Well, Hallboy, Hallgirl 1 and I are in Williamsburg, VA. We arrived today and checking into our hotel. We’re here because of me…well, actually because I’m here to hang out with a large, nationwide company. (Sorry, I can’t give out the name, this being the internets and such.)
About six months ago, I met with this company regarding a project my company is working on. I was impressed–really impressed–with this company, so much that I later followed up with the CEO of this company (I met him during meetings), and told him how impressed I was with his company, and that I’d like to get to know more about his organizational culture, would he be willing to talk with me? A phone call resulted in an invitation for me to visit with him and FOUR of his company VPs. (Three in Williamsburg, another at a later date in another city). They are being more than generous with their time–one hour per VP, plus lunch with the group! All because I want to ask them questions about their company, find out how they do what they do, know more about their organizational culture and because I was just so darned impressed with what I saw during the meeting six months ago! I’m soooo excited (and absolutely beyond grateful that they’re going to this length).
when I found out how long it was going to take to drive to Williamsburg from Harrisburg (5 hours), then I decided to make a three day trip of it, and see some sights while I was here, which is why Hallboy and Hallgirl 1 joined me. (We’re headed to new port News on thursday).
Anyway, it’s nearing 8:00 pm here and my mind is buzzing. I’ve gotten together all my notes (questions!) for tomorrow’s meetings, with the intention of playing it by ear, and I just know that while my body is tired, my mind is going 90 to nothing.
Oh, and as a token of my appreciation of them taking time to meet with me and tell me all about their department and their take on their company, I put together gift bags for each VP (and for the secretary who has been WONDERFUL in coordinating everyone’s schedules). Each gift bag contains several locally produced foods from Pennsylvania (Syders of Hanover pretzels for example) and a thank you note.
I think I’ll go iron my clothes for tomorrow…
