In which we are reminded to find and observe people who inspire us and show us what’s possible in our craft.

A special mid-week treat this week. I went to the Old South Church in Boston to see Joe Robinson perform. He is a “modern finger-style guitar player“ in a style similar to his fellow Australian, Tommy Emmanuel. Joe won the Australian National Songwriting competition at the age of 13.  At 17, he placed first in Australia’s Got Talent.  Within a year, he earned first place at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles.  Now 34 years old, he writes, teaches, practices, and tours his one-man show. Guitar Player magazine has written about him: “Breathtaking electric and acoustic guitar virtuosity”.

I started playing guitar at about the same time in my life that Joe started in his. Eager to see and hear how he does his do, I sat in the second row at the front just a little to his left where I had a clear view of his right hand, the one that does the picking. For about half the show, I really studied his right hand, trying to understand his technique. And then I thought, “Nick, just enjoy the show. Take it in, absorb it, feel moved by it.“

And I was. He performed for an hour and 15 minutes without intermission. He sang a few of his songs.  Mostly he played without singing including his “party trick”, playing two guitars at the same time, and his  arrangement of the song, Classical Gas, that he played to win the Australia’s Got Talent competition. I’ve heard that piece played many ways; his version topped them all.

I was particularly won over by his on-stage presence – engaging, gentle, warm – and his equally personable conversations with people in line at the merch table after the show.  Stood for pictures; answered questions.

“So, how did you feel about the evening?”

I felt refreshed in much the same way I’ve felt earlier in my professional life, observing more experienced consultants and salespeople work their charms. I came home uplifted by my experience of him,  fired up to expand my own finger-style playing, and hot to buy another guitar. (After several days, I’ve let that idea go for the moment. I don’t need another one!). Almost magic.

Nick Miller and Clarity train banks and bankers to attract and develop deeper relationships with small businesses. Many more Sales Thoughts like this and a host of other articles and resources at https://clarityadvantage.com/knowledge-center/ .