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Off the Beaten Path...

Dear Associate,

I'm checking in from San Francisco where we've been experiencing mild temperatures. Which is a delight because the weather can turn on you with little notice. A pleasant 75-degree day can morph into a 45-degree evening within two hours. If you ever plan to visit The City by the Bay, it's essential to bring along a jacket for those chilly days or nippy nights.

The first evening you could find me at Westlake Joe's Cascade Room in Daly City downing a house specialty: Steak ala Bruno. It was divine. My host claims Bruno's tenderness is in-between a Filet Mignon and a New York Steak. We were fortunate because Bruno quickly sells out.

And just as tantalizing is the sourdough bread that is a local staple in these parts. In its heyday, the secret to its legendary flavor was the bay waters. San Francisco sourdough is such a delicacy I've been requested to bring some back on my return trip.

Hotel Mac in Point Richmond was the choice for a thick and juicy twenty-ounce prime rib the following night. The Mac offers an extensive wine list for the most discriminate connoisseur. An impromptu tour of the wine cellar showed me how serious their diners love their wines. There was even a bottle going for $380 on the menu.

The third evening I had a great time at the Bei Jing Buffet just north of the airport. The raw oysters and succulent crab legs brought fond memories of the times I used to make monthly visits to casino restaurants.

You're probably thinking I'm making a pig of myself. You're absolutely right. It's feeling a bit tight around my waistline.

But eating wasn't the only pleasure I indulged in...

On Saturday night I attended a youth musical titled Prison Break given by the kids at a neighborhood church. The two music directors composed the music, drama and choreography. It was totally original.

The young performers blew me away. Their talent and timing were superb. If you were there that night, they would have drawn you in with their roles.

Pira, the Master of Ceremonies, gave a heart-stirring message before we adjourned. It was electrifying. I was impressed with his ability to be upfront and real with the audience.

We spoke outside afterwards and he shared with me something that can dramatically affect the way people perceive you and your message. It's something very few veteran speakers practice. Yet it's something that shows your audience your sincerity.

I complimented him for being real and authentic on stage.

He responded with, "I teach kids everyday. They can smell a fake a mile away."

Isn't that something? Kids have the amazing ability to distinguish if you are truly living your message. That was a homerun tip.

Pira is an extraordinary communicator. And the surprise is he is only thirty years old and two months into his marriage with the adorable Venus. Wow!

I'm heading home but I'll leave you with this question...

When you communicate: Are you simply giving a message, or are you living your message?

Warm Regards,