Performance Strategies: Just say "Hi"

Not too long ago two of my children were extras in the film The Greatest Game Ever Played directed by actor Bill Paxton. I briefly met Mr. Paxton while on set one day. Nice gentleman, wonderful to cast and crew.

Fast forward to yesterday. I'm on a connecting flight through San Francisco on my way to Reno when I see who I think to be, Bill Paxton. Initially, I was not going to disturb him for two reaons. Well one reason and one justification. The justification was that he probably was hounded by fans and he would not appreciate being noticed in such a public place. The real reason was because I did not want to be embarrassed if I was mistaken or of being rejected if I was not.

Well a little "self-talk" (Dummy, what's the worst that can happen? Better yet, what positive result might come from it?) went aong way so I made that quick "go and say Hi" decision and approached him.

"Bill?" He didn't answer ("is he ignoring me, maybe I should go away"). I asked again, "Bill?"

This time he turned and with a stern look said "Do I know you?".

Wow! It was Bill Paxton and I was annoying him ("quick, apologize and run away").

"Yes Mr. Paxton, we met on the set of Greatest Game.My boys were extras. They even have a great picture of all of you together".

His entire demeanor changed. He apologized for being "guarded" and or the next 30 minutes, we talked about the movie, what he was doing now (Big Love HBO TV Series) and that he and his brother Robert were travelling to Reno for his folks' (John and Mary Lou Paxton) art collection exhibition at the Nevada Museum of Art.

Then he said what I didn't expect, "You should come!". "Who me?" ."Yes, join us at the museum". "Well Bill, I'll see if I can make it" (translation = this catches me off guard and I'm not sure how to reply). We part at baggage claim.

At the hotel I give some thought to Bill's offer and then it hits me. I've really got two choices here. One, stay in the hotel and order room service - no opportunties. Second, go to the event, see what happens - maybe some opportunities. I hopped in a cab and off I went.

When I got to the museum I was treated like a VIP. I soon met up with Bill, his brothers Robert and Steve, and his parents John and Mary Lou. I was given a personal tour and commentary of the collection. What a great experience. Then came a sit down dinner. "What? A sit down dinner?". I had no idea. "What the heck, l'll stay" (I said to myself). It was a great dinner during which Bill checked up on me to make sure all was good. It was. In fact, I met a number of very interesting people including a real estate lender who loaned money on land only deals within 45 minutes of his home. Why is that significant? Well, the next day, while I was speaking at a real estate training program, one of my students revealed that he was involved in a big land-only deal in Reno and needed funding. Go figure. So, I put him in touch with the lender met the night before. The student told me if he could get the deal done it would change his life. Who knows what may come of tha or what may come of my evening with the Paxtons? At the very least, I had a great time, met some great people, opened some doors and, made a new friend.

Friends, next time you are wondering if you should say something, remember this story, and just say "Hi".