My Stunningly True and Insane Business Stories
In my 25 years as an entrepreneur and CEO, I have come to savor the unexpectedly surreal world of business.?
Here are three experiences which are true, insane, and random.?With the Labor Day holiday weekend upon us, I thought the timing was right to share.?Are you ready??Let’s do this.
Story #1:?The Sweat Box.?In 1996, my fledgling company was hired to provide public relations by a satellite communications provider called IDB Mobile Communications.?This was my first-ever PR retainer and I was gung-ho to get rolling.?
I arrived early for the kick-off meeting with the CEO and Marketing VP, and decided to walk up four flights to their office.?After accidentally locking myself in the stairwell (in mid-July) I arrived late to the meeting drenched in perspiration.?Thankfully, everyone understood and laughed about my sweaty situation.???????
Story #2:?Rumble on the Metro.?In the early 2000s post 9/11, physical security companies were on fast growth trajectories.?I scored a breakfast meeting with the Marketing VP at a secure card manufacturer called Fargo Electronics when she was in Washington, DC to visit with government customers.
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During my commute downtown, a fight erupted between two passengers on the Metro and I stepped in as a peacemaker.?After being punched in the head twice and having the sleeve of my shirt torn off, I showed up at the meeting bruised and battered.?Her comment:?“What the #@&!! happened to you??Did you get mugged?”
Story #3:?We are Going to Need You to Step Outside.?Government contractors maintain strict and well-defined security protocols at their facilities.?In 2010, I set a meeting with the marketing lead at a contractor that had secured a lead role on a defense program.
I checked in with the receptionist and she gave me a rather curious look.?No worries, I thought, as I sat down to wait for my host.?A few minutes later three burly security guards arrived and invited me to leave the premises, explaining the marketer was no longer employed at the company.?To this day, I have no idea what transgression he may have been guilty of. ???????
Have a wonderful Labor Day holiday! ?