I participated in a terrific event last week at one of our client centers in New Jersey. The United Way held a fundraiser at Colonial Bowling and Entertainment. Carl Banks of NY Giants Fame had a 1 game bowl-off with Hollis Thomas a past player for the Philadelphia Eagles. I got to be the coach and I am happy to report that Mr. Banks was incredibly coach-able and he won! The players interacted with the crowd and the United Way was pleased with the event.
Next time I’m pushing for the Jersey Girls I know to be the competitors in an event like this. The Dorin Sisters and Kelly Kulick could have put on a show that would have really jazzed the crowd! (Just my opinion but those Female Bowling Greats can expect my call in the spring!)
So what does that have to do with an elevator ride? Let me get to it. Obviously when I travel I usually stay in a hotel. Last week I stayed at a very nice Marriott in downtown Trenton, NJ. I’m always paying attention to service and to people. This location was a business class hotel with a lot of meeting rooms; and I could tell by the badges that most people were wearing that there were several conferences going on.
On the day I arrived, I checked in and headed to the elevator to get to my third floor room. (Yes I take the stairs but NOT with my luggage). Several people got on to the elevator. Two folks were visiting with one another and seemed like they had been in the same class. As they stepped off the elevator on floor two, I thought I heard the guy in the back of the elevator say, “Stay Positive.” I wasn’t sure that’s what he said. It had that familiar ring of , “have a good day.”
I noticed that his badge had a ribbon that said “speaker”. So then I was sure he must have said “Stay Positive.” My curiosity was peaked and I had to know more about him. I assumed he had probably delivered a rousing motivational keynote speech and was in the after glow of a great day. So of course I ask him, “what did you speak about today?” To my surprise is wasn’t very sexy at all. It was something to do with housing. I wondered how a presentation on housing could be motivational and positive. And then…
The elevator reached my floor and as I stepped off, you guessed it, he said, “Stay Positive.” It must have just been my day. I smiled all the way to the room and have been invoking that spirit of positivity since. I wonder if that guy has any idea how influential he his? He was very intentional with his message; and I just found it so much more meaningful than, “have a nice day.” What do you say when people exit the elevator? What kind of cool salutations could we come up with that might inspire others?
