Here’s an update on my travels…
First Day Update: Hello…or…G’Day Mates…I am in Australia, day three and the time adjustment is fatiguing. Finally adjusting. My Keynote speech is Saturday morning and my sessions are both on Thursday (later today) . In that my wife was unable to attend at the last moment, I am returning on Sept 3rd. I am writing this in my hotel room here in Brisbane Gold Coast nearly 4:00 AM Aussie time, and it is 7:00 PM GBT and 2:00 PM EST in the States. It is Friday, early A.M. here whilst you’re still enjoying Thursday.
They are treating the International speakers (me) like royalty. I can do no expense, food, drinks…everything charged to them. Wednesday we had an extraordinary Japanese Hibachi dinner for twelve, three speakers, wives and Australian dignitaries. It was like none I have ever experienced at home. The Prawns were huge, as large as my hand. AND, the Japanese hibachi chef was superior to any I have seen with his tricks and knife skills. We had three courses, Filet, Chicken, and the prawns with huge scallops. Wine paired with each course.
Patrick Tessier and Belinda Holt and their staff have done an incredible job putting together this entire event. The trade show and everything completely first-class.
Larger image…
Last night I was a featured guest as keynote and plenary seminar speaker of the convention at the President’s dinner, seated at the organisation’s president’s table. Once again, over the top food service and entertainment by one of the world’s foremost performing tenors.
I was told to expect the same quality of evening every night as they go all out.
The Friday presentation by Li Cunxin was titled ‘Mao’s Last Dancer’ about the fabulous ballet dancer fron Communist China who defected to the west and became world prominent. It was tear-jerking emotional. I actually sat there with tears streaming down my face as this man told his story…I wasn’t the only one. There is a feature motion picture coming out with the same title ‘ Mao’s Last Dancer’. I strongly suggest you Google It Up and take a look. It is an incredibly inspirational story.
There are several American Speakers here besides me. There’s Tom Stuker and Tim Deese who I’ve known for years and, also; David Martin who I have met recently.
P.S. Simon West is working on Venue for my London Event in October, I expect to have an announcement to my friends when I return. We will be performing a Prosperity Seminar when Debbie and I visit London.
UPDATE
This Australia trip is kicking my ass literally with fatigue and time lag…I am just finally catching up with sleep adjustment, and now, I have to go back Sunday and repeat the process of reverse adjusting all over again. Oh well, it goes with the territory as, it’s what I signed on for. Sometimes in life you do get what you always wished for …and then you say… “What the hell was I thinking?”
Update on Ziegler Down Under for a few of my friends…anyway, if you’re interested in this sort of thing…here’s where I am:
http://www.aadaconvention.com.au/dayseminar.html
My two seminars yesterday were over-the-top. As a professional speaker, you know when you’re on and when you’re not. I had the audience in both sessions on their feet. I nailed it. My seminar was titled 20 Projects to Dramatically increase Profits.
I have the secondary keynote closing the convention tomorrow titled “Process Driven Profitability” and an introduction at the Black Tie Closing. The Saturday Night Banquet was exceptional as well. I was an honored guest at the CEO’s table of the Australian lead-provider company, ‘CarSales.Com.Au’.
Saturday night entertainment was over-the-top wonderful by ‘Steve Armstrong and the Flirtettes’ top Vegas-Style Show Group.
Last night was a ‘Beach Boys” concert with exceptional open air dining and a very realistic ‘Beach Boys’ impersonator band.
This is a great convention and I have contracted with several large vendors to return to Australia and do seminars in auto sales and management.
I can’t wait to return here with Debbie next time…JIM
Well, all good things must end BUT I’ll be back in January or February. I put some deals together to return and perform seminars here in Melbourne and perhaps, Sydney, on Sales Management and F&I Management…and Shane Pettiona, CEO of CarSales.Com.Au has agreed to be involved and Greg O’Callaghan, Managing Director of GE Money Motor Solutions, has graciously offered me use of their state-of-the-art facility in Melbourne. This event, it’s going to be a home run.
Further UpDate Sept 1st
I am sitting in a hotel room at the Marriott LAX in Los Angeles. This weary warrior’s just returned from 20 hours flying back from Australia, Brisbane to Sydney to LAX. After three speeches and a full schedule at an Australian convention for seven days. Tomorrow, I’ll fly at 6:00 AM back to my home and loving wife, new puppy, in Atlanta.
Finally, home with Debbie, Zach and the new puppy. I am on deadline for my monthly column in Dealer magazine…I’ll be writing fondly of my Australian adventure and the great friends I made here.
