Mentalsidewalk

I have been to so many conferences and events that I believed I had seen it all — from the greatest success to the worst chaos — but this particular show stood out from most. It touched my heart with some of the most valuable lessons I’ve ever learned.

As an attendee at a trade show, sometimes we don’t realize just how much organizational effort goes into creating such an event. The logistics involved in planning a gala dinner, scheduling educational seminars, setting up technological requirements, promoting the event, coordinating people… it’s just astounding!

And it takes a special group to work together to pull it off. Everyone involved needs to be organized, cooperative, and willing to go several extra steps beyond their job description to get things done effectively.

I was recently at a trade show for the Mortgage Brokers Association of British Columbia and was privileged to learn so much more than I ever expected. Besides the industry knowledge that I went there for, I had the opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes. Not only that, but I saw the generous, human side of many people I met.

Over the course of the weekend, I identified 5 Business Lessons to Live By as demonstrated by the Board and volunteers who planned the event:

1. Help Others Succeed

The warmth of Joanne Vickery, VP Co-Chair Media relations, the stunning and elegant MC for the conference, especially made everyone feel like they were a valued part of a very supportive network.

Most of the men and women involved in the trade show can technically consider themselves in competition with the others. Yet no one behaved as if the others were the enemy to be defeated. They treated each other as friends and colleagues who were there to help and be helped. Each person’s contribution helped the industry to grow and everyone could benefit. Success was a group effort.

2. Share the Credit For Success with Others

At one point, as the conference was winding down, I was speaking with Joe Santos, the Chair of the MBABC, and I remarked on how great the show had been. His response was, “I cannot take the credit; it was everyone else on the board that made this happen.” He could have simply accepted the compliment, yet he chose to share the accolades with his team and acknowledge their contribution.

3. Fill the Gaps With Your Strengths

A team is built on the individual strengths of each member.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Meini Ickert, the Co-Chair Media relations, for a few years now. He is well respected throughout the industry and as I watched him in action, I could understand why. Meini has the rare gift of recognizing where his strengths are most beneficial to the group and he uses them there, whether it’s part of his job or not. He made it his priority to fill in the gaps so the whole unit remained strong.

4. Smile Through It All

Another organizer, Rob Regan-Pollock, the Co-Chair of Education, was remarkable in his ability to maintain equilibrium. No matter what unexpected events occurred, he dealt with them calmly and his quiet confidence affected others around him. Case in point: During one of the presentations, a laptop refused to cooperate (as technology often does) but that didn’t phase Rob one bit. He maintained his composure long past the point where others would have lost it. He fixed the problem while occasionally cracking jokes to relieve the tension. Rob has the gift of serenity and he used it to benefit the team in situations that could have easily escalated into crises. And he did it all with a smile on his face.

5. Show Dedication To Each Other And The Industry

With their individual strengths and diverse talents, each member of the board has one trait in common — dedication to each other and to the industry. Not one of these people placed their own wants above the needs of the group as a whole.

I’m sure that all these men and women involved in organizing the trade show are fiercely competitive with one another once they get back to their offices, but in the context of sharing and learning from each other, everyone is capable of giving and receiving knowledge and expertise so critical to the success of all.

5 Business Lessons to Live By:

1. Help Others Succeed
2. Share The Credit For Success With Others
3. Fill The Gaps With Your Strengths
4. Smile Through It All
5. Show Dedication To Each Other And The Industry