"Luck is the residue of design" is one of my favorite quotes and which was not included in last week's "Truisms (Words to Live by)" blog.  The quote is attributed to baseball's Branch Rickey (who was also a significant footnote in the history of the Civil Rights movement).Mr. Rickey explained that good fortune is linked and or enhanced by careful planning and hard work.  Said another way, luck is not random chance, but rather what happens when preparation and intelligence combine to create an opportunity for success.  

We’re planning a trip to Washington D.C. and Alexandria, Virginia this weekend to see our Southern kids and grandchildren…and celebrate a birthday. When we visit, we usually stay in Old Town Alexandria. If you haven’t visited Old Town, you should. In addition to seeing the kids and grandchildren, I am really looking forward to two things: the farmer’s market and the stationery store on King Street. 

Twenty-five years ago, to the month. I started my career at Carr Business Systems. We were newly acquired by Global Imaging, and the outside sales organization was a challenge after coming from multiple retail sales management positions. Outside sales require more effort and time to build a client base, but the rewards are much higher. It took several years to get on my feet and almost was let go after my first manager was more interested in betting on OTB when we were out in the field, than training me.

Along the way, we have all picked up a few pointers around how to do this thing we call networking.  I am sure some resonate with you more than others, as they do with me.  

I attended a professional meeting last week.  The facilitator of the meeting asked us all to bring a joke to tell. The criteria was that the joke had to be not offensive, one you would tell a client.   I found the evening to be extremely enjoyable.  Not everyone had the opportunity to tell a joke, because each joke led us into another interesting discussion. Which was probably the reason for the request to bring a joke.  

Annually I use this space each Autumn to remind folks to exercise their most precious right in our democracy — our right to vote.  Election Day 2025 takes place Tuesday, November 4, and in New York early voting starts Saturday, October 25. 

Today, I’ll be marching. Not against anyone, but for something I believe in deeply...our country and the Constitution that holds it together.  

1.  It's better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around2.  Dare to be Great3.  Fun is more fun when you win4.  Up is down and down is up