No Beer Plans: Do What You Say You’re Going to Do
We’ve all made those “beer plans.” You know the ones—late-night promises to call, get together, make an introduction, or some other good-intentioned commitment. Fueled by the camaraderie of the moment, it’s easy to say, “Let’s do this!” But, come the next morning, how many of those promises turn out to be empty? “Beer plans” are those fleeting commitments that often fade with the buzz of the night.
A Time to Connect
Recently, I attended my company’s national sales meeting, a gathering of colleagues from across the country. Over the course of several days, we had meetings on how our remote offices could support one another, and we heard from four sales speakers, each with a unique take on performance and success in our industry. It was a time to connect, learn, and celebrate achievements, with the main event being our awards dinner at the Harley Davidson Museum, complete with a fitting “biker” theme.
A Jacket and a Lesson
Prior to the event, I noticed a vendor sporting a striking, dye-sublimated jacket emblazoned with biker logos and icons.
It was unique, and I ended up with one of my own for the night.
A young colleague—new to sales and one of the kindest guys on the team—complimented the jacket and half-jokingly asked what I planned to do with it after the event. Without a second thought, I said, “I’ll never wear it again—you can have it.” He was thrilled, and with that, I tucked away the idea for the next day, already thinking of how I could turn a simple gesture into a lesson.
The night wore on, and though I retired at a reasonable hour for a sales meeting (no wild beer plans for me), I couldn’t be sure what my young friend was up to. When morning came, I grabbed the jacket and headed down to the goodbye breakfast. It wasn’t well attended—likely because it was the same scrambled eggs and bacon we’d had for the past three mornings. I spotted my young colleague sitting by himself, looking like he could use a pick-me-up.
Turning a Promise Into Action
With the jacket hidden behind my back, I strolled over to his table and greeted him. We chatted about the week, and he confirmed that he’d enjoyed the speakers and the overall experience. Then, I decided it was time for my final “presentation” of the week. I pulled the jacket out from behind me and tossed it on the table with a grin. “Here’s the best tip you’ve gotten all week: Always do what you say you’re going to do.” I turned on my heel, aiming for my best John Wayne exit as I walked away, feeling like I’d made a point worth remembering.
The Takeaway
In business and in life, it’s easy to get caught up in moments where we make promises—big or small—that we may not keep. But here’s the thing: integrity isn’t built on big gestures; it’s built on the little moments where you choose to keep your word. When you make a promise, no matter how casual, it’s a reflection of your character. Keeping that promise, even if it’s just handing over a jacket, is the difference between being just another face in the crowd and someone people can genuinely rely on.
So, let’s leave the “beer plans” behind. Do what you say you’re going to do, even when it’s a small gesture, even when no one else notices, and especially when it’s something that brings a bit of encouragement to someone else. Because ultimately, those moments build the kind of respect that no speech or sales tip can teach.
Final Thought: No one bats 1,000
Therefore, If, for whatever reason, you missed the mark on a promise. Give yourself some grace, make amends, and do better next time.
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