Tales from Torino - Life Happens  

As the torch dimmed over the XX Winter Olympics, I felt that the best stories were far from the award ceremonies. I was drawn from the tales of untied shoelaces to missed bus schedules, and everything in-between. For me, the games could be summed up in two words; "Life Happens."

How about the Norwegian cross country coach who cost his team a medal in his country’s most important sport when he tossed his ski pole to a fallen Canadian skier who had lost hers. It helped her regain race form and push her team to a silver behind the Swedes.

And then there was the real heartbreak of American Kimberly Derrick, who skated through the tears just to finish her 1,000-meter semifinal — only hours after her grandfather, who had traveled to Torino, had died of a heart attack.

And what about the missed bus and Johnny Weir frantically wondering if he would ever get to the arena. Upon finally arriving minutes before the event, he finished a disappointing 5th.

Or when Dick Button wouldn't "button-up" about the women's figure skater's untied shoelaces. All I could do was hold my breath hoping she didn't trip, landing her triple jumps.

The tales go on with the winter games providing a kaleidoscope of life lessons. Here are five, to keep in mind.

1. Do the right thing.
The Norwegians finished fourth, but their coach won the admiration of people around the world.

2. Even if you don't feel like it, do it.
Kimberly Derrick bravely taught us to show up and keep our commitments.

3. Pay attention to the details.
Prepare and plan, plan and prepare. Don't miss the bus on your way to fame and glory.

4. Image is huge.
A ketchup spot on your tie, shabby business cards, or a typo on your glossy brochure will focus negative attention on your credibility and away from your award winning presentation.

5. Networking, like life is a Process not an Event.
Most importantly, the life lesson we could take from Torino is that; "Networking, like life, is a Process, not an Event." As such, it will have highs and lows, wins and losses, good times and bad times.

The networking winners do the right thing. They pay attention to details. Tie-up loose ends. They understand that perception, is reality. And they appreciate that no matter how hard we might try, the cold harsh reality of life, is that on any given day, life happens.

The real winners from the XX Winter Olympics, and in life, pick themselves up and press on because there will always be another day to move closer to realize their dreams of gold.

To Your Networking Success!