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| Vol.3.80 | |
Basics in Barcelonaby Vince PoscenteAuthor of The Ant and the Elephant, Invinceable Principles and The Age of Speed Getting back to basics will help you get ahead as we all adapt to change that is fast AND furious (cheesy-action-movie-pun-intended). Last week I was in Barcelona speaking to an insurance company's top performers. It was interesting how much push back event organizers got from some senior leadership before the conference. But the meeting went ahead and top performers were rewarded with a very nice trip and substantive sessions. From the platform I made a point of congratulating them on forging ahead with the event when numerous companies were canceling theirs. Incentives, like this Barcelona trip, are a basic tool for generating sales production. But some companies are forgetting this. Moreover, because other corporations are canceling incentives for top sales people (predominantly due to perception, not budget concerns) this particular client will be remembered for being loyal when others dropped them like a blind date gone wrong. Sticking to basics applies everywhere at this time. On the ride into Barcelona I was warned, "Pickpockets are everywhere." I took the advice and promptly parked my wallet and valuables in the room safe. I have traveled to over 50 countries and have never been pickpocketed - until this trip. It was late and a group wanted to see March Madness at a local sports bar. Walking back, in a wide open plaza, a guy in his twenties came out of nowhere, waved tickets in front of my face, hooked his foot under my knee, jumped up and down and started saying tickets, dancing girls, dancing, dancing, dancing. Quickly he walked off and I remembered in a flash that I didn't stick to my "basics" plan. Basic Rule: Never put cash in your back pocket. As I padded my jeans I yelled out, "He's got my money." I took off after him but it turned out he could run faster scared than I could angry. In fact, about five guys all took off in different directions to confuse police if they were around. The pickpocket and two of his accomplices rounded a corner into a darker neighborhood and then I started to think, "how's this going to end?" I gave up the chase, resigned to the fact I'd become a 5'9" ATM machine. It was a $300 lesson in not slipping on the basics. If I ever go back to Barcelona I will have a wallet in my back pocket. This time it will be empty except for a two-word message written in Catalan and a picture featuring one finger in particular.
All sorts of things can happen in your life. Stick with the basics and you will thrive no matter what chaos and randomness surrounds you. Until next week it's full speed ahead,
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To offset the thievery, a couple nights later I was tucked away around a corner in the hotel lounge waiting for my ride to the airport. I ended up having a beer with Angus Young of AC/DC. The band had a concert that night and Angus was winding down. He was very gracious and a gentleman. The basics of being a celebrity I'd say. 