Conference rules

Still here in big Southern city for the monster conference for one of our Hotel Rehab specialties. Still blogging from Starbucks, since I can get internet here for free.

Nevertheless, here are a few things I've learned this week.

1. Be creative.
When you hang out with a bunch of people who have fun doing their jobs despite budget cuts, crazy bosses and whacked-out administrators, you can learn some new tips that you can use on your job.

2. Be kind.
Number one can really shell-shock people. Being out of it, for even a short time, can be like visiting an oasis.

3. Do what the leader tells you.
Especially when you're having a blast at the party and she starts the conga line...who can resist?! Yes, June, I'm talking about you!

4. Budget your time.
Just like on the floor, you have to budget your time, but always have some wiggle room. You never know who's going to show up that you just may want to talk to or listen to for a while.

Oh, yes, there's all the administrative stuff--wear your badge, say hi a lot, and get to the buffet early, but that pales in comparison to those vaunted pearls of wisdom. Not the pearls you find because some PhD, MD or HIJKLMNOP person has said with a microphone.

No, the ones you discover sitting across from someone you don't know, or riding in an elevator with, who, when you've travelled miles and miles, actually lives within a short distance of you.

It really is a small world, and yes, politics is local, as the saying goes. I'm just looking around here and there for the opportunities that arise. Some of those impromptu moments are the best ones of all.

More to come...stay tuned!