Focus on Success

The first meeting of The Tiger Team occurred this morning in the San Francisco Ferry Building. Just inside from where the ferryboats come and go, adjacent to a Peet’s Coffee, is a large area with sturdy tables and chairs that became our first venue. I organized the first meeting. I am so ready. The gathered team of professionals consists of four men and one woman: An unemployed attorney/politician, a furloughed corporate type, a stymied publisher, an entrepreneur with a good idea, and a writer expanding his services. I’m the writer.

First order of business was to vote on some very basic ground-rules. It was unanimous that: (a) we meet for 2-hours, weekly, on ten consecutive Wednesdays; (b) we cap our team at five individuals but will consider a sixth in two-weeks; (c) we will have a rotating role as session facilitator; and (d) we assemble in the facilitator’s home (or a coffeehouse convenient to the facilitator). Our first assignment is to come up with a 30-second elevator speech and to be prepared to pitch it at the next weekly meeting. Here is what I have conjured up for myself thus far:

“My name is Leo Maselli. My shingle (gesturing) says BC&C – Bus. Comm. and Consulting. I specialize in the entertainment industry, namely business to business, business to consumer and internal communications. My know-how is in the area Public Relations, Marketing and Advertising. Say - how can I be of assistance to you? I’d love to send you my contact information. May I do that? (Offer a business card) What do you do?”

Next week we meet in a private home out on Treasure Island. Apparently the politico on the team lives in a mansion over there. Must be nice. It appears that I am becoming part of a new and interesting family. I was surprised to learn that there is a Muni bus that goes over there. I’ll do whatever I need to do to be there on time. I don’t want to miss a thing. It is my intention that our two hours are rigorous and meticulously focused on our individual career goals. I expect some discomfort as well as some growth. Last bit of homework: consider signing a team-contract and fill-out Session Prep Sheet. More about those items next week.

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