Not long ago, most professionals belonged to their national, state or local association. Or they belonged to a peer group, civic club, or some organization that exposed them to new ideas, skills, and tools, all while networking with other pros.

Apparently, there’s a little soccer tournament starting today called the “2010 FIFA World Cup”. I understand it will attract hundreds of millions of viewers from around the globe.

I’ve always been baffled by the low turnout for many construction-related trade shows. Even when the number of attendees reaches record levels, the total represents a fraction of the universe of contractors, engineers, architects, wholesalers, and maintenance pros who should be attending. 

I’m an ardent fan of the great outdoors. I run and bike on nature trails. I’m the family recycling nut. My favorite vacation destinations are Zion National Park, The Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Bryce Canyon. I love lakes, rivers and the ocean. 

After decades of quiet avoidance, I recently found the courage to enter a public steam room. Finally, I was prepared to overcome adolescent memories of a sauna experience gone badly. 

Last week, I experienced a different kind of March Madness. I spent three days in Manhattan at meetings focused on e-media trends and developments. My head is still spinning. 

What have you done this week to inspire your customers and employees to be excited about your products or services? 

One of my favorite scenes from the 1995 film Braveheart takes place on the battlefield before the hand-to-hand combat takes place. In a rousing speech, Scotsman William Wallace challenges his troops to stay and fight. His words whip them into a frenzy. 

If forced to take a side, I would join the ranks of global warming skeptics.  

With 2009 ticking down, it would be so easy to reflect on the hardships our country has endured this year.