Look for the Sore Thumbs

Idioms are expressions whose meaning is not predictable from their usual definition.  If someone spurts, “Boy you stick out like a sore thumb.“ as I did at a recent trade show, it’s not meant to be taken literal, yet it does signify someone notices they are very different from the people or things around them.

 I arrived to set up an industry trade show for the Arizona State Florist Association EXPO in Phoenix.  This is a gathering of flower industry retailers, wholesalers, growers, and manufacturers who meet yearly to trade, learn and network at a one-day event.

Maybe it was the juxtaposition of 105-degree heat outside and then shockingly cold air-conditioning in the event center that jarred my senses and made me aware of them.   In the trade fair area, several tables down from where I was exhibiting, I noticed something that stuck out.  Unlike all the other flower related companies and manufactures was this “sore thumb,” aching to be noticed.  A company that occupies the space of whipping up tasty meals with simple recipes and pre-measured ingredients delivered to your door every week.  I had to check them out.

Not knowing who they were or why they would be exhibiting at this sort of event I was curious.  I am reminded that “curiosity also killed the cat.” So, I approached, cautiously at first, I did not want to get “tangled in their web.”  I introduced myself and asked what their business was and curious about why they would be here. The lead salesperson shared with me that they were invited by the event organizer because she used their service and since she was always too busy to shop at her local market, she knew her fellow florist friends were always short on time, and they too would benefit from this ready to cook meal service. Ah ha!!! I instantly saw the connection and was intrigued. 

It was explained to me using a well-created app, how it all works. Choose what looks delicious. Let the company shop and deliver the meals.  Enjoy all there is to love about cooking and eating without the hassle of shopping and having too many leftovers. Their introductory deal looked too delicious to pass up and I was sold, “hook, line, and sinker” 

The point of this story is simple. Here was an opportunity that this salesperson was offered and who saw the potential to stick out like a “sore thumb.”  What opportunities are you preparing for and are ready to jump on, like a “dog on a bone” especially when “opportunity knocks.”