I’ve been watching a bunch of news recently. It seems to be a habit I formed during the presidential primaries. Back then I’d follow which candidate said what and how the eight zillion pundits thought that “changed the game.” Back then, I was busy rooting for my candidate, so at least moments of the news seemed entertaining. Then came fall, and while the presidential campaign season finally came to a close, it seemed the networks could no longer ignore the stark reality of the economy.
Throughout the holidays, I had the chance to catch up with several of my friends–many who teach or work in non-profits. 2009 presents a very scary reality for them as school budgets are being slashed (one friend described how the district is looking at ending the school year 25 days early, letting the students out, and not paying teachers for five weeks of work) and donations are at a decline. Many of my close friends joked with me over the holidays: “hey motivational speaker–motivate me through this economy.” While there are several things we can all do to relieve stress and improve our general attitudes, the economy–in its current state–seems to get in the way.
Just after Christmas I had coffee with a good friend of mine from high school. I always enjoy conversations with him as he tends to have several opposing views, providing me with additional insight and understanding. We were discussing this economic mess and what triggered what and what might fix what and then he told me about a quote.
It took me a few days to track down its context, but basically in the 1890’s Collis P Huntington, after a successful career building railroads, founded the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company (now Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding). He set forth the company creed: “We shall build good ships here. At a profit – if we can. At a loss – if we must. But always good ships”.
I know my friends who work in education or the non-profits already do this. My vow for 2009 is to do the same. At a profit or at a loss, I want to serve you all this year. No, it doesn’t mean I’ll be doing all my presentations for free, but I will like past years continue to donate a few presentations to non-profits. I’m also more than happy to share any good idea I’ve gathered in traveling. If you need someone to brainstorm, I’m there. I’m going to get more regular with this blog, hopefully providing a quick boost to your day. With the change in organizational budgets, I know I’ll probably speak less this year, but I’m going to take many of those additional days at home and volunteer in my local community.
I want your schools and organizations to be successful. That’s why I started speaking in the first place. At a profit or a loss, I want to help make your organizations successful.