2011 Beer & Pancakes

[Russ H]

Russ, as a FYI, Clint has attended the B&P before, along with his (then) fiance, Adi. Even met his Mom and Dad.

Bob

My bad. Thanks, Bob.

I just couldn't figure out why he was trying to get a discount for partial registration, or present a promo on his tax biz, or move us to a bakery, or get people to stay at his house for money, or get some kind of credit for helping set up/break down . . .

. . . I figured anyone that had these suggestions just hadn't ever been to a B&P.

My apologies, Clint. :nonod:

-Russ H.

 

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[TaxGuy]

Thanks Bob! It was a pleasure meeting you and Brenton in '09, I really hope I can be as good of an entrepreneurial dad as you are

Russ- No apology needed.

Please be aware that meeting at a bakery is not an attempt for me to get business for myself, it is an attempt to save money on the cost of B&P as I see first-hand with a local networking group of over 50 individuals that it works.

As for partial registration, just imagine if B&P fell during "Crush" in Napa?

If this was any other time, even early Jan or late April when the tax season isn't in full-force I wouldn't have a problem attending the whole event, however, February is the busiest month in the whole season and as such there is no way I could plan for 3 full days(even on the weekend) to attend a networking event. Yes networking is very important to me, but clients are more important

 

[Russ H]

Russ- No apology needed.

Please be aware that meeting at a bakery is not an attempt for me to get business for myself, it is an attempt to save money on the cost of B&P as I see first-hand with a local networking group of over 50 individuals that it works.

As for partial registration, just imagine if B&P fell during "Crush" in Napa?

If this was any other time, even early Jan or late April when the tax season isn't in full-force I wouldn't have a problem attending the whole event, however, February is the busiest month in the whole season and as such there is no way I could plan for 3 full days(even on the weekend) to attend a networking event. Yes networking is very important to me, but clients are more important

I get that, Clint. It's why I was not at Friday's session of last year's B&P, but paid the full amount: The Napa Planning Commission was awarding a B&B Use Permit (our 3rd) to us, and this was the ONLY day they allowed us to do it. It had taken us over a year and hundreds of man hours to get to that point. Also, we had hundreds of thousands of dollars on the line, as the property that was getting the Use Permit would not get funded/close escrow if we didn't get the Use Permit. And the lender was antsy.

For me, last year was one of those one-time occurrences where I physically *had* to be there. We've actually gone on vacay during "Crush", b/c our business does not depend on our constant presence. Our staff runs the place.

That being said, I understand the importance of keeping tabs on things, and what taking time off can cost. When I took off last December to visit my family in Michigan, we were doing great, and were WAY ahead of the year before. But during the week I was gone, things changed, and our inn took in $20,000 less, because I didn't keep tabs on yield management for that week.

I could cite more profound examples, but let's just say I understand your points. If you can't make it, that kinda sucks. We'll miss ya. But bottom line, we all need to keep our respective boats afloat.

:banana:

-Russ H.

 

[bflbob]

But bottom line, we all need to keep our respective boats afloat.

Now you tell me...

 

[Icy]

Now you tell me...

*IMAGE*

Bob... Idk how comfortable you are with another man telling you this.. but I love you

 

[bflbob]

Bob... Idk how comfortable you are with another man telling you this.. but I love you

Hey... I spent a week in a room with my man-toy wearing nothing but an animal skin bathrobe.
I'm comfortable with almost anything after that.

 

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[TaxGuy]

I could cite more profound examples, but let's just say I understand your points. If you can't make it, that kinda sucks. We'll miss ya. But bottom line, we all need to keep our respective boats afloat.

:banana:

-Russ H.

I understand yours as well Russ. I know that everything you say is with the best of intentions, even if it can be misconstrued. This is why I'd love to meet you in person as it's a lot easier to take constructive criticism the wrong way on a message board than in face-to-face interaction.

Remember our end goal is to build our business into a more hands-off franchise model, much like your B&B business as described in your post. Until then it is all hands on deck to keep the boat afloat

While my dad has been in business for several years, it is our first year of going all-out and thus we're in "startup" mode where funds are tight. I can tell you that next year should hopefully not be a problem if we sign up for the whole event and can only make it to part of the festivities. Even though this is fully tax deductible, as we wrote about in the blog, we have to weight investments more on ROI than whether they are deductible.

That said, attending B&P in '09 was an awesome experience. Even though I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I enjoyed meeting everyone and came out of it with a ton of knowledge and a wonderful experience to boot. The ROI would be huge if Rakona is there or we can learn something specific that will help take our business to the next level, namely in the fields of Marketing and Franchising.

 

[TaxGuy]

Hey... I spent a week in a room with my man-toy wearing nothing but an animal skin bathrobe.
I'm comfortable with almost anything after that.

I love you Bob! Nothing like your unique sense of humor

 

[Russ H]

Now you tell me...

Hey, that looks like a land yacht . . .

Bob, aren't you the guy with 2 camels in your hotel room?

If so, you have nothing to worry about. :smxB:

-Russ H.

PS . . . Were yours 2-hump camels? Or do they tire easily?

 

[Russ H]

I love you Bob! Nothing like your unique sense of humor

Agreed. Thanks for lightening things up, Meester Bob. 😀

-Russ H.

 

[GlobalWealth]

Clint,
I will add a few comments here as well. I do find it strange that you are unable to commit to attending B&P in your hometown.

I understand this is your busy season, but I also understand that the event is held over a long weekend. Yes I also understand that during tax time you are likely working on weekends to this eats up your working time.

Have you ever read the book e-myth revisited? The primary focus is on working 'on' your business, not 'in' your business. While I too am a workaholic, I do know when there are opportunities to learn and grow, I need to take them.

I'll tell you a little story;

About 4 years ago I attended an entrepreneurship conference in Russia. I had booked this trip months in advance. I knew 2 of the organizers of the event and am good friends with them both so I accepted their invitation.

My flight was scheduled to leave on Sunday in the am. On the preceding Thursday, the proverbial shit hit the fan with my business. A big client was threatening to can us for some stuff we truly did screw up. I had some key employees that were polishing up their resumes for the impending doom.

I had to make a choice. Kill the trip and fight the fires, or go on the trip and take the risk. I took the trip.

The conference was hugely beneficial and I know have investors that arose from this trip. The business did not fall apart that week as my management handled their jobs effectively. In addition I grew my network of connections and strengthened the existing friendships.

Sitting on the plane going to Moscow, I was nearly sick to my stomach thinking I did the wrong thing. Maybe it was the wrong decision, maybe not. But either way, I don't regret it because it has helped tremendously with the new business. I sold that business about a year later.


My point is that many times in my career I have found that associating with the right type of people have had a huge impact on my life and my business. You are passing up the opportunity to connect face to face with several successful entrepreneurs that are coming to your hometown because you are 'busy'.

Do you think you are the only busy man out there? I doubt it. I can truly say that my life has been enriched by the people I know. But I would never meet these people sitting in my office or my living room.

Sorry to sound harsh, but you actually seem to need a kick in the pants. See you in Phoenix. You're buying the first beer.

 

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[bflbob]

See you in Phoenix. You're buying the first beer.

This is going to get expensive...
...these guys can DRINK!

 

[lightning]

I have a confession to make...

For the past few years, I have said OVER and OVER again that I would plan for and ATTEND the B&P meet, and without fail I ALWAYS put off doing so in the fear that I will be too busy (or too stressed") with work. A good friend and coworker of mine (member SCOUT on this forum) and I even discussed this about 6 months ago, where we both said we should finally attend this year. And yet again, here is another great event that I will miss because I didnt take action.

Anyways, Im not going to make excuses, as we all know there are none! Aside from my Father passing away on March 3rd of 2009 (a year where travel in February would have been impossible for me), there is NOTHING I can say to justify missing this event year after year! I SHOULD be there. I have been on this forum from the very beginning and yet have never met anyone here in person. Even worse, I have been "coached" and inspired by MJ for almost 6 years now on another forum we both frequent (where he literally introduced me to the fastlane mindset and completely turned my life around), and have not even met him!

Next year, please feel free to berate, bully and belittle me on the forum until you get confirmation from me that I will be in attendance! NO MORE EXCUSES! LOL Now that my soon to be fiance is also in "fastlane mode", it will be an even better trip as I know she will look forward to it as well.

I hope you all have a great time. I cant imagine a better way to spend a weekend, then hanging out in sunny Arizona with a group of motivated like-minded fellow Entrepreneurs.

All the best,

Mike

 

[bflbob]

Next year, please feel free to berate, bully and belittle me on the forum until you get confirmation from me that I will be in attendance! NO MORE EXCUSES! LOL Now that my soon to be fiance is also in "fastlane mode", it will be an even better trip as I know she will look forward to it as well.

Why wait? They're still printing tickets at the airlines! 2011 is bound to be a great year.

 

[lightning]

Why wait? They're still printing tickets at the airlines! 2011 is bound to be a great year.

I actually thought about it when I saw the the thread again this morning. Unfortunately (and NOT to sound like I am making an excuse, lol), a month out is just too short a time for me to plan a trip to the west coast. Ralph (Scout) and I would like to attend together (our "wifes" in tow as well), so a little more planning is needed in order to coordinate travel plans, time off work, babysitter for his kids, etc.

It is already on my calender and agenda for next year so like I said, feel free to berate me like crazy when its time to RSVP for 2012!

 

[AroundTheWorld]

We get it every year.... it never fails. There are always one or two or three people that say "if only" or "I wish I could"

It is just a concrete illustration about the difference between those that talk and those that take action. This observation - if the talkers and wishers decide to truly take it to heart - is life changing.

Let me say it again. Life Changing.

When you say "I wish" what you are actually saying is "I won't but wouldn't it be nice"
When you say "I can't because" what you are actually saying is "I won't because I don't have the energy, drive or creativity"
When you say "next year for sure" what you are actually saying is "I chose not to."

You always have a choice. Always. You either chose to do "it" - what ever it is - or you chose not to.

Let me say it again. Life Changing.

 

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[lightning]

Well like I said, Im not going to make excuses about it. I regret not planning things earlier as I do think it will be a life-changing year on many accounts, and I know I should have been there. I sincerely hope that everyone who DOES attend has an incredible experience and that many new ideas are spawned among the participants, as well as new friendships made.

 

[AroundTheWorld]

Lightening - I'm not picking on you specifically. It takes more than my fingers to count the people that have done this over the years.

But since you responded - - here is my response:

You still have a month. You can make it happen. Or - admit that you chose not to.... And it is totally okay if you chose not to go. (I made a choice not to go this year, too) But you owe it to yourself to be honest. You are operating from a limited mind frame if you say "I can't prepare in less than one month." If you make a choice to go, what you should be saying is "how can I make this happen in less than one month?" Trust me. It is possible. We aren't talking about a prolonged absence from your "real life" here - - we are talking 4 days.

I am not going because I am doing something else with my time. But, I had a choice. I decided on this other activity. Because of that choice, it wouldn't be honest for me to come here and say "I wish I could go." Well.... I could have. I made a choice not to.

Don't get me wrong. I am sad that I'm missing it. I wish that the timing worked out differently. I will miss catching up with old friends and making new friends. However, I also accept responsibility for my choice.

 

[lightning]

Well said ATW, and you are correct. That is good food for thought. This year, I did choose NOT to go. And I am sure I will regret it as I did last year. In all honesty, part of the reason I posted my first reply on this thread is that I do not want to hide in the shadows and let the same thing happen next year. I know that if I publically promise that I will be there, I will have NO excuse and will only be a dissapointment to myself if I do not attend next year (kind of like someone who wants to lose weight so they announce to the people around them that they are working towards it, it gives a sense of accountability).

Thanks again.

 

[bflbob]

Sonya,

I couldn't agree more.

If your Mom called and said, "Dad is dying of cancer. The doctor's gave him a month to live, and he wants to see you guys one more time. Can you fly out here to Phoenix to say goodbye?", would you say, "I'd like to, but this year just isn't looking good. Maybe next year."?

You'd be booking your flight 10 minutes later. (Unless you hate your Dad.)

Is a month REALLY too short a time?

Priority = Winning

 

[MJ DeMarco]

Also keep in mind, there might not be a next year ... if the organizer loses money or doesn't want to devote his time anymore, it might not happen again. Time isn't cheap and I know Kenric has put a lot of his into it.

 

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[LightHouse]

We get it every year.... it never fails. There are always one or two or three people that say "if only" or "I wish I could"

It is just a concrete illustration about the difference between those that talk and those that take action. This observation - if the talkers and wishers decide to truly take it to heart - is life changing.

Let me say it again. Life Changing.

When you say "I wish" what you are actually saying is "I won't but wouldn't it be nice"
When you say "I can't because" what you are actually saying is "I won't because I don't have the energy, drive or creativity"
When you say "next year for sure" what you are actually saying is "I chose not to."

You always have a choice. Always. You either chose to do "it" - what ever it is - or you chose not to.

Let me say it again. Life Changing.

I told you all that last year. Get to this year, everything sunk. I have not much spare cash to my name, But i made it happen anyway. Just depends on how dedicated in life you are to things. I just got done getting everything together around 40 days out.

Andres always says, " Things are not too expensive, we just need to make more money" Somehow that applies in this thread since i thought about it as I was writing.

 

[biophase]

Hey guys there are still rooms available at the Firesky for $179/nt. Please call Ryan at 480-424-6091.

IMO their internal reservation system sucks and their computers don't talk to each other. Anyway, I hope you guys who wanted a room can get one. We still need 3 room nights to meet the quota.

 

[biophase]

a month out is just too short a time for me to plan a trip to the west coast. Ralph (Scout) and I would like to attend together (our "wifes" in tow as well), so a little more planning is needed in order to coordinate travel plans, time off work, babysitter for his kids, etc.

I have to jump on this bandwagon to berate you also. Saying that you don't have enough time to plan for a trip is an excuse to me. A better excuse would have been, I checked plane tickets and they want $700 for a roundtrip ticket. You see, the second excuse meant that you actually took a step to try to attend instead of made excuses in your head as to why you could not.

What kind of planning is needed? You look up plane tickets, he looks them up, you choose a flight, then you choose a hotel, you ask for days off, he schedules a babysitter. Done. This can take you a day or two at the most.

I know people who think like this and they never get started. It's people who talk about starting a business and they don't think they have enough time. They go through the checklist of shit to do and act like it's alot of work so they don't even try. I have had people say this shit to me. I have to get "LLC, trademark, wordmark, Get at UPS Store Box, find suppliers, open business checking account, build website, advertise, get insurance, get attorney's in they get sued, get CPA, hire bookkeeper, get financial planner, ..." I'm listening to them like WTF? Maybe you should make money first before you worry about 80% of the above.

 

[Davidla]

I love it how straightforward and honest you guys are.

I can not agree more with what has been said about excuses and "mental weight" of "complex problems".

Just do it.

Excited to meet you all soon!

 

[bflbob]

We still need 3 room nights to meet the quota.

Is that 3 rooms for three nights, or one room for three nights?

 

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[lightning]

Jesus...I never thought my post (which was only meant as a way to give me some personal PUSH to make sure I attend next year, ie; I publically announced it to the forum) would turn into 10 people berating me about why I am not going THIS year.

I politely responded a couple times and acknowledged that some of you were absolutely right. I have NO legitimate excuse for not going this year that I felt like sharing with the forum, and that YES, I totally understood the stance that was given to me in response (which as I said honestly and meant, was GREAT food for thought).

The truth is, I did put off planning for this trip all year, and 30 days out, yes, I have made the choice NOT to attend this year.

AGAIN, yes, I made the choice not to attend this year. I have no one to blame but myself and am not making excuses for that. I am dealing with some personal matters right now (and have been for a few months now), so the trip is just not feasible for me this year.

Im not sure what else I can say at this point??? I appreciated ATW's reply which is why I responded the way I did. 10 replies later all saying the same thing and criticizing me for not going, it does feel like maybe a nerve was touched and theres a bandwagon going here (maybe Im taking the brunt of everyone who has ever said they wanted to go to a B&P meet but didnt follow through).

-Mike

 

[lightning]

By the way, just in case my last post was misunderstood, I appreciate some of the pearls of wisdom that were posted here (especially considering the success some of the members who have posted them have attained). There were alot of great points made in the last few posts. I apologize if my post came off the wrong way. As I said, it is not feasible for me to attend this year, so I have personally made the choice to not attend for 2011.

Fair enough?

 

[biophase]

Im not sure what else I can say at this point??? I appreciated ATW's reply which is why I responded the way I did. 10 replies later all saying the same thing and criticizing me for not going, it does feel like maybe a nerve was touched and theres a bandwagon going here (maybe Im taking the brunt of everyone who has ever said they wanted to go to a B&P meet but didnt follow through).

-Mike

Hey Mike,

If you made the choice to not attend this year, that is fine. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I don't think anybody is going to say anything to anyone who doesn't show up because they choose not to.

I think what struck a chord is was the "month is not enough time to plan" statement. You know we don't like excuses on this forum.

Don't take it personally, although I know it was directed towards you. It's probably directed more at people who always say they wish they could go and never do and then toss out an excuse. And the excuse we all saw was the "not enough time to plan."

 

[biophase]

Is that 3 rooms for three nights, or one room for three nights?

One room for three nights, three rooms for 1 night, or 3 total room nights in any combination.