Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

Thinking, writing, business ideas … You’re only a stranger once.

April 29, 2007

Bloggy Question 48: Where Was I When that Happened?

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:29 pm

History Changes?

For those who come looking for a short, thoughtful read, a blogging life discussion, or a way to gradually ease back into the week. I offer this bloggy life question. . . .


A friend of yours, Larry, is larger than life. He seems to know everyone in the country and most of the folks online. He’s rich and highly connected, especially in home and garden television. Once when you were in New York, he invited you to an event at the Waldorf where the entire industry seemed to be in attendance.

Larry is so busy in his world, that he doesn’t seem to notice that you have attained some status. Your blog has gotten press, and you’ve become known as an expert. In fact, you’re a celebrity and highly popular with the gardening set. You’ve written three books of your own and been interviewed by People, House and Garden, and Architectural Digest — not too shabby for a blogger. These days it’s not unusual to get a short bit on the Today Show when they need an expert.

After many months, you finally can announce that you have a daily spot on a national home and garden television show. While you’re reading the press release and formal announcement, Larry calls to congratulate you. Then he says how glad he is that he was able to help you land that job.

You’re stunned. Larry didn’t help. He’s never met any of the people involved. You did it on your own.

How do you respond?

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related articles
Bloggy Question 47: Take It to the Edge
Bloggy Question 46: Beware of Making Noise
Bloggy Question 45: Take a Long Look
Bloggy Question 44: Stay Out of My Life!





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31 Comments to “Bloggy Question 48: Where Was I When that Happened?”

  1. April 29th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
    Scorpia said

    “Yeah Larry, I appreciate that. But ya know, I’ve just been so snowed under with work, some things kinda slipped by me. Just how/where was it that you helped me out?”

  2. April 29th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Scorpia!
    You do that so well. I think I need to take lessons from you. :)

    He’s a powerful guy. Think you should risk his whatever . . . ?

  3. April 29th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
    Jeff Brown said

    Wow Larry - I was totally unaware of your behind the scenes activities, and surely didn’t know you knew John, Sally, and Jim. Do you mind if the next time I’m in town I ask them to join us for dinner? I’d love to be there when they see you after such a long time. :)

  4. April 29th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
    GP said

    Oh Larry, thank you… and just who did you speak to on my behalf?

    GP In Montana

  5. April 29th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Jeff!
    That’s a special flair you have with the honey. Larry might start believing he actually did something. In fact, so might John, Sally, and Jim. Pretty soon you are going to be running that entire TV network. At least, that’s what I predict is coming. :)

  6. April 29th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey GP,
    You’re not afraid of Larry either. I guess I have a picture of him built up too big in my head. :)

  7. April 29th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
    Jonathan-C. Phillips said

    Hi Larry.. umm have we met before?
    ah…can’t recall… don’t know any Larrys, sorry.

    I’d respond something like that! Or not :)

    No, seriously, I would probably respond something like “ah yeah, thanx a lot, you’ve been really helpful, i appreciate it” and after saying that i’d just stop talking, and i’d let him do the talking talk. Usually people get anxious and nervous in moments of silence (ah me, that’s what working in sales did to me! evil me! lol), and even more when they “know”, i’d so let him stick his foot in his own mouth. yep hat sounds good!

    :)

  8. April 29th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
    Jeff Brown said

    Yeah, you and my mom. :)

  9. April 29th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey Jonathan,
    Thank you is always a great response in any situation. You’re so right there. So is silence. :)

    The more you say, the more I see why your blog is called SmartWealthyRich.com :)

  10. April 29th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
    Jonathan-C. Phillips said

    hehe, thanx Liz, everytime you say (write) something like that, i can’t help but smile,you definitely know how to brighten someones’ day! :)

  11. April 29th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Gee. Jonathan I was just thinking the same thing about you. :)

  12. April 29th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
    Laura said

    I agree with most of the other comments. Let Larry take credit for the success.

    There’s a secret benefit for you to his overblown ego moment. Put it in the favor bank.

    Then, the next time you hit a brick wall in some deal or other, give him a call. “Larry, you always help me out so much. [Reference this deal that he's currently so proud of] I just know you’re the guy who can help me out with [fill in the blank]. You never let me down before!”

    He’ll either never do something like that again, he’ll help you out or possibly both.

    You can’t lose!

  13. April 29th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
    Jonathan-C. Phillips said

    hehe, well i’m trying to book my plane for sobcon07, so it’ll be outside the comment box :D

  14. April 29th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Laura!
    Welcome! You’re seeing past the moment. :)
    That’s really brilliant. You’re letting Larry be generous. Who doesn’t love to be generous? It makes us feel good. He’s likely to love you for it. Either way you win. You betcha. :)

  15. April 29th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
    ME Strauss said

    That’s a good idea, Jonathan. Planes in the comment box have too many restrictions. :)

  16. April 29th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
    Jonathan-C. Phillips said

    haha, yep, i meant the “smiles” hehe :)

  17. April 29th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
    ME Strauss said

    I know. I just couldn’t resist. :)

  18. April 30th, 2007 at 12:12 am
    HART (1-800-HART) said

    Yup. What Laura said (#12).

    Although, being the sarcastic arsehole that I am, I’d not only thank Larry for finding me that job.. I’d also like to thank him for getting my kid off of drugs, and all those sex tips he’s provided my spouse .. oh.. and those numbers were *really* lucky and I won that mini jackpot last weekend!

  19. April 30th, 2007 at 10:08 am
    Mike said

    Jonathan and Laura nailed it. Your chances of changing a “larger than life” person’s version of reality: teeny-tiny. Your chances of later leveraging that “prior help” based on Cialdini’s Commitment and Consistency principle: better than even money.

  20. April 30th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey Everyone! HART’s buying the free snacks and beverages from the sidebar! He won the mini-lottery last week!

  21. April 30th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Mike!
    Leverage is a great way to look at Larry. His ego has to be worth something. I’d sure like to know what Cialdini’s Commitment and Consistency principle is.

  22. May 1st, 2007 at 1:19 pm
    Mike said

    Liz,

    Your wish is my command!

    Mike

  23. May 1st, 2007 at 2:27 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Mike,
    That is a fabulous prinicple, article. I got lost reading — in the good way. I was fascinated. :)

  24. May 1st, 2007 at 3:09 pm
    Mike said

    Thanks, Liz! I owe it all to your and Wendy’s “How to Write a Great Blog Post” tips (and the fact that the material is fascinating)!

    On a scale of one to ten, “I got lost reading - in the good way” is about an 11 as a compliment. I’m beaming! :-)

    Mike

  25. May 1st, 2007 at 4:23 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Mike,
    I think you should bump that 11 up to about a 15. It takes a lot to keep me that interested. You know I read for a living!

  26. May 1st, 2007 at 6:24 pm
    GP said

    Or… you can either be bitter or better… mike just elaborated elegantly though:)

    GP in Montana

  27. May 1st, 2007 at 6:47 pm
    Mike said

    I’m having an OS!M wrt my BHAG (sorry about the gratuitous acronyms). I am humbled by your remarks, and knowing that you do read for a living is what made the original comment an 11! I’m still processing a 15…

  28. May 1st, 2007 at 6:57 pm
    Mike said

    Thanks, GP!

  29. June 11th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
    Juggling Frogs said

    I’d be honest and say, “Wow, I didn’t know you had anything to do with that. What did you do?” in an appreciative and amazed voice.

    You never know, maybe he did do something behind the scenes. If he was involved in helping, it would be insulting and ungrateful.

    If he didn’t do anything, he’d know his bluff didn’t work.

  30. June 11th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey JF,
    It is possible, though unlikely, that he had a hand in doing much to make things turn out the way they did, but I like your way of handling it. It’s much the way that I would. I agree that one never knows and should never assume . . . we end up looking foolish that way. I know I’ve done it often enough to be red-faced almost permanently. :)

  31. June 17th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
    Bloggy Question 52: They Read My Diary! - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once. said

    [...] Bloggy Question 50: The Safety of the Human Race Is Up to YOU! Bloggy Question 49: Chase the Sun! Bloggy Question 48: Where Was I When that Happened? Bloggy Question 47: Take It to the [...]

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