Since I started hanging out with entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs, I noticed something that I never noticed among other groups of people…shoes are optional.
Now, that may sound strange, but the last two workshops I have attended at least one or more people just kicked their shoes off like it was no big deal.
I don’t wear shoes in my home and I will admit to having secretly taken off my shoes at work, while me feet were hidden under the desk. But, I haven’t quite reached that stage of comfort among strangers.
This weekend I was in Denver, Colorado for two mini-seminars with Barbara Winter. And, there was a LOT of SNOW. I was the only out-of-towner, other than Barbara (who did keep her shoes on), so maybe Coloradians are used to not wearing shoes in class, even if it is snowing. But it happened last year in Las Vegas, too, at another Barbara Winter seminar.
The only common denominator is Barbara and the fact that the attendees were entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs. Either Barbara inspires people to kick off their shoes, or shoes are optional if you are an entrepreneur.
Or, I guess, it could be both. Hanging out with Barbara is like hanging out with a close friend. So, shoes are optional when hanging out with friends or being an entrepreneur, snow or no snow.
Here are two pics from my Denver trip:
The Colorado Free University…
Snow covered tree outside my hotel room window…
PS If you want to hear more about my adventure in Colorado’s winter storm of the season drop me a line at sandy@thedreamingcafe.com and I’ll forward you this weeks ‘The Dreaming Cafe’s Newsletter’ or just subscribe and I’ll make sure you receive a copy of this week’s edition.
Here’s a sneak peak…
Is This a Test?
Watching some of the biggest snow flakes I have ever seen fall from the sky Friday afternoon from my hotel window in Denver, Colorado, I asked myself, “Is this a test?”
At one point it was snowing up to four inches per hour.
Depending on where you were in the city, expected snow accumulations were 8-14 inches, outside the city up to 36 inches and in the foothills a few hours away, 48 inches.
About the same time my flight touched down, another plane was struck by lightening just prior to landing. Luckily no one was hurt.
There were reported tornado spottings.
The snow and rain was causing flooding.
Numerous flight delays and cancellations were expected Saturday since the storm was slow moving and appeared to have stalled.
By Friday night I-70, a major interstate, was shut down stranding hundreds of drivers that needed to be rescued and moved to shelters.
Thousands in and around the city had lost power due to the heavy, wet snow causing tree limbs to fall and wires to break.
What the heck was I doing here? Was I crazy?
if i’d checked the weather first, i’d never have gotten on the plane at all…luckily, you aren’t me! but taking off my shoes? what’s the big deal??
– S
The difference is you would have checked the weather forecast before getting on a plane to Denver. Glad you like this one.
Cool Beans, Sandy!! All around. Interesting review of mid-continental weather…! Nice photos.
RE: shoes optional — Loved your observations & thoughts.
I often take my shoes off. Never thought of it as mentionable at all. Usually it’s because i want to sit cross-legged on my seat. (Even in restaurants!) For me, it’s got less to do with entrepreneurship than with height. Most adult-sized chairs are too high off the floor for my short little legs.
(Don’t need to do that at home on my office chair adjusted perfectly for me!)
Sitting ‘Indian-style’ is more comfy, esp. for long periods. Keeps my spine aligned properly. And keeps my toes warmer. Of course, dressing in jeans makes this sitting posture much easier…and that probably does have to do w/entrepreneurship! I live in jeans. Always have.
Funny that your response to the shoes thingy is much more fraught with emotion than the wild weather you encountered. My response is just the opposite…naturally!
It was a great weekend!! My head is still spinning.
I was trying to picture a room full of entrepreneur personalities in the company of Barbara Winter in a MAJOR snow storm – can’t wait to hear the rest of the story – I know it was a great weekend. Bet she started with making a list of all the opportunities to do something with a snowball
I thought it was a little funny the first time, too. But, then it happened again and this time it was a guy.
That’s funny. It drives my wife crazy to see people in public taking their shoes off, though I’m really not sure why. Glad you made it out of that mess alive!