Pep Talk: "Get Off The Bus And Go!"

“We must get out of the tour buses!” bellowed the featured speaker.

He was no travel agent. It was John Brackney addressing the South Metro (Denver) Chamber of Commerce troops at a farewell address after a decade-long run as the vibrant organization’s leader.

A native Coloradan grew up on Denver’s south side and has not ventured very far since in a fascinating professional career that has included law school, private business, non profit, public service and now, his words, “Many irons in the fire and I want to do them all!” endeavors. I’m a big fan and consider him one of the most respected guys in the Centennial State and beyond.

Anyway, in addressing the large throng gathered, Brackney had dozens of hats lying on a table in front of him. Folks in the audience would shout out which hat they wanted the excellent communicator to throw on his head. For instance, one was a cowboy hat. It’s significance? “Here in the West we are straight shooters,” Brackney told the crowd. “Bring your products and services to the marketplace and be honest and forthright in your business interactions. Be straight shooters.”

The warm sunshine pouring through nearby windows paled in comparison to the warmth emanating toward the adoring crowd. I wanted to interrupt his comments with a hearty, “Amen buddy!” I resisted the temptation.

Throughout the presentation, Brackney would place different caps upon his noggin’ and jump enthusiastically into explaining its meaning. It was very cool to watch this entertaining drama unfold. The Chamber should have charged admission and called it a fundraiser for the group. It was fun.

“We’ve got to get off the tour bus” was Brackney’s response to a hat, long ago, given to him by his father, a well-traveled man. HIs parents traveled extensively and would bring hats back for their son.

The “off the tour buses”  bellow had little to do with a particular spot of the world that Brackney’s parents had traveled. Nope. It had almost everything to do with his challenge to chamber members to lace up their traveling shoes on and dive into the community and discover where their respective talents could be of value in the marketplace. 

Get out and connect with folks. Pound the pavement and press the flesh. It takes energy, perseverance and a comfortable pair of shoes. It usually the key to success whether we’re talking business or life, wherever we roam.

Where in your world have you, perhaps, been getting the, somewhat detached, tour bus view?

Where might it be time to depart that particular perch and charge into a new frontier? Perhaps it’s finally deciding to volunteer for your favorite non profit. Maybe it’s finally taking the first step toward a new career? Relationship? Spiritual path? The venues will certainly be varied and vast, but the strategy will be the same.

“Get off the bus and go!”