Blogger A Day Call: Hello is Terry there?
What threw me was that I had to ask Terry, if I might call him later than we planned. He said it was no problem — I was getting to talk to the glass half full guy, and I was making him wait. What was wrong with me? That was my thought at the time.
When I finally got connected to him, I jumped into a story about how I was only called predictable once in my life.
Starbucker’s such a gentleman. He acted as if every phone starts with a story about the FBI and guys in tuxedoes. When I was done, I asked him if the phone call was what he expected, and he implied that he knew not to come with expectations.
Starbucker knows people, especially this one. I suspect everyone says that.
Terry’s not Mr. Predictable himself. He’s Mr. Positively Alive and Aware of Everyone. He still remembers that we first met over a post that compared writing to driving through the mountains. He danced with all of the girls at Open Comment Night more than once. He has a fan club that knows the soundtrack to his life — it’s a life that’s lived with gusto and a glass that’s half-full.
Once I caught my breath again, the actual conversation got rolling. I asked Terry what his real job is. He told me that he is a Sr. VP of Operations. I said I never met one that traveled as much as he does. He said it was the only way to know the people who work with and for his company. Terry said that being there Is the only way to be fully part of the process. He said that way he can champion what works and stop ideas that surely won’t. We discussed the value of the intuitive detail that a person gets from experience. We both agree it can’t be replaced by a description on the telephone or the data on a spreadsheet.
Terry and I talked about consultants. We discussed how some are so good at what they do. He said they connected like-minded positives with like-minded people. We talked about how some are, well, not good. That led us to the subject of people who don’t know what business they are in — who their real customers are.
We ventured into a discussion of how VCs look at what they do, the dot.com bubble bust and how it hurt good companies who weren’t a part of it — his and mine — because the banks were so busy covering bad debts, they didn’t have time for us.
Then somehow we were back to talking about people and how important they are.
Starbucker knows people are at the center of everything. That’s why he has a fan club.
B.A.D. Blogger Quote
If what’s on that computer screen is real, it does carry over and you know it, . . . forging relationships, great ones, meaningful ones, . . . astounding.–Starbucker
Stop by Terry Starbucker’s Blog, Ramblings from a Glass Half Full, and say hi!
Thanks, Terry, you B.A.D. Blogger!
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Want to be a B.A.D. Blogger see the. . . a B.A.D. Blogger? page in the sidebar.
Hooray for Starbucker! He’s one of my everyday reads!
He is so wonderful! I felt lucky to have the chance to talk to him! He’s one special fellow!
Bloggers are the best people!
I’m still waiting for Terry’s book to come out…
Gotta love Starbucker! Having hung out with him in person, he is one half-full amazing dude!
HI Ben!
Terry’s book would sell, so would that infamous soundtrack. 🙂
Hey Phil,
You always seem to get to know everyone first. It’s the magic of you!
It’s great to get more insight on Terry. See you on Tuesday night.
Hi Char!
It is fun to know more about Terry. I had no idea he was a high-level traveling operations manager, but that makes so much sense. It gives depth to every word of his that I read now. This is turning out to feel like backstage pass. 🙂
I feel the same way about my phone call with you. Can’t wait to see you again on Tuesday night!
Talk about having a blond moment! I just realized this morning that I somehow dropped Starbucker’s feed from my reader. DOH!
Fixed that problem right away! I’m with Christine, his stuff is worth reading every day.
Hey Chris,
Maybe he dropped you! 🙂
The feed could have run away from home.
*she’s at her computer laughing*
Hope you’re enjoying the warm weather and your own pillow. 🙂
Oh my gosh…… I’m truly humbled. You all have made my life better because of the connections we’ve now have, and so it’s my turn to praise – THANK YOU! Now, we ALL need to get together some day. We’re thinking Chicago in May. Who’s in? Let’s kick it up a few more notches (why not?). All the best to you all.
Terry,
You are the best!! Chicago in May — Successful Blog Conference. Everyone gets to meet Starbucker in person.
That’s a draw if I ever heard one! 🙂
It’s got to be warmer up there in May. I’m in! And yes Liz I’m wearing a short sleeve shirt, soaking up the sun at 70 degrees. *sigh* Very nice.
May in Chicago is blissful and the city is tulips!