Who's got talent?

I’m gonna admit something here that will surprise some people.  I have never seen even a full episode of any of those “make me a star shows” like The Voice,  American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, etc.  I know, probably lame, but I don’t have time for that stuff.  BUT, I have watched ONE full episode of America’s Got Talent.  Why?  Because it’s variety and some of the stuff that night was really cool! 

That’s what we need in Travel.  Who’s got talent?  Who’s got the next big thing?  I think PhoCusWright does a nice job of showcasing some of the hot and upcoming trends, but nothing seems to stick and be that NEXT BIG THING.  I want our industry to produce the next Carrie Underwood of Travel.  She can rock with the best of them and meet the needs of 70 year olds in the crowd.  She’s talented, well rounded and can be accepted by most people in the music industry.  THAT’s what we are looking for.  Maybe it’s a person, maybe it’s a thing, maybe it’s a new way to do the same old same old, maybe it’s a new idea or product. 

I know that personally I continue to try to push the envelope in every conversation.  Get people to see things differently and think about things in another light.  Maybe, just maybe, it will be conversations like that that produce the NEXT BEST THING.  One can only hope…in the meantime, we keep going! 

When speed matters

Having my home airport as Fargo, ND, things like TSA Pre-Check are not always available, but trust, when available, they are worth every penny! 

I traveled home from China two weeks ago to find the customs line in O'Hare nearly meeting me at the gate.  Luckily, I bit the bullet last year, made the appointment for Global Entry and voila...I was on my way.  Within in minutes, I was rocking through the line, claiming my bag and off to re-check it!  

After rechecking my bag, I had to get back through security to catch my connection home.  Thankfully, the TSA Pre-Check line in O'Hare was ready and waiting for me.  So, off I go to stand in a line, but a MUCH shorter line than the others. 

Later in the night, I saw someone who was on the same flight with me from China.  He mentioned that it took him an 1:20 (one hour and twenty minutes) to clear customs and another 30 minutes to get back through security.  That's almost two HOURS of someone's time and energy.  I would guess all in, I waited about 20 minutes. 

The moral of the story, jump on the chance for both programs.  Sure, the Global Entry interview took time and effort (I had to drive 80 miles for the interview) but it was worth it.  In this crazy world, its all about the experience and my experience was tenfold better than the guy who had 2 hours he will never get back!  With ease and efficiency, I keep going. 

A line I sometimes cross....

It’s taken me a while to put pen to paper on this, but the time is now.  There is a line out there between supplier and buyer and I, proudly, cross it at times. 

If you become a trusted supplier, I get to know things about you.  I ask about your Dad who is ill or who has recently had surgery.  I ask about your kids and applaud their recent dance recital or sports win.  I ask about your vacation and plans for the upcoming holiday.  I am friends with you on Facebook and connect with you on Linked In. 

Does this mean that when it’s time to chat about strategy, savings and expectations that I back down?  NO!  Does it mean that when we talk, I trade insider secrets or give you the inside track on how to get more business?  NO!  Does it mean that when it’s time for business, it’s all business?  YES! 

Last week, the world lost a great person, a great supplier and to me, a wonderful friend.  She and I had an interesting bond.  We joked that when we were together in a room or on a call, we thought better.  We played off each other’s ideas and pushed the other to think about things differently.  She is someone I crossed the line with because I wanted to know more about her, how she was doing and to encourage her in her battle with cancer.  When I got the call about her passing, I wept, not because I lost a trusted supplier, I lost a friend.

So, yes, I cross that line at times but I won’t apologize for it.  God’s speed my friend and know that you are missed everyday!  While crossing that line, I will also, keep going.