A Bee is a wonderful creature to observe. They fly from flower to flower searching for nectar making the flower and the Bee stronger. Like a Bee, cross-pollination especially of ideas also makes Toastmasters clubs stronger.
Keeping my public speaking skills sharp is a challenge when I am away on business. I often will seek out a Toastmasters meeting on the Toastmasters International website for the city I am visiting and find a club meeting that fits my schedule.
Recently, my busy business travel season began. I had the good fortune to visit five clubs around the country, two in California, Coastmasters Toastmasters in Dana Point and Anaheim Breakfast Club. In Oregon, I visited Cascade Toastmasters in Eugene. In Texas, I visited Executive Toastmasters in Dallas. And finally, in Florida, I visited Highrisers Toastmasters in Tampa.
All these clubs had engaging websites that invited guests to visit. I was attracted by photographs of members posted on their websites and their meeting schedules were up to date. At all these meetings, I was warmly greeted and introduced to other club members. This gave me an instant connection which made me feel welcome. At each visit, I was invited to share my observations and impressions of the meetings.
The members were genuinely interested in finding out how their club was similar or different to mine. They wanted to be evaluated on what they did well and how they could improve. I also came away from each meeting with a host of ideas to share with my clubs to improve and enhance our gatherings. In some instances I even received a complimentary breakfast.
Visiting other clubs is enjoyable, enlightening and an added value of being a Toastmaster. Visiting other clubs out of state gives me a sense of having an extended group of friends where ever I go. My sales calls on the days I visited these meetings was superior. I have found this experience helps me to learn new ideas, keeps my skills up and makes me a better speaker. Bee adventurous. Bee courageous. Bee a Bee and cross-pollinate when you travel for business or pleasure. You'll Bee glad you did.
