My dad was a salesman. He regularly left home on two-week missions to sell more of his “electronic gizmos” in order to pay the mortgage for a home large enough to house my mother and their seven children. I was #2 and I remember those days like it was yesterday. “Mike,” you say, “who cares?” Stay tuned… I am talking to you. My dad loved to fly and he loved his work. Based on our comfortable living conditions while growing up in a big house that was open 24/7 to all shape and size kids, and their friends, he was a successful salesman. Back then, flying used to be an exciting proposition. I suspect that another reason he enjoyed traveling so much had something to do with that 24/7 thing. But that’s just my guess. That being said, he liked meeting people and was nimble on his feet. He whistled a lot. He was a happy man who loved his work and his family.
On the Road
I too became a salesman when I grew up and I also took to ‘the road.’ As time passed, however, the excitement of lining up like beef going to slaughter while marching down a hot or cold ramp into a cramped, hard, pre-selected seat became less attractive. The risk of sitting next to a crying baby or some grumpy old codger became a real mood buster. The mere thought of another crowded airport filled with self-absorbed rude people found a way to ‘harsh my buzz.’ I found myself walking toward Gate 42, dreaming of employment behind a hot dog wagon repeating with a lilt in my voice, “You want mustard with your dogs? Will Pepsi do? Yes, it is a nice day. Have yourself a good one? Who’s next?”
The ‘Business Trip’
Well, it’s that time again. Time to hit the road. I’m heading for the airport soon on another ‘Business Trip.’ But as time works wonders, I have re-developed my mindset and am actually looking forward to this trip. Honest. By the good fortune of the CBF, (competitive business fairies,) I have been given the opportunity to do some good in this over-populated, over-congested, over-technical, over-self-absorbed, over-stressed, over-weight, over-worked, presumably under-paid, (except if you are a professional athlete; then you are over-paid) world of ours. I have an opportunity to make a difference in this stress-filled world. Not by appearing as a judge on American Idol but by bumping into hundreds of people along the way, and sharing a little bit of “joy” with them.
‘Golden’ Opportunities
This isn’t just another business trip. It is a GO (golden opportunity) to spread the benefits of a happy attitude to many who might have forgotten what one looks like and feels like. And the good news is that I do not have to pay anything extra to pack my wares. A smile, a good word, and some sincere eye contact are all it will take. It is amazing how a simple tweak in one’s thinking can make such a huge difference in one’s attitude. “Lookout airport people… here I come. Lookout world… likewise.” Just think about it. I will soon be in the presence of baggage handlers, counter personnel, gate attendants, flight attendants, waiters and waitresses, hotel concierges, jitney drivers, maids, policemen and women, military travelers, and I hesitate to mention a “barkeep” or two. In each case, there is a small chance that ‘the boy originally from New Jersey’ can bring some laughter, appreciation, joy, and interest into their ordinary, day-after-day, same-ole, same-ole existence.
Making a Difference
How cool is that? How important is that? On this ‘business trip’ I will be in a position to make a difference. And the good news is that I don’t have to be anything but me. No role-playing. No “let’s pretend.” Just a little levity when the situation calls for it and polite candor when called for. I once said, “Oh ^&$^! I have to take another business trip.” Now I say, “Oh boy! I get to take another business trip.” I am sure my father saw these opportunities the very same way, and I am betting it had something to do with his whistling.
Mike Marchev is always looking for a few more proactive travel professionals to join his Sales and Marketing Club, mike@mikemarchev.com.
*** You want more to think about? Check out my weekly podcast (Miked Up Marchev). Also listed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and iHeartRadio.
