From the Publisher: Wherever You Are...Be There

I first heard this simple philosophical phrase back in 1991, while working on a magazine acquisition for the United Newspaper Group in Dallas. Zig Ziglar was in town and one of his representatives stopped in the office to recruit attendees for a local seminar. Not being a big fan of rah-rah sales/pep/motivational rallies, I dozed off for much of the high energy guys propaganda pitch (or maybe it was because of the long night I had enjoyed the evening before). Nevertheless, the point is I didn't hear anything this pitchman said nothing, that is, except one brutally simple, seemingly condescending, almost contrite phrase wherever you are, be there.

It took me awhile to fully comprehend the weight of those five words. At first, I was like duh Where else would I be, smart guy How can I be anywhere but where I am And, they're paying you how much Like those catchy songs or jingles you just cant get out of your head those five words became ingrained in mine. Yet, the magnitude of the meaning still avoided me.

Then it happened. I called my kids at home in Des Moines; no big deal; nothing urgent; just my daily call to check in, see how they were doing and to get caught up with their school and athletic activities. And, while my kids were chatting away about whatever it is kids chat about found my mind drifting to some work issues that had surfaced during the day.

My uh-huh's and that's niches were simply a cover for what I was doing, or not doing, truth be known. I wasn't paying attention; I was there but I was also somewhere else. That's when it hit me. Wherever you are, be there. I was with my kids...but I wasn't really there. Wherever you are, be there.

How many times at home or in meetings, presentations, or just general conversations are we there physically but mentally we are far, far away Wherever you are, be there.

Such a simple concept, but one we all are guilty of abusing. And, I still mentally wander (as we all do), but, because of that one day in Dallas, fifteen years ago, I am more aware of what I'm doing and always try to catch myself and refocus on where I am and who I am with. Sorry, Zig. Didn't make your seminar, but if you see that sales guy tell him I said thanks And next time Ill be there.

Richard C. Thomas President & Publisher