you'll have to step up.

Networking

Attending a networking function at a local club tonight and going to the Publicity Club of Chicago luncheon on Wednesday. Remember to incorporate networking into your business MO. And, occasionally review the organizations you support. Determine if there's a Return on Investment.

If not, drop it and channel your money to something else.

Review events, organizations and folks you support every six months and make those determinations.

Who to Pay First...and fast

Always pay your auto mechanic, plumber, snow removal service and handyman FIRST and FAST.

During that monster snowstorm when folks couldn't get out of their houses, I moved around and was able to get to the office with no problem because I pay my snow remover...first and fast.

On that day, it reaped dividends.

Rest and Relaxation

Just back from St. Maarten. What a way to recharge, relax and reboot. Now I'm ready to conquer the world refreshed and revitalized. But, first, must catch up on the e-mails, snail mails and voice mails.

I'm tired from all of that!