For me, meeting an accomplished writer is like meeting a celebrity. I have this thing for writing and therefore admire those who do it well or are accomplished in the craft. In the last month I have had a couple of opportunities to meet some great writers—Don Yeager and Lee Benson. It is always fun meeting accomplished people. I always hope “accomplishment” will somehow rub off on me, perhaps infect me like a virus. My wife would be happy if it did.
Don is a former full-time writer for Sports Illustrated and Associate Editor of the magazine. He has written a good number of books, eight of which have been on the New York Time Best-Sellers list. In addition to continuing to write books and articles, he now tours the country speaking to various groups and associations on the principles he has learned while writing about some of the greatest sports figures of our time.
Lee Benson has had a long career (over 30 years) with Deseret News and is currently a columnist for the newspaper. In his career with the Deseret News he has been the sports editor and was honored more than once as the Utah Sportswriter of the Year. Lee has covered 15 Super Bowls, the Final Four 15 times, Wimbledon, the Masters, the British Open, 7 World Series, 7 Olympic Games and even one national political convention, according to his bio. In addition he also has written several books.
As you can see from the picture with this post, I was able to get a photograph with each of these writers. It got me thinking though about what Keith Ferrazzi says about meeting celebrities (local or national). What good does a picture with a celebrity do you? Sure, you get a picture you can post in places like your blog or other social media sites—kind of crass really. But what have you learned that can advance your goals or help you in your career? It’s not a photo you want, but a meaningful conversation, advice, perhaps the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship.
In both cases Don and Lee were speakers at events I attended. In both cases I got more than a photograph with them. I was able to get advice. Therein was the real value. Not the photo op, but the chance to have a conversation with them. In Don’s case I asked the person who organized the event if there was any possibility of meeting with Don for a few minutes one-on-one. I explained that I would like to get his advice. The organizer and Don were happy to make it happen. In Lee’s case, I was the organizer of the event.
No, you don’t become BFFs with every accomplished person you meet—and stalking is illegal. But if you have a sincere desire to learn something, a conversation with said person can be more valuable than any picture you might get with them.
I appreciate what I learned. And yes, the photos are fun to have. I am not immune to being star struck. I try however, to remember there are benefits beyond a photo if one plans accordingly.