The Counsel of Trent

It's good that LinkedIn is not Facebook. Trent is not on Facebook. What do you need to know about the greatest connection? His emotional intelligence game is on point. Empathy emanates from his pores. The Red Hot Chili Peppers? What a great band. I think he and wife danced to Give it Away at their wedding.

Anyone who knows the Selbrede man of love knows that is ball breaking. While my father's teasing was tantamount to harassment: if I know where someone is coming from there is more leeway. Context is everything and our story begins with profile views.

I thought those were meaningless? Not when you read my articles and eventually connect. At the time he was one of the most viewed people in his company. Check him out. I have a little knowledge of the hotel industry. He has a lot. Over twenty years in the industry and he gives me a gift basket in a Federal Express box?

See, I work for UPS and- never mind. I came into his life through articles. Writing On LinkedIn In 2015 - A Retrospective might seem dated because half of Trent's articles reached Pulse channels. Pulse? What is that? I once reached the top of Pulse. That's like saying I appeared in a silent movie.

How do you know I didn't? Trent made the best comments and manifested The Pareto Principle by bringing new readers to my world. He made the list of Actual Influencers . Don't remember where.

Find people who inspire greater thought and cultivate a memory that creates a universe unto itself. Describing George Carlin's first heart attack occurring at a Dodgers game- I don't know who they were playing. There is five to one chance Fernando Valenzuela was pitching that game.

Trent had the revolutionary yet simple idea to take connection relationships to another level by calling others. I have my phone number in my profile and have received as many calls from interested parties as I have received booty calls. How many? Well, there was that time in Phoenix, carry the one and that wrong number that worked out? Zero.

One person I can talk to occasionally about non work related items means more than amassing one million followers. There is a tradition that I receive a call as Trent is heading to an awards dinner. He has many functions at Gordon Biersch. I never visited that chain and find it fascinating there is a drinking establishment with a name that sounds like one is slurring their speech.

Which is the fun I have at bars. Cultivating a relationship through comments inspired someone I never met to block me. I never said anything about this stranger. After giving me the death penalty? He hates me for my freedom.

This summer I decided it was time to revisit San Diego. Why not stay at the hotel Trent runs? He is the most sought after guest at #NoLongerVirtual although he has yet to make an appearance at one of these conferences.

Might see him next February. Might not. He would be welcome and appreciated. Work schedules as they are I have the opportunity to meet people in his extended network. I met Amy Blaschka through him and now have met her face to face. Same with Mike Johnson who was the unsung hero of the last conference.

Another story, another article. Traveling for my birthday is my favorite tradition. It has taken me to New York City, Singapore, San Francisco, Anchorage, Paris, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Amsterdam, Palm Springs, Sydney and now San Diego.

On previous trips to San Diego I was based in the Gaslamp Quarter. This time I was closer to the beaches. The Residence Inn Sorrento Valley is not in the center of everything. Anywhere you want to go is accessible by car.

Downtown San Diego is comparatively run down. The beaches are beautiful. In an article Trent mentioned he didn't like the beach. I referred to that in an early phone call. He said "How do you know that?" Well, when someone grows up in a coastal region and does not like the coast? It is memorable.

Isn't that what friends do? Recall previous information and elaborate to cultivate a relationship? I make it up as I go. There was no greeting upon my late arrival. There was a gift basket as previously stated and I was wished a happy eightieth birthday. I have lied about my age so long the actual number is meaningless.

It is not important. On my birthday itself we went to dinner. Not only did this prove he isn't a fake profile: he knew what happened at No Longer Virtual. When we sat down he said "That seat is reserved." It wasn't funny in February when I tried sitting with friends. As satire? Very funny.

Which brings me to the comfort zone. Conferences are supposed to take you out of your comfort zone. When I was yelled at while trying to make conversation? What is Your Zapruder Film? That was scrutinized by Trent. I repeat myself while resolving issues. Our dinner was very nice. It began at happy hour and lasted longer than expected.

No one used excessive force. While I described some events in No Laura Virtual I also mentioned who was a one hundred percenter. If I call someone out negatively: articles are found and many comment that I am a jerk. When I mention someone does well? Crickets. Trent might have invented the one hundred percent engagement some have.

Anyone can do it. He may not write articles any longer (if he has something to say, he posts) and that book on empathy has not been completed. I am no one to talk about unfinished manuscripts.

There are two types of people you should never forget. The ones who kick you when you are down and the ones who uplift you even if no one is looking. With a strong network (another lesson from his father whom I wish I could have met) Trent avoided the long periods of unemployment that derailed my life right before we met.

From first hand experience I saw how engaged and inspired his employees were. Chances are they would have done well on their own. When work is appreciated there is no limit to what others can accomplish. Twenty-four hundred miles may separate Trent and myself. That doesn't mean there is anyone more valuable or important. Every individual has strengths.

They also have weaknesses. Don't dwell on those. Others may rise up and add other elements. If you meet one thousand people with one thousand individual strengths you will lead a very good life. Even if you meet one? It only takes one. Don't worry about the silly person who blocked me or the one whom I had to block. He since has blocked Trent and has no place in polite society.

Gone and forgotten. I'll close 2018 by stating you should empathize with Trent. He doesn't understand most of my references. He admitted not knowing most of the farewell albums in Not to Be Taken Away. He may not understand everything I say. He goes along for the ride. I may never be a top voice. No one has ever invited me to appear on a podcast and they probably won't. You may never find a job on LinkedIn. I found Trent and there is nothing more I could ask for. Even when you don't have expectations they can be exceeded.