Over 20 years ago, I lived in Charlotte, N.C. and worked at a local Wal-Mart. Most days were of no consequence and fairly mundane. My job did give me the opportunity to meet many different people from all walks of life. There is one day in particular that I want to share with you which taught me a lesson that I have remembered all these years. It has to do with being distracted by shiny objects and examples of false perception.
I was filling in for a cashier on break when I started to hear a buzz rising through the store. You know what I mean? You hear people whispering to each other and then the voices get more excited and louder. Then, to my amazement, standing before me were Charlotte Hornet’s
players: Muggsy Bogues and Dell Curry. For those who don’t know, the Charlotte Hornet’s are the cities basketball team.
Now I’m not a huge basketball fan but, living in Charlotte, I knew who these two men were. I was a little start struck for a moment as I watched others huddle around them asking for autographs and trying to get their attention. The longer I watched, the more interested I became in their behavior.
When I think back, I try to give them the benefit of the doubt and wonder were they just having a bad day. It’s possible. To the best of my recollection, Mr. Curry was polite and had an excellent disposition the entire time they were in the store. Mr. Bogues, on the other hand, was quite rude and ‘short’ towards his fans.
As I said, maybe it was just a bad day. Since it was my one and only experience with them, I have nothing to compare it to. What I do know is that day had an impact on me. I have remembered it for over 20 years. It reminds me to not judge people based on their position, title or notoriety. People are just people and everyone is fallible.
Distracted – Shiny Objects
Now you must be wondering what this has to do with marketing or building a business online. When we first start learning how to work online, we come across many so-called ‘Gurus’ and ‘Experts’. They all promise you they have the answer you’ve been looking for….today only! just $199.97!