Some Random Thoughts

A few ideas occurred to me over the weekend for blog posts but none are big enough for a full post.

Isn’t it funny when the things you “don’t have time for”, suddenly become the most important things you have to do? For example, in January I offered to introduce Friend A to Friend B because Friend A was unsure about his job situation, and could use the advice and contacts of Friend B. Friend A was too busy to pick up the phone in January, but last week he lost his job and suddenly talking to Friend B was the most important item on his agenda. Like the lifeboats on the Titanic, he went from an afterthought to a critical necessity in a blink.

I find nothing as boring as listening to someone drone on about their theories on nutrition, and why this one ingredient will lengthen/shorten my life. Why do they spend so much time worrying about what they put into their bodies and so little thinking about what they put into their minds?

Woody Allen’s quote that showing up is 80% of life[1] is probably in need of an update. I think that maybe 80% of life is simply replying, even if only to say “thank you”, or even “Sorry, I’m not interested.”

Some industries overly complicate their critical success factors. The Miami Dolphins account manager who was trying to get me to renew my season tickets for a 28^th season was talking at length about the wonderful marketing improvements they’re making for this season. I told him sports marketing is not that difficult: just win a few more games. (It’s like my formula for air travel: as long as the number of takeoffs and landings are equal, everything else is just details.)

I have to end on a positive note. John Spence is always saying that you become who you surround yourself with, and it’s clear that he lives what he preaches. I had the privilege of attending his 50^th birthday party last Saturday night, and I was blown away by the smart, dynamic and caring friends who showed up. It was an honor and a pleasure to be there.