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Show, Don't Tell
I share a challenge with you by author and teacher, Jeff Dixon.
When I decided to write a novel, I had to learn a new and a different skill set in telling a story.
I remember what the editor told me early on...this was repeated over, and over, and over, and over again..."Show...don't tell!" This is one of the big rules of writing. If your character is hostile or vindictive or loving or kind, don't just say it: demonstrate it. In other words, in writing, make your character do something hostile or vindictive or loving or kind. That's because, as writer Donald Miller has said, "A character is what he does."
Now you may be wondering if there is a transformational point to what I just wrote, there is...it begins with the following question. What if this rule took over your life? Imagine how it would be today if you couldn't provide narration as you go along: You could tell no one what you believe. You couldn't explain your actions or defend your motives. You could not say, "I love you," or "I'm sorry," or "This is what my life is about." Imagine how it would be if today you couldn't tell, you could only show.
What conclusions might your friends and family and co-workers come to? Would it be the truth? I challenge you to give a try. Show, don't tell. Or perhaps: show first, tell second.
We have become stale. Recently, I asked FICAP members to share with me the benefits of concrete. Those that responded sent what have become the standard responses or you forwarded links to websites and documents from others. There were exceptions of course. Patrick Lear and Don Beers provided the most detailed and thorough list...5 pages and 616 words...broken down by products. It's quite outstanding!
I followed up with some of you verbally to hear you expand on the virtues of concrete and I heard more than once...it is dull and gray. There's not a lot to say about it. If we aren't excited about our products, then why on earth would anyone else get excited?
There was a reason for my request; Matt Sitter and I were tasked with researching the costs and feasibility of creating an industry video to promote concrete. The purpose of the video is to promote our industry - all products - and make such video available to coalition members, legislators, and consumers.
What I've learned through my request: (1) we have become living examples of insanity; doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. (2) We have become stale; we reuse materials and key words and have lost the excitement we need in order to inspire excitement in others. The benefits of concrete are basic knowledge for most in the industry and we've lost the ability to discuss it like a newbie, to look with fresh eyes.
I know that understanding the purpose of my question will change the response of many, but it was an eye opener. I appreciate all of the responses, even those promoting an individual's product; and we won't even discuss the dirty dogs who didn't respond. If you are up for the challenge, try again. Look through new eyes at concrete and the benefits of concrete and show me how exciting concrete is and how the world benefits from it.
I've said this many times before; this is my favorite time of year. I know it's hectic and our schedules get crazy and chaotic, but people are so much more compassionate. The goodness of people shines and our actions reflect more closely our hearts. Wouldn't it be something if we shined all year?
Michele Stropoli
FICAP Executive Director
Future Innovations originate in Conversation
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2013 Golf Tournament
On October 29th, FICAP golfers and their guests enjoyed a beautiful  day on the links at Celebration Golf Club. We couldn't have done it without our hole and door prize sponsors. We appreciate your continued support! And a special thanks to our dinner sponsors: Continental Florida Materials and Sika. See the pictures and results here.
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Signatures and Facsimiles
Needless to say, you must have a signature on an agreement to make it effective and enforceable. If your staff does not make sure that credit agreements and contracts have been signed and received back, you probably do not have any of the protections discussed above. Adding "Terms and Conditions" on invoices does not normally make them enforceable.
It is always best to get signed originals. If an original is unavailable for some legitimate reason, however, a copy is usually equally enforceable. For the same reasons, a facsimile will probably be as enforceable as originals or a good copy. With copies and facsimiles, however, make sure it is clear that the customer has agreed to all terms and conditions. Debtors will often copy or telecopy only the signature page of a contract or credit agreement. This can raise questions later about an attorney's fee clause or forum selection clause that is on a different page. Make sure that the signature page states that... Read More
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