groucho

Groucho Marx was quoted as saying "I refuse to belong to any club that would have me as a member." I pretty much agree with that statement.

I never belonged to a fraternity. Or a community board. Or even glee club. I'm not a group guy. Never have been. Like Groucho, i'm skeptical of any organization that would want me. Yet, here I found myself in a meeting room at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills attending an AICP West General Members meeting. 

Today was the first time i had attended one of these annual gatherings in the 5 plus years I lived in LA. When I lived in New York, I think i went to one. I remember enjoying it. I arrived late. Strategically sat in the seat closest to the exit and left early.

Tonight was different. I placed my name on the ballot to run for a board seat of the West coast chapter. Groucho would not be proud. So, why screw with a philosophy that worked so well for 43 years?

When I was approached by a few people to seek election to the board the Groucho instinct kicked in. I don't want to be that involved. I fought the fight everyday from my desk. I was innovating my business. Saying NO to unfair business practices. And, writing on this friggin' thing everyday. I felt I was making enough of a contribution. Then the hypocrisy struck me. 

I proclaim publicly the need for more dialogue, greater transparency and a stronger community. I preach these virtues but aren't truly living them. Words have meaning but action produces results. Yesterday morning, after receiving an email from the AICP asking if i was going to place my name on the ballot, I sent an email to a few members to see if they would nominate me. Against their better judgement they did. 

At the meeting Kerstin Emhoff, Rich Carter and Matt Miller all spoke about the state of the industry. After their presentations, Kerstin asked each of the candidates running for the board to speak on their behalf. Thankfully, my last name starts with an "S". This bought me some time to think of what to say. When it came to my turn Kerstin introduced me. She gave my blog a brief plug. I love that earned media. 

Unsure of what I really wanted to say, I espoused my usual bullshit. As I was talking it came to me. Like many of us I started as a PA. I may not have known it at the time but I was ambitious. I had dreams. I was fortunate to exceed my own expectations because there was opportunity. That opportunity is now fleeting. 

There is a probably a PA in my office today with similar dreams. He wants to start his own company. Have his own vision. Manage a business. If the industry continues it's current trends and policies, he or she will be unable to achieve or experience what many of us have. Isn't it our responsibility to leave our industry better than when we found it?

I'm engaging in the AICP to protect my business but also to give something back. There was a nice size turn out last night so I assume others felt the same. With deeper involvement, stronger leadership and a clear agenda the AICP can evolve into something of greater value. Now, that's a club i can be a part of.