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In February 2006, Greg was slated to speak at the Valley Business Conference in Fresno, CA. The keynote speaker was scheduled to be John Sculley (former CEO of Apple & Pepsi). He was going to be talking about succeeding the right way on a global level. Greg was asked to be, essentially, his warm-up act -- speaking on the value -- and ripple effect -- of being good to the community along the way to becoming a global success.
By the time February rolled around, the invitation to speak at one event for business leaders had snowballed into invitations to speak and do book signings at events for middle school students, high school students, college students, university students, Business School students, take part in an art exhibit, do a couple media spots and host two dinners. The pictures below document the week -- a chance to see the 'ripple effect' in action (and a fun way to get a glimpse into what a week of Greg's life is like).
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The text excerpts below in ITALICS are personal entries from Greg. The text excerpts in "QUOTATION MARKS" are quotes submitted by people who attended one of the events and/or who read The First Thirty
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TUESDAY
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No direct flights from Chicago to Fresno, but there are plenty of choices for connections (San Fran, Denver, LA, etc). I chose LA. Wanted to be well-rested so I decided to leave the night before (Tuesday) and spend the night in LA. On the way there, sat next to two really nice women from Kentucky. They each bought copies of The First Thirty and read them cover-to-cover right there on the flight. To get a copy of The First Thirty in Kentucky, go to Joseph-Beth Booksellers
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Trip was full of people who did (not-so) small good deeds. Started right when I got off the plane. Friend on the left (Marcell) picked me up at the airport and drove me into LA. Friend on the right (Claudia) hosted me for the night once I got there.
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Decided to put the one night in LA to use. Coordinated a dinner for about 20 friends, and friends of friends, at The Belmont Cafe in West Hollywood
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In conjunction with Greg's visit to California, BennettFrost Personnel Services Inc. did a staff-wide reading of The First Thirty. They also ordered copies to donate to the students in a local Business School course.
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One by One Leadership , the California-based nonprofit organization, ordered copies as well - for their most devoted volunteers.
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The Belmont Cafe turned out to be good choice. Great location, great food, staff goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable, at home. Worth checking out
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To get your own copy of The First Thirty (ISBN: 0975879405) in Los Angeles, go to Borders at 330 South La Cienega
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At midnight California time, went for a swim. Got to bed around 2 a.m.
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WEDNESDAY
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Woke up about 6 am, sat outside and read a couple more chapters of a book recommended by a man I'd never met , 8:30 am -- went to breakfast with an old friend from college and one of her two beautiful kids, before going to the airport.
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Waiting in line for about thirty minutes at LAX, met a woman from Australia who was stopping in LA on her way to New York. She works in the fashion business. Great accent.
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Got a ride to the gate on one of those carts. The woman driving it, super nice. Said that her relative had just left to go serve in Iraq (hope she comes home safe and sound soon!).
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Never been to Fresno before. First impression was a good one. Fresno Yosemite International Airport - it was clean and easy to navigate (a big deal for a guy who gets so easily lost).
Time in Fresno was full of (not-so-) 'small' good deeds by people I'd never met before. Very first one occurred upon getting off the plane around 2:30 pm. Despite the fact that the Piccadilly Inn Airport Hotel is located just three minutes from the airporrt, and despite the fact that they offer a free shuttle back and forth, one of the organizers of the Valley Business Conference - Bruce Hubbard - showed up at the terminal to escort me to the hotel, said "that's just the way we do things here."
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Checked in to the hotel. An hour later, headed to the local Borders to meet with the store's GM, Mr. Ockey, and do an interview with Lucy Ruiz from CBS 47
Went for milkshakes with Ms. Ruiz afterwards. (She has one of the all-time great laughs). Returned to the hotel around 4:30, paid a visit to the Business Center and checked e-mails, until it was time to get ready to...
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Along with the two other speakers, John Sculley (former CEO of Apple & Pepsi) and Patricia Fripp (Executive Speech Coach), was asked to say a few words. Spent the rest of the time mingling with representatives from the various corporate sponsors and their guests (and eating -- the food is great).
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"The First Thirty illustrates the responsibilities we have as parents, grandparents, teachers and business leaders to influence the people around us...Every teacher should make The First Thirty required reading. It's William Saroyan for the next generation." - Sam Geil, President, Geil Enterprises Inc (Fresno, CA)
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During the reception, approached Elmer 'Bud' Richter (who was going to be honored at the Conference the next day for his civic service) and his wife, Jan, to introduce myself and to tell them about an idea I thought of that could involve them. The Richter's were great sports - volunteered to be part of the idea right away (and also agreed to keep it a secret until I announced it the next day at the VBC). After the reception, went swimming and then spent the rest of the night checking e-mails and preparing for the next day. Got to bed around 2 a.m.
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The First Thirty (ISBN: 0975879405) is available at Borders in Fresno, Kennel Bookstore at CSU Fresno and FCC Bookstore.
The workbook based on the book, A Place To Sit (ISBN: 0975879448), is available at Borders in Fresno and FCC Bookstore.
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THURSDAY
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Woke up at 5:45 a.m. and had breakfast at Piccadilly Inn Airport Hotel . At 6:45 am, headed out the door (courtesy of the hotel's Shuttle Service)
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Stopped by Kinko's to get a poster made and then headed over to the Valley Business Conference. Seems like, no matter what state I'm visiting, the people at Kinko's are always nice.
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The Valley Business Conference took place at Exhibit Hall. They had me speak for about an hour. The topic was corporate social responsibility, corporate philanthropy and the 'ripple effect' of being good to each and every customer.
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During his speech, Greg announced a community service-themed essay contest based on The First Thirty open to any area high school student who attended one of his speeches and/or read The First Thirty, plus any college students in the Fresno area. One prize is a Free Week Pass at Centerpoint Athletic Club . The other prize is dinner for two (the student, plus a guest over the age of 21) with Bud & Jan Richter, courtesy of Campagnia Restaurant .
(The people on the left, that's Coke & James Hallowell - two of the most philanthropic people in Fresno, or just about anywhere else. A lot like the Richter's, they're also among the most down-to-Earth. Really inspiring to meet them in person).
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Spent the rest of the time at the event meeting guests, answering questions, and signing copies of The First Thirty and A Place To Sit.
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Another one of those (not-so-) 'small' good deeds by people I'd never met before. Man named Steve Geil of Geil Enterprises, Inc. (left) said he read The First Thirty earlier in the year. After seeing it was for sale at the VBC, he said he wanted other people to read it, too, so he began giving out $10 bills (the cost of the book) to some of the students who were in attendance so they could get copies.
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Did you attend this event? Email your feedback to Events@GregForbes.com To inquire about booking Greg to speak at your Conference or Corporate Event, email Events@GregForbes.com To order copies of The First Thirty and/or A Place To Sit for your class, organization, company - or on behalf of a class or organization in your community, e-mail Books@IdeaListEnterprises.com
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After the VBC Luncheon, had about an hour of free time. Decided to use it by going back to the hotel, jumping in the pool and having a grilled cheese sandwich. After drying off, headed over to location for next event -- the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Guest lectured a Business School course.
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"I am in the social entrepreneurship course...Greg had a huge impact on me. I'm not usually a big fan of speakers, but something about his presentation really opened me up to what he was saying...After hearing him speak...I took what he said...and I lived
it...and I took more out of that weekend then I ever would've without the inspiration he gave me...Thank you sincerely, Brenda, Student, Lyles Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
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From there, headed over to California State University, Fresno, was the guest speaker at a Student Association meeting. Spoke to them about ways to get the student body more engaged in extracurricular activities.
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After that, went over to the auditorium on campus, had a bite to eat in the dressing room, then spoke for about an hour to several hundred students at a campus-wide event. The topic was breaking down racial, cultural barriers and making the most of your time in college
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Did a book signing following the speech. Was particularly struck by one guy who bought two copies of the book - one for himself, and a second copy which he gave right back to me, with the request that I give it to someone who does something kind over the next couple days. The guy also gave me a card - www.Kindtagious.blogspot.com
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Then, there was a one night exhibit of part of Greg's art collection - My Sleepless Nights.
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L.O.T. – which is part of the Fresno State Leadership Program – incorporated The First Thirty into its readings. Want to order copies for your class, staff, clients, volunteers, or to donate to students at a local school? Email Books@IdeaListEnterprises.com
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After that, around 9:30pm, went out with a bunch of people from the audience for milkshakes.
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"It's kind of funny on its face - a bunch of people following the speaker out the door to go get milkshakes late at night. But the thing that was even funnier to me -- it was, like, a fifteen minute walk, and as we walked, other students who saw us came out of the building they were in and joined us." - No name given
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After the shakes, headed back to the Business Center at the Piccadilly Inn Airport Hotel and replied to e-mails, before getting to bed about 3 a.m.
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FRIDAY
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Woke up (really, really under the weather) about 5:45 am and had breakfast with an assistant Principal, before going to a high school in Fresno, where I spent the first half of the day speaking with three groups of students about breaking down racial, cultural and social barriers.
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In conjunction with Greg's visit, Centerpoint Athletic Club ordered copies of The First Thirty for an additional class of students at the high school.
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"I'm glad Greg had a fun time here. Not many people come and really see how much our high school has grown...they don't know all the good things we do and how the event "breaking down the walls"...changed how the students feel about the sterotypes that we have here...I think that by him letting others know about us [and how considerate and respectful we were], then we would totally be looked at differently..." - Ashley, student
To inquire about Greg speaking at your high school, email Events@GregForbes.com
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Went straight from there to Fresno City College. Curled up in a chair and took a 15 minute nap (really, really, really under the weather), before doing a speech and a book signing.
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"He really is kind of like Forrest Gump, up there. He steps out from behind the podium, sits down in a chair, takes off his shoes and just kind of sits there matter-of-factly telling the story, those two mismatched socks making it impossible not to chuckle at least a little, which is, I think, just the way he likes it. Talking about serious stuff without being serious all the time." - No name given
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Did you attend this event? Email your feedback to Events@GregForbes.com To inquire about booking Greg to speak at your City College or Community College, email Events@GregForbes.com To order copies of The First Thirty and/or A Place To Sit for your class, organization, company - or on behalf of a class or organization in your community, e-mail Books@IdeaListEnterprises.com
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Rather than fly home, had decided to stay an extra night in Fresno, arrange a dinner with some of the people I figured I'd meet during the two and a half days in town. By the time Friday night rolled around, the reservation at Campagnia Restaurant had expanded to 35 people. We took up an entire section. A lot of fun.
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Ironic note as I look around the restaurant at the 35 people joining me for dinner, I am literally eating with 35 strangers -- had never met a single one of them before the last 48 hours (and yet, I feel like I've known some of them for years).
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The idea to host dinners in L.A. and Fresno that brought complete strangers together was inspired by the dinners I co-host in NYC with my friend, Sanda, whenever I have a speech or book signing there. To see pictures from one of those dinners, click here and then scroll down.
To get a copy of The First Thirty in New York, go to Borders on Park Avenue or Womrath Bookshop in Yonkers.
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After dinner, a couple of the people there took me to check out the nightlife in Fresno. Was fun, but I think the exhaustion is catching up - fell asleep in the car when they were dropping me off back at the hotel
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SATURDAY
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Had some work to get done before leaving town. Rather than stay inside, decided to sit out by the pool and do it. Met a woman who is part of a Book Club in Nevada. She bought a copy of the book right there by the pool.
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Took the poster that Kinko's had printed on Thursday to display at the Conference, signed it and gave it to the staff at the highly recommended Piccadilly Inn Airport Hotel to thank them for the wonderful stay.
There are two kinds of posters. One (as seen here) that features an oversized version of the cover of The First Thirty. The other features a smaller version of the book's cover, surrounded by the thirty lessons featured in the book. To inquire about getting copies of either poster (or both) for you or as a gift for someone else, Email Books@IdeaListEnterprises.com
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Headed to the airport . One of the people who worked there was really nice, gave them the book that the man had purchased at the event the night before with the request that it be given to someone kind. Ended up 'matching' it - giving a 2nd copy to their colleague.
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Flying home, I chose Denver as my stop. At least, Denver being a layover was the initial plan. Now, I'll be going there for a couple days. Off to Colorado....
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First night in Colorado, went out for Chinese food with four people I'd never met.
Went to friend's house afterwards, stayed up replying to e-mails. (Not exactly a regular night - the friends whose house I was staying at, Jordan & Shayna, - they had a new baby that very morning! Congrats!) Went to bed around 2 a.m.
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SUNDAY
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Picked up around 12:30pm. Spent the rest of the day leading a workshop for students who hold leadership positions on the various college campuses throughout the state of Colorado. (In advance, the students had begun a group-wide reading of The First Thirty . For more on that, click on this article)
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During a break in the event, we made milkshakes
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"I just wanted to say thanks a ton to Greg for coming and speaking with us. I really enjoyed his speech and am continuing to read his book and love it. I have gone to so many speakers and so many leadership type things and I will say his truly is one of the best I have been to. I feel like I actually learned a ton..." - Caitlin, student, University of Colorado, at Boulder
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Did you attend the event? Send your feedback to Events@GregForbes.com
Want to inquire about booking Greg to speak to the members of your organization and/or ordering copies of the book for them? Email Events@GregForbes.com
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In conjunction with Greg's visit to Colorado, a Denver-based entrepreneurship society announced plans to do a Society-wide reading of The First Thirty. For more info on this story, click on this article
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After the Leadership Workshop, went to dinner, and visited with, some old friends. Hadn't seen them in 15 years. Guy on the left still, possibly, the funniest guy I know.
One of the best parts about seeing old friends? Keeps you grounded. Spend a few days giving speeches, signing books, doing interviews, it's nice to sit down with an old friend who spends the first ten minutes trying to figure out when all your hair disappeared - brings you quickly back to Earth :)
After dinner, checked e-mail for about an hour. Got to bed around midnight
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MONDAY
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Woke up about 6 am. Was picked up at 7 am, and went for breakfast with a person I'd never met. Really interesting guy. Were introduced to each other by a 3rd person I'd never met (and ironically enough, that person amd I had spoken by phone at the encouragement of a 4th person who I didn't know either).
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Spent the day delivering a series of speeches at Denver Academy. Talked to the students about exploring the view outside your window and changing it for the better. (The students there are reading The First Thirty this semester. In conjunction with Greg's visit, The Wizard's Chest provided additional copies of the book to the school.)
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To purchase a copy of The First Thirty in Colorado, see Ms. Gutierrez at DA or go to Borders in Englewood, CO
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During the visit, Greg announced a service-themed art contest based on The First Thirty , open to the students of Denver Academy. The winning student receives a gift certificate to Maggiano's Little Italy , plus their artwork will be on display at Maggiano's in downtown Denver
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During the visit, Greg was surprised with an honor called "Denver Academy Writer in Residence".
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And then, after a very long (but fun!) week, flew home.
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TUESDAY
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Unpacked from the trip. Then packed up everything I own and moved to a new community. As always, first act upon moving in to a new apartment was to sit down and explore the world outside the window. Discovered new view includes, among other things: a book store, a movie store, a travel agency and an office. To be continued...
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Particular thanks to those involved with the Valley Business Conference. Special thanks to all the other event organizers and volunteers who made the trip so special. Special thanks also to Campagnia Restaurant, Maggiano's Little Italy and all the companies, schools and organizations using The First Thirty or A Place To Sit . Special thanks to Piccadilly Inn Airport Hotel, and to all Greg's friends, old and new, who welcomed him into their towns and homes
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| RIPPLE EFFECTS
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In the days that followed, a number of
'ripple effects' began occuring from the trip. Here are some
examples:
== From his new
window, Greg could see the office window of a medical office (and vice versa).
A half-dozen employees who work in that office and Greg went out to dinner a few
weeks after they first noticed each other.
== Borders in Fresno sold out repeatedly of The First Thirty They have since re-stocked.
They also carry A Place To Sit (the
companion workbook).
== A student at Fresno State won the essay contest
based on The First Thirty and had the
opportunity to go to dinner with the Richters.
== A student at Denver
Academy won the art contest based on The First
Thirty and got the gift certificate to Maggiano's Little
Italy.
== One of the people who joined Greg for the 'dinner for 35
strangers' at Campagnia came to Chicago for an event later that year and
contacted Greg to 'return the favor' -- inviting Greg to attend dinner with some
complete strangers. Greg accepted and joined them.
== One of the people who attended the dinner at
Campagnia is a high school
teacher. He read The First Thirty. In turn, he chose to incorporate The First
Thirty into his American Literature course.
From his new window, Greg could see a Borders outlet. The store
put The First Thirty on display. They have since
sold out three times. They have re-stocked. They also put the companion
workbook, A Place To Sit, on display. They have sold out of that (and
re-stocked that) as well.
== From his new window, Greg could see a couple
schools in the distance. His nonprofit organization, The 11-10-02 Foundation
(ShakingUpAmerica.org) has now created and funded a Civil Rights Art Program for
one school, and provided a grant for the Science Department and Middle School at
the other.
== From his new window, Greg could see a Fire Department. He
dropped off a box of t-shirts to give out to the firefighters who work there,
and his nonprofit organization, The 11-10-02 Foundation (ShakingUpAmerica.org)
funded two college scholarships to help students studying to become
firefighters.
== From his new window, Greg could see a university in the
distance. He set up a new partnership with a program there, in which selected
students get to intern for him at upcoming events. Two students have done so
far.
== From his new window, Greg could see a college in the distance.
The college asked Greg to serve as its Commencement Speaker in 2006 and gave him
an honorary degree. |
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For more on Greg, go to www.GregForbes.com
For more on the book, go to www.TheFirstThirty.com
For more on the workbook, go to www.APlaceToSit.com
For more on Greg's art, go to www.MySleeplessNights.com
For more on his nonprofit organization, go to www.ShakingUpAmerica.org To inquire about booking Greg for your Conference, Business School, university, college, organization, high school or middle school, email Events@GregForbes.com To inquire about having MySleeplessNights exhibited at your event, your school, your company or in your town, email Events@GregForbes.com
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To inquire about bulk orders of the book (The First Thirty ) or workbook based on it (A Place To Sit ) for your company, organization, school, class - or to order them and donate them to a school or organization in your area, email Books@IdeaListEnterprises.com To get individual copies of The First Thirty (ISBN: 0975879405) in one of the towns mentioned above, check out the following locations:
Borders in West Hollywood, CA -- Borders in Fresno, CA -- Fresno City College Bookstore -- Kennel Bookstore at CSU, Fresno -- Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, KY -- Borders in Englewood, CO -- Borders in Deerfield, IL -- Borders in Highland Park, IL -- Borders in Evanston, IL -- Borders in Lincoln Park, IL (Clark & Diversey) -- Borders in Chicago, IL (Gold Coast)
To get individual copies of A Place To Sit (ISBN: 0975879448) in one of towns mentioned above, check out the following locations:
Borders in Fresno, CA -- FCC Bookstore -- Borders in Deerfield, IL -- Borders in Highland Park, IL
Located somewhere else? Email Books@IdeaListEnterprises.com to find out what store near you carries the books and/or workbooks.
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