Listen :)

Overheard

I was chatting with Patty last night about the upcoming Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the Rodeo.  She wrote me a check, thank you Patty, to help purchase some more tickets for the soldiers.  The man to her left overheard our conversation and mention of the military and asked me what it was all about.  I proceeded to give him a quick overview.  I was a sentence into it when he said, “That’s all I need to hear…if it is for the troops, I’m in.”  He wrote me a check for the cause right on the spot.  He went on to tell us the military eats free at his pizzeria.  I put both checks in front of me under my phone, and the girl sitting next to me asked why people were giving me money.  I went through the story with her.  She then told the person sitting next to her.  They did not donate, but I left them with some information, so you never know.

Some consider being overheard as eavesdropping or an intrusion, but I view being overheard as a good thing.  If you really have something critical or confidential, should you be having that discussion in public?  I’ve been successful with selling books by being overheard.  I’ve met new people by being overheard.  I’ve had people ask for help after being overheard.  I also view the concept of being overheard as a check and balance for me.  It helps me watch what I say in front of other people.  It is not a matter of filtering but being sensitive to what I talk about in public. 

Assume you are being overheard and use it to your advantage.

Rodney -  I'm Talkin Here