Last week my team and I flew to Dallas for the Showpower Expo, which was hosted by Transmission Digest and Undercar Digest. We also participated in the APRA Volume Transmission Remanufacturing Group meeting and plant tours of AER Manufacturing and Bishop International.
I snapped a few photos at Bishop because I had never seen anything quite so crazy.
Check out this core mountain:
On the surface, it looks like a big pile of junk. To a scrapper, it looks like gold.
It got me thinking. How many piles of junk do I walk by without giving them a second thought? And, since I was at a tradeshow, how many times have I looked at the tradeshow calendar in my office and thought “Ehhh, it’s probably not worth going to that one”?
Finding opportunity is about perspective.
It’s about attitude.
It’s about mindset.
It’s about willingness.
And, it’s about not telling yourself something is not worth your time.
If you show up at a conference thinking that it’s a waste of time, you’ll find all the evidence to prove yourself right.
There are opportunities everywhere around you. There are new vendors, new suppliers, new customers, new products, new partners, new people, new ideas, and new ways to improve your business right in front of your face.
I’ve been to nearly every automotive aftermarket tradeshow and conference for the past ten years. Sometimes, I wonder if it’s worth it anymore. Maybe I already know everything. Maybe I already know everyone. Sometimes I go just to prove that I’m still alive or that I’m still in business.
This time at Showpower, however, I was reminded of why shows, conferences, and meetings are well worth the time and the money. Not only did the MD Publications team do a tremendous job of packing in valuable presentations and trainings, but they also created an environment in which we were encouraged to network, rub elbows, hobnob, and whatnot. I met a dozen new people that I can do business with. I found a new product line that ETE REMAN will begin distributing in May. I ran into a few old friends that shared a few new ideas with me. And, I got my fill of industry insight and information. Information that I can use to help make strategic decisions at my company.
I am happy that I went. Which makes me wonder, how much have I missed over the years?
Several years ago I stumbled upon an audio recording of one of the most influential speeches I have ever heard. I have since listened to it at least once each month. My wife thinks I’m nuts. But she loves my attitude when I’m done listening to it each time. And, she loves the money I make because of it.
You can access a full transcription for free from American Rhetoric’s Top 100 speeches.
Or, you can buy the best audio version by Charlie Tremendous Jones.
Read Acres of Diamonds. Buy an audio copy. Listen to it often. Give it to your friends, colleagues, and family. Give it to your boss or your staff. Just hide it from your competition!
Now, get out there and find your diamonds. They’re at the next tradeshow. They’re at the networking event you’re planning on skipping. They’re in your backyard, they’re at your feet, and they’re in front of your face.
Are you looking for them? Are you willing to see them?
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