Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend Memorial Day weekend is my second big soccer weekend of the year. For the 21st time, I spent the weekend in Dayton working the Warrior Classic--the largest 3-day tournament in the country. About 525 teams this year. I did 5 games (U17 and U16 girls) on Saturday and was able to get up and move Sunday to do 4 more (U16 boys and U14 boys semifinal). Yes, I could still walk Monday (but slowly). Heard of a couple of 3-ejection games at our complex, but my games were great. The best part was seeing at least four guys I've taught (all about 20 years old) take on tough games and succeed. It's great to be able to help a new generation mature and learn a skill. I've gone as far as I can, now I'm trying to get a couple of people from my area into the ranks of the MLS level. Have a couple of potentials. I can teach the basics and introduce them to the next level. Then it's up to them. Speaking of passing things on to a new generation, taught my nephew about Twitter (see http://www.twitter.com/garymintchell). Now watch a bunch of Urbana high school boys hit "IM on steroids." This afternoon I'm heading to Atlanta. I'll be getting a series of briefings. Hope to get some insights to help me develop my 2009 plans. Thursday afternoon, I'll be moderating another Automation World Webcast, sponsored by Bosch Rexroth on motion safety. The speakers are interesting. Should be good. If you're in the US, hope your Memorial Day weekend was a good one. Summer's officially here, I guess. 7:47:28 AM    comment []

Listening Just saw this post of Doc Searles. It is great advice for us all--especially writers and salespeople. Don't know how many sales people I have made calls with who didn't listen to their clients. Seems fundamental to me. What deaf people can teach us about listening. The short version:   Look people in the eye. Donâo[dot accent]t interrupt. Say what you mean, as simply as possible. When you donâo[dot accent]t understand something, ask. Stay focused. Iâo[dot accent]d call all that common sense, if it were more commonly applied. Including by me. Just saw this post of Doc Searles. It is great advice for us all--especially writers and salespeople. Don't know how many sales people I have made calls with who didn't listen to their clients. Seems fundamental to me. What deaf people can teach us about listening. The short version:   Look people in the eye. Donâo[dot accent]t interrupt. Say what you mean, as simply as possible. When you donâo[dot accent]t understand something, ask. Stay focused. Iâo[dot accent]d call all that common sense, if it were more commonly applied. Including by me. 7:35:36 AM    comment []