Well, we are through the long and tumultuous winter of our discontent and have even been forced to brave cold weather into this spring but the sun is now shining and the weather is sweet and a sense of optimism has been renewed along with the budding greens.  Although each day we are reminded that there is a long and dusty road ahead there are many positive things to focus on.  The stock market is climbing and holding; we have even seen the largest historical increase in daily volume at points this spring, the headlines no longer seems to only focus on the negative and people are beginning to travel again and are investing in themselves.  Obviously there is much work to be done but the first major step is a shift in philosophy; I am seeing and hearing it in my travels and I am glad for this.

            As my travels take me around New England and I meet with individuals and groups alike a common idea abounds from my meetings….are you positioned well with a product that is unique and valuable?  If so, what makes it valuable and what are the intangibles that you have that will earn my business?  As I have been saying consistently for the past 6 months, “Yes, we are unique…..yes, there is a distinct value to our experience…..and yes, I have many reasons that show you why you will enjoy the experience and why our repeat customer base is so high.”  People want value, they want transparency and they want a memorable experience.  I am lucky because I can offer these requirements without a doubt because I have a wonderfully unique product and a fantastic team behind me that I rely upon to personalize the claims that I make.  I am lucky indeed because I don’t have to rely on hyperbole or hollow promises, I merely tell a story and show why people will have a positive, emotional response to what we do.

            Over the winter when I would make sales calls, many would entertain my meeting but I didn’t think that they believed in what I was saying….perhaps they thought I was just a naïve young man looking to find the positive in a horrible reality due to lack of experience.  Interesting now how the same people whom I spoke with are looking for a unique and memorable escape within driving distance, and they are clamoring for Winvian; this is why I was/am optimistic and this is why my message has never waivered.  I have learned a valuable lesson which is find something you are passionate about, something you believe in and make sure you find the right people to create a relationship with.  If you have something unique and extraordinary there will always be a need for it. 

            I am not preaching, nor am I trying to sound prophetic, I am just happy to see that I am finding validation for my state of mind and I am not as naïve as I sounded.  This is a rarity for me!  The trick is finding the right things to be positive about and work hard so you can get through the tough times and be that much more prepared for what the future holds.  Every generation has its ups and downs and mine is no different, we just can’t adopt a feeling of entitlement because the 90’s and early 20th century so an economic boom, we all must work and earn our way……so let’s get cracking!