Last month, all manner of broadcast communication — TV, radio, and internet — was interrupted to present the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
It’s a remarkable event: Every four years, thousands of athletes from nations all around the world meet in friendly competition to prove to everyone — including themselves! — that they’re the very best in what they do. The Olympics is their opportunity to shine and take pride in what they’ve worked so hard to accomplish.
But what amazed me most about the Olympics was just how deeply the shared camaraderie went. When the gymnasts performed exceptional routines, they weren’t just congratulated by their own teammates: Athletes from other countries would come over and offer a hug, a handshake, or a high-five to show their appreciation for a job well done… even though it was to someone they were trying to beat!
And it wasn’t just an isolated incident: After nearly every match at the pool, the winner was sure to be congratulated by their competitors on either side. They just got their clock cleaned and were still gracious enough to congratulate the one who would soon be standing on top of the podium.
As I watched those congratulatory gestures between competitors, I couldn’t help but think about the similarities between the Olympic competitors, and the shop owners and their staff who attend Powertrain Expo.
Each year, the folks from the very best shops all around the world, travel to Las Vegas to be represented at Expo. These shops are in competition with one another, just like the athletes on the Olympic stage.
But, in the same manner as those Olympians, they put aside their competitive inclinations in a gesture of cooperation, to help build a stronger, more profitable business for themselves, and a stronger, more profitable industry for us all. Considering where they were holding the Olympics, it was almost a shame that we’re not going to be at the Rio again this year!
“Yeah, there are some vague similarities,” you say, “but there are no medals.” Oh, I beg to differ: There absolutely are medals. The medals go to the shop owners, managers, service writers, and technicians who take the time out of their busy schedules and cover the costs to attend Expo.
These are the ones who recognize the value of going that extra mile, and they’re the ones who will reap the benefits that a medalist would expect. They’ll get to enjoy a more comfortable, more profitable business.
They’ll collect the benefits that come with being familiar with the latest technology, and they’ll enjoy the comfort of a more profitable, more successful business model. That’s their gold medal.
I’m just immodest enough to believe that Expo is partially responsible for the successes of our regular attendees. The interesting thing is, if you ask them, most of those attendees will tell you the exact same thing.
The good news is, there’s more than enough room on the podium for you… even if you’ve never attended Expo before. But you have to be there. You have to make the commitment and go the extra mile. In the entire history of the Olympic games, no one ever received a medal by not showing up.
Sure, it means you may have to tweak your schedule, and yes, you may miss something else you were planning on. But that’s where the commitment comes in: Commitment to your business, commitment to your industry, and, most of all, commitment to yourself. You have to want it. And you have to go all-in.
One thing you can count on: There will always be a place for you at Expo. If you’ll take that first step and join us at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, we’ll do everything possible to make you a part of the winning team.
And there’s more good news: it’s not too late! There’s still time to reserve your spot at this year’s Expo. If you’d like to take your place on the podium and receive your gold medal, start making your plans to attend right away.
To those who’ve already reserved their spot, I offer my congratulations. You’re all winners… you’ve done a terrific job and we’re proud of your efforts… and your successes.
I look forward to seeing you in Vegas, for the 2016 Olym… uum… I mean, Powertrain Expo!
