What one piece of advice do you remember to this day?

I’m excited about this blog for two specific reasons: 1) this is my 100th blog  and 2) I get to quote my grandfather as the source of advice I still remember to this day….

How many people do you know who have a hardwood basketball court in their home between the living room and the guest bedrooms?  Last week I was invited to a Minnesota Gopher fundraiser, including an intimate evening of conversation in the home of Harvey Mackay. It takes a huge home to house the larger than life persona Harvey brings into any room.  He is a world renowned entrepreneur, author and professional speaker who has sold more than 12 million books.  His most recent: The Mackay MBA of Selling, is a New York Times Bestseller.

The appetizer course included a free-throw shooting contest (next to his living room!) where everyone was required to compete.  No options out.  I really admire the women dressed in high heels who were pressured into tossing three air balls in a row!

The irony of the evening is worth mentioning: the contest involved shooting Minnesota Gopher basketballs for the benefit of U of M scholarships.  Alas! Two Gustavus grads took home the hardware! Heidi Rosati (class of 1988) and I (class of 1985) were the winners.  I made four in a row to beat my pals Dave Horsager, Joe Schmidt and Sam Richter.  Our prizes were autographed NBA playoff basketballs: Superstar Lebron James for Heidi, and the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, Derek Rose, for me.  Sweet!

The living room conversation was almost as lively as the free throw contest.  Harvey shared stories about his father, his children, Lou Holtz, Larry King, trips to China, golfing at Augusta, etc… My question to Harvey: “What one piece of advice do you remember to this day?”  His answer was simultaneously sincere and very well rehearsed: “My father taught me, when I was 18 years old, when I meet someone new, I need to be thinking about ‘How can I help this person?‘” And then he said: “for instance…I really like the Seven Fs — I think you are on to something kid! And I’m going to find a way to help you.”  Suddenly, Gopher pride was growing.

My grandfather, Ken Hunter, taught me when I was a teenager I could never collect enough handshakes — we need to know a lot people for a healthy, satisfying life.  I live by his words of wisdom today.

Good leaders accept advice and hone success habits to carry with them for the rest of their lives.  That’s why I made the scholarship donation and accepted the invitation to collect handshakes in the home of Harvey Mackay.  Thank you Grandpa Hunter.

Send me a note and tell me: What one piece of advice do you remember to this day?