In a previous, My Words - My Plan for 2010, I spelled out my plans for this year; one of the words I committed to for the year was Education.  I will continue to learn, to be educated and to educate others this year. It is with that in mind that I reflect on my recent attendance of the National Institute of Restoration's (NIR) 2010 Executive Leadership Conference and the Things I Learned.

• I learned, through a series of interviews with member companies and consultants that work with the NIR, that integrity is a big part of their business philosophy and daily work.
• I learned that the restoration industry is made up of family owned businesses that are genuinely concerned with the well being of their clients, the homeowners.
• I learned that renovation companies work for the homeowners and at times are advocate for the homeowners in negotiations with the insurance companies.
• I learned that these companies, the owners and employees do not need to be told how to network or the value in developing relationships.
• I learned that some so called experts truly do not understand the power of relationships.  This particular lesson is one that I have unfortunately seen repeated over and over again.  I witnessed a professional blow off a potential contact, just because that person was not in the renovation industry.  Did I mention that this contact works for one of the largest health care companies in the southeast?

We all attend conferences, training sessions, networking events and socials with different agenda's and plans. I encourage you to approach these events with open minds, and open eyes.  Spend some time observing what people are doing or not doing.  You may be surprised!