Todd's Results Chart and BlackBerry - 2011
Learn the purpose behind the chart and the Blackberry.

 

Ah-Ha! Moment – My firm has hosted an annual reception every year since 1999! These twelve all shared similar venues – typically, a hotel or an upscale restaurant – a variety of food and beverages, and a very short welcome by me. We have hewed to our formula because it always worked well for us. Our guests enjoy themselves and always compliment us on the food, location, and wonderful conversations.

When my Manager of Business Development proposed two venues for our 2011 reception – a hotel and an historic home – I was nervous. I had never noticed the Weir-Jordan House (also referred to as the Women's Club, the house's owner) before, so we visited it one bright sunlit afternoon. Frankly, I was skeptical – things creaked, the main room looked plain and barren, and the bathrooms were those of a home, not a hotel or restaurant. It was very...different. Nonetheless, I really liked the energy and professionalism of the caterer, and trusted my manager's recommendation, so I said "Yes, we'll go with this," and worked out details on food, room layout, and decor.

Finally, the big day came, and I was REALLY impressed with how things looked! The main room was now homey and warm, with soft lighting for the evening, cabaret tables draped with orange and brown organza fabric and topped with candle lanterns, and a nicely arranged buffet line. And that's when I "got it" – the main room's strength was "her" versatility. "She" was a talented actress who could play any desired character!

Artist Bill Mangum planned to attend this year's reception, so I asked if he would be willing to bring his 2011 Honor Card painting – now in its 24th year – to the reception for a "private viewing," and he most graciously did. Guests began to arrive, and all the firm members made them feel welcome and comfortable. Several guests, when learning I was Treasurer of Greensboro Urban Ministry (GUM), commented that it was the "crown jewel of Greensboro." Knowing my likely guests for the evening, I added some extra touches to my comments:

  • I welcomed everyone and recounted the significant benefits we had brought to seven clients in the room that evening.
  • I then introduced Mike Aiken, Executive Director of GUM, to the group and thanked him and GUM for truly being a "crown jewel" for our city.
  • I finally introduced Bill to the group, and he told the true story of Bonnie Harris, the woman depicted in his painting.
  • Mike thanked Bill for his generosity in donating an original painting annually, and thanked my firm for sponsoring the CROP Hunger Walk and the Honor Card for many years.

The outcome of all this? We had our BEST firm reception EVER!! People were gushing over the warmth and coziness of Weir-Jordan House, raving about the food (at least 6 people wanted Stacy Street to cater THEIR next dinner party or event), and thanking all the firm members for generously promoting and supporting GUM.

The lesson learned? Shaking things up can be risky – and can also turn out really well!

Todd

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This monthly series is Todd's continuing journey of "Intentional Reality" through the process of personal accountability. What's at stake? Todd's BlackBerry.

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