Tuesday, October 7, 2008

From Nisswa - a final update

A few final comments about the conference from MSAE members:

• "These two days have been great, just to be away," said Linda Harden of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. "I got a couple really, really great ideas and I'm excited to go back and implement them."

• "I was reminded that there's a tremendous amount of wisdom in the room, " said John Kemp of Neighbors, Inc. "It's a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn a lot from people in this business if they choose to listen.

"I also learned that the Pines golf course is one of the most beautiful in the country."

• "A big thing I got was about using mentors for advancing in your career ," said Julia Vant of the Sheraton Hotel Bloomington. "I also liked the young professionals workshops because they showed what you can accomplish as a whole."

And finally, some insight from the conference's closing speaker:

John Wodele, a communications consultant and former chief of staff for Governor Jesse Ventura, focused on balancing work and life. He said Ventura was the one who taught him about the importance of having balance in his life.

One evening, he called the Governor from the office. "Jesse asked me, 'John, where are you? What are you doing at the office? Go home and be with your wife.' I had someone in my life who cared." Wodele then set up an office at home so he could be near his family in the evenings.

He encouraged MSAE members to work hard but work smart: He said, "Know a little about everything. Know a lot about three things. Be patient and be honest."

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