Between
the 14th and 16th of November I was at Daytona
International Speedway. I was there promoting
LinktoEXPERT but also had scheduled a meeting with a group from Germany.
Being at a
race track is still a thrill for me. While
pushing my wheelchair around the paddock area I’m usually in the greatest of
moods. I know this, obviously from the
feelings I get, but also because of pictures.
Whenever I
see pictures of myself taken at a track I tend to laugh. It seems my grin is always much greater in
those photos…and that makes me laugh.
Though I
like to smile it seems much easier for me to do so at a race track.
And that
has taught me something.
It took me
about six years to understand. Why was I
gaining stronger connections at the race track?
Why did
the people I met call me back instead of me have to chase them?
I need to ask you to take my word...that I try my best to smile and maintain a confident look
always. Don’t we all?
But while
we all work hard to put our best face forward, sometimes, that look or ‘lip’ we
present is not the best.
I truly
believe that my great mood…my individuality (your persona) and ability to have
someone feel comfortable is at a higher level when my mood is also.
At Daytona
I got to meet one of my favorite drivers.
Though he never really retired, Roberto Moreno is know recognized as one
of the most trusted open wheel driving coaches in the world.
But during
his professional career he drove in 14 unique Championship Series around the
world. Roberto “Pupo” Moreno drove in CART, IndyCar and Formula
One; the three highest forms of Open Wheel racing.
Between
1982 and 1995 he drove for the Formula 1 teams of Lotus, AGS, Coloni, EuroBrun, Andrea Moda and
my favorites…Jordan and Benetton.
I even
shopped at Benetton for sweaters and shirts because of Roberto and the Benetton
Formula One Team.
Getting to
meet one of my favorite drivers was huge for me.
But I didn’t go to meet Roberto. He came over to meet me. His draw to me was due to my charisma…my smile…and
how he could see that I loved racing cars just as much as him.
So I guess
if there is a point made by all this? I'm sure
we all know to put our ‘best foot forward.
But I think we also need to understand our moods and why or why we are
not, securing contracts, jobs, deals…or even friendships.
Putting your best mood to work and your best smile might be the next big jump you need...
It has worked for me.
Rick
Raducha – Driver Connection