Who's On Your 2AM Call List?

Before I even get started, allow me to inject 3 words: Business. Business. Business.

Why did I do that? Because this post is NOT about business but after my last article, which you can read here - where I was not-so-gently reminded that "LinkedIn is not the platform for this kind content you idiot!" I was hoping this one could "slip by" the hordes of LinkedIn gendarmes.

The best analogy I can think of for my attempt at sneaking one past the judges is when someone is out to lunch with a friend, then realizes they want to expense it under the guise of a "business lunch" after spending the entire time talking about anything BUT business. Just as the check arrives, the payor will ask his/her lunch companion: "How's business?" thus justifying said business expense.

So under that guise, this is a business post. wink/wink

A Friend Steps In When Others Step Out

I don't know who originally said the above line, but it's without question one of my favorite lines/quotes/sayings/pick one... ever.

I take great pride in "being there" for my friends and family, regardless of whether it's "convenient" for me or not. And that my friends, the "convenience factor" -- is at the root of this post.

See, it's easy or easy-er to find someone to help you do something or just be there for you when it's "on their time" aka when it's convenient for them. The real, true, honest-to-goodness test however, comes when it's NOT convenient for them; aka when it is 2AM.

And that is where you find who your REAL friends/family are.

These are the people in your life who do not answer your call carrying a WTF how dare you wake me at 2AM? tone in their voice.

These are the people who do not caveat their reply demanding you now assume ownership of an IOU as in YOU know OWE THEM for helping YOU. Follow that? And for the record I abhor when someone says this to me: "Ok, if I help you now you then owe me a favor later."

You wanna piss me in warp speed? Say this (above) to me after I ask you for help.

I will NEVER ask you for help again. If however YOU need MY help I will help you but you will NOT owe me A THING. Don't keep score! EVER!

The real friend/family in your life will answer that 2AM call and do whatever it is you need without once asking "What's in it for me (them)?"

They will never hesitate while assessing their availability before responding. They will simply listen to you, find out what you need/want then act accordingly.

PERIOD.

I don't know what compelled me to write THIS post during THIS time. This concept is hardly new to me. Just ask those close to me aka those on MY 2AM call list. They've known for years how I feel; how I look this kind of thing and most importantly, how much I value them.

Maybe our current world is reminding me of just how precious and special it is to have people in your life you can truly, truly count on.

People who step in while others step out.

So who is on YOUR 2AM list? Don't have one? Go get one. Think about it. Your answers just may surprise you.

One last thing... bring on all you self-proclaimed LinkedIn enforcers. Let me have it. Tell me why it is so egregiously wrong that I wrote yet another non-business related post on these hallowed halls.

Bring it on. I'm a big boy. I can take it.

So Who Is This Steve?

Steve Olenski, or as he is known by his alter-ego, The CMO Whisperer, is truly a unicorn - a very rare combination of real-world marketing/advertising experience combined with a journalistic side including stops at world-class publications such as Forbes, where he was a leading contributor for 10 years, among many other publications.

Above all else however, Steve is a conversationalist. He loves to engage in good old-fashioned conversations. Drop him a line via the link above and see for yourself.

My opinions are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.