BUSINESS BLUNDERS TRAVEL TRILOGY
Foolish Babe December 27th, 2007
My friend and colleague, Townes Rison, sent in the following blunderfool post. ENJOY!
I’ve been a business traveler for over twenty five years. In cars, taxis, subways, trains, airplanes or on foot, I’ve lugged a suitcase, projector and laptop for meetings in scores of towns and cities across America. Most of my destinations proved to be beautiful, interesting centers of commerce and culture. And I’ve met some really neat people. Yet, sometimes traveling with the boss has been a big challenge.
Strike One
Take my first trip with control freak boss, K. A big talker, K stayed in the driver’s seat literally and figuratively the entire time. So when we arrived at our hotel in Columbus, OH just an hour before an important presentation to our largest client, we were scurrying. K flew out of the driver’s side and to the trunk, yelling “Shut my car door!” which I did right away. But when he stopped cold, halfway to the lobby, I knew something was wrong. “Do you have the keys?” he asked while patting his pockets. “No, you drove,” I replied. At that moment, both of us looked back. “Oh, shit – I locked the keys in the car!” said the boss. “Along with the presentation and projector,” I added, matter-of-factly.
Being late for our most important meeting of the year was worth the look on K’s face when he realized his blunder.
Strike Two
Our next business trip together was a short one, across town, for a presentation to a prospective client located next to the Interstate 64 West Short Pump interchange. Of course, the boss was yacking as usual and missed the exit. “Not to worry,” he said confidently while hanging a left onto a restricted construction access strip in the median. “Boss, I don’t think his is such a good idea,” I warned right before we sank up to our axles in gravel. We were stuck, yes, but want to know the real kicker? As I called our contact to let her know we were going to be a little late, she told me they already knew. Her entire office staff was waving to us from their third floor windows!
If looks could kill I’d be a dead man, but K’s wrath was definitely worth the look on his face when he realized his blunder.
Strike Three, You’re Out!
“You drive this time,” K commanded, as we walked to the parking lot at lunchtime for a managers’ planning session. It was raining when we pulled up to Moon Dance Café in the Farmer’s Market area of downtown Richmond. I let the boss and executive VP out at the front door and parked the car a half block away. Then we had a nice lunch, discussed our pending office move and put on our coats before heading back to the car. Suddenly, as I patted my pockets for the keys, it hit me and I said, “Oh, shit – I locked the keys in the car!” K just smiled. Back inside the Moon Dance Café he ordered a beer for himself and the executive VP, while I waited in the rain for a locksmith after my own blunder.