A Lesson in Communication Aboard the Airport Shuttle

Numerous Airport Shuttles run nonstop between San Francisco International and the various hotels in the immediate surrounding area. The shuttle serving my hotel also served two others. It works something like this............

You hop on the shuttle and the driver asks where you're going. You respond with something like Delta, United, American when going to the airport and Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Marriott when leaving the airport. Pretty simple, right?

So we pull up to the Embassy Suites; woman hops on, driver asks where she is going and she says "The Airport." She continues to walk onto the bus while the driver pauses. I couldn't tell whether he was amused, annoyed or confused but the pause and stare were priceless. He then asked her what airline. "Oh, of course, {pause}, Southwest."

Next stop was the Holiday Inn Express. Driver opens the door, man hops on and drivers asks "What airline?" Guess the woman taught him!

But seriously, how many times have we said something, knowing what we meant, but our words were misinterpreted.

Rich's #1 rule of communication: Assume people know nothing, nada, zero, zilch!

When An Opportunity Arises Go For It.......................

Took 20 hours to get home from San Francisco yesterday; I think I got home from South Africa faster.

The plane was grounded in Cincinnati; it had a dent and the maintenance people were trying to determine if the aircraft was air worthy. The pilot and co-pilot were in the terminal with the passengers and I was chatting with the two of them about the "dent."

But then I had an idea....................I thought I would offer them my cost savings idea from yesterday's post. (read that first before you go any further.)

So I shared my skinny people thoughts and Co-Pilot Jason responds in all seriousness, "Well the problem with that is there is only one seat belt in each seat."

I guess he didn't get it. Or he has no sense of humor. Or he is stupid. Or he was trying to be funny? I was more worried about him flying me home than the dent!

My idea to keep the airlines in business.

I arrived at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday morning to find that my flight was overbooked by 18 people. Weather forecast for New England was not good Saturday and Sunday; so I hedged my bet that I would still get home by Christmas and took a bump - Delta was oh so VERY GENEROUS with their offer for me to spend the weekend. (I figured it was better than getting stuck in Salt Lake City at my expense)

While standing in the terminal I noticed these two anorexic looking women and it became oh so very clear how the airlines could get out of this oversold position.................................

Let Skinny People Share Seats.

Hey, if obese people are buying two seats, why not? I think this could work.

If you have a direct link to a decision maker at one of the airlines please give them the link to this post.

Why do people in airports look so unhappy?

Next time you’re in an airport take a look around, not a whole lot of people smiling. Take a look at those faces; no smiles and too many mean stern looks. Scowls are abundant too. I just don’t get it?

The way I look at it people in airports are:

• going home to their kids!
• going to see a loved one!
• getting away from crazy family!
• going on vacation!
• visiting an old friend!
• going to a meeting which gives them money in their pocket!
• Going to a conference or convention with networking and education opportunities!
  

Okay, so maybe there are some inconveniences; like security, delays and cramped seats; and I am sure there are people who just got dumped or are going to a funeral, but statistically there has got to be more good going on than bad.

And it's not just the airport; take a look around your office; watch people walking through the halls or sitting at their desks. Count the happy faces; then count the sad, scorned and scowled looks. And when you're done prepare a PowerPoint presentation of your results and offer it to HR as an opportunity for boosting morale.

Or make your life easy; just do what I do and start a conversation with people.

Think Inside the Globe, Not Outside the Box

For the past 19 years I have sent a picture holiday card to my friends. It started out as my retaliation for all the picture Christmas cards I was getting of every one's kids; but now it's become fun and something my friends and family look forward to; around October they usually start asking me if I took the picture yet. And if I forget to send it to someone or it gets lost....... people are actually crazed.

I tell you though, I really applaud folks who have to come up with creative ideas all the time; I only have to do it once a year and I get all stressed out over it.

So I made a little video of the making of this years card. I've been thinking about doing this for two years; I finally did it. The picture you see at the end is the one that went to print!

Enjoy! Share it with your friends. And don't forget, creativity keeps organizations thriving.

8 year olds at a bar! Now that's what I call breaking rules!

When I went down to the hotel bar last night for dinner, the last thing I expected to see was a bunch of 8 year olds taking up bar stools. But they were.

And the bartender was serving them!

Let me back up.....

There was an ice storm Thursday night. 350,000 people were without power and when they were told that their power "might" be restored by Monday; they headed for the nearest hotel rooms. I suspected something was up when I arrived and the registration line was about 20 people deep.

The hotel was understaffed and in no way ready for this; but everyone was patient. There was lots of laughter and camaraderie; the type of behavior that "refugees" often exhibit when faced with tough times.

I checked in to my room and decided to go down to eat some dinner; and that is when I noticed young children seated at the bar - being served. Food, of course.

Now as far as I know, a minor at a bar is illegal, and I am sure that many a liquor license law was being broken; but the hotel team did not seem to care. They were trying to turn a tough time into something better for people in turmoil (and a recession into an economic opportunity for them). No one seemed cranky, upset or mad. Okay, one person made a derogatory comment about kids taking up seats at the bar. Of course I immediately thought where is the camera when I need it.

Now I am not going to share the hotel or the state I was in, because there is always some idiot that won't see what the hotel did as a good thing, but will slap their hand or slap them with a fine; but it goes back to something I write and talk about with all my audiences. Breaking a rule at times for the right reasons is good - very good. Last night was one of those times.

I decided not to take a seat at the bar; there were young kids looking hungry and cranky. I talked with some folks in the hall, let a few kids turn my propeller and went back to my room. I called for a pizza and watched DVD's of episodes of Batman from the 1960's. It was a good night for everyone!

Recessions Lead To Truths, Lies and Mixed Messages

The other day I was having a conversation with a local real estate agent. He told me his business is booming. A little later on in the conversation he mentioned he was going to take on a second job doing some catering with a friend since nothing is going on. I'm confused; business is booming and you need a second job?

A colleague of mine says she is booked solid in 2009, but she's not attending a holiday event with her peers - it costs too much. I'm again confused.

The postmaster at my local post office just told me things we booming for the USPS; that was a week ago. This morning he told me that the post office is looking at cutting the hours of smaller offices; seems that business is bad at the US Post Office and has been for a while. I'm confused.

Are these lies? Are these mixed messages? Is it wishful thinking? Do people not know what they are talking about? Are people just trying to impress others?

Well with all this nonsense going on I have made a decision................

The only people I am listening to these days are the ones who are telling me things are tough, getting tough, or have been tough for a while. I think they may be the only ones telling the truth.

Save Time Baking Holiday Cookies this year!

What, you really need a recipe?

Okay, visit http://richdigirolamo.com/holidaycookies.html

I thought the opening act was better than the headline

Last night I went to see Comedian Brian Regan. His opening act was another comedian - Joe Bolster.

I thought Joe Bolster was funnier.

Well in the 15 hours that have elapsed since last night two people have lashed out at me for saying this. They think Brian Regan is the funniest man on earth. Okay, I'm glad; and he was funny. I just thought the other guy was funnier. And it is not like I said Brian sucked!

It's kinda like when I speak to an audience; some people like me more than the other speakers; some people like me less than the others. sometimes my blend of fun and motivation in a keynote or breakout session is what they're looking for; other times it is not. I'm not offended. People's tastes are different. I think this would be an awful planet if we all liked the same things.

There are times when we are not on our game or have an off day; and this doesn't just apply to people who are speakers, performers or entertainers. The waiter has a bad day. The secretary has a bad day. The football player has a bad day. And if you're the chairman of GM, Chrysler or Ford you're having lots of bad days that could perhaps be leading to less than stellar performances. Or maybe people just like the other product better?

In the end, the only thing that matters is your opinion; and don't let anyone change it.

So............ for my two colleagues who think I should be nailed to a rafter; I really liked Brian Regan; I just liked Joe Bolster better.

I have an "Opportunity" for you sales and marketing types

Years ago my friend wanted to share a great "opportunity" with me. She wouldn't tell me what it was all about, but invited me to a meeting to learn about the "opportunity." I declined; figuring it was Amway. I was wrong. It was NuSkin; same thing.

A couple of years ago my friend Sherry called me to tell me about an "opportunity" she just couldn't let me miss out on. She avoided my direct questions about what network marketing or pyramid scheme it was about. I scolded her; giving her a piece of my mind; telling her don't pull that "opportunity" crap on me. I;m your friend I said to her. Tell me what you're up to; let me be excited for you and let me ask my own questions. Don't sell me.

Today I was offered an "opportunity" to contribute a chapter to a leadership book. The offer came from a stranger. I shot off an email cutting to the chase, knowing that she really didn't want a contribution and asked what this "opportunity" was going to cost. I received a reply avoiding my question. I sent her an email thanking her for the "opportunity."

I would like to offer a real "opportunity" to sales and marketing people - an "opportunity" for you to remove the label sleazy from your name - and it is a free opportunity...............

Be Honest and Up Front about what you're looking for.