At A Booth At Digital Dealer Conference & Expo.
One company exhibiting had a good-sized space near the front of the expo hall. I had gone by a few times to try to learn more. They are a company that's been around for a while, yet I don't know enough about them. And you know I like to know as much as I can about all in our space.
They had a beverage display and I was talking with a colleague and asked for a Diet Coke as we were going to be lingering in the area. I would like to mention that there was almost no water onsite and everyone was thirsty. Literally everyone.
A rather large and unfriendly male person stepped up quickly and said "these drinks are only for our customers sitting in our booth." I apologized but added I was actually interested in learning more.
He stood there as if he was about to watch a crime take place. Make no mistake, although the audience was great, it was not a huge crowd this year and so it was a perfect opportunity to start a conversation.
As he came back by again I asked his name was and role with the company. He was quite impressed with himself as he told us he handled international business for them. I asked a few additional questions about what countries they served. Instead of using this as a moment to learn about me, he walked away...again.
I said, "I'm in the industry and actually wanting to know more about your company."
Nothing.
The woman who was standing with me was aghast. She couldn't believe that in this industry conference with a limited audience he didn't take the time to at least shake my hand and ask me who I was and what I did.
Was he doing this to everyone?
I was in a dress and heels and clearly there to do business.
I can't possibly get into his mind, but was he treating men the same way who were standing next to his booth saying they were curious?
Perhaps.
Or perhaps he's just a buffoon who thinks everyone's a joke except for him and his international business title.
Make no mistake, no matter how impressed you are with yourself, fame is fleeting and even the best people and companies have difficult moments.
Be kind.
I get asked to discuss and recommend companies daily.
This will unfortunately be on the top of my mind.
Because how you treat one person is how you treat everyone.
What is their culture like especially if he is in a leadership role?
People are core to all our performance strategies as I help my clients.
At the next conference I'll be pulling a small bag full of cold beverages for anyone and everyone who would like one, no sales pitch required.
I'm glad your business is doing so well, but this $5 #DietCoke at the inflated conference prices might have just cost you thousands, or more.
All in, I'm sure they spent $100k+ for the event.
To meet customers. Ahem.
I'm an enormous advocate of great companies, clients or not.
But I'll never advocate for treating people poorly.
Perhaps #BetterTogether coaching is in order?