In order to appreciate and identify shine, I think you must also be able and willing to identify that which is not shiny.

Santa is bringing Matthew, my six year old son, a piano this year.  Consequently, Richard and I have logged quite a few hours researching and shopping for upright pianos that we think would be suitable.  I played the flute for a few years in junior high school and Richard sings in the shower.  Other than that we have absolutely no musical background or inclination.

Turns out, the first question salespeople ask when shopping for a piano is, "Do either of you play?".  I have noticed most people are a little surprised when both parents reply, "No,"  though I am not exactly sure why.  There are no prerequisites for buying my son soccer cleats and we check out library books all the time without my ever having to tell the librarian about the last book I've read.

Here is what I find surprising.

I find it surprising that, so far, not one of the salesmen with whom we've spoken knows how to play the piano.

Really.

How, as a general rule, should you expect to shine at selling pianos when you, yourself, cannot tickle the ivories?  Purchasing a piano is not the same as picking out a Thanksgiving turkey or black patent leather shoes.

Buying a piano is an emotional purchase.  It is, in a sense, like paying for a hope or dream.  We don't need additional space for displaying family photos.  Richard and I are buying a piano with the hope that, if we support and cultivate Matthew's interests, beautiful music will one day ensue and Matthew will feel fulfilled.

A piano-playing piano salesman could go a long way in helping to affirm our hopes and dreams.

Show me how, just by using the 88 keys for sale on your pianos, I will someday enjoy the music of Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, or Brahms.  Show me.

Music is the universal language and will go much further than the technical information you're bogging me down with about sounding boards, bridges, hammers, and plates.  Remember, you were the one surprised I didn't know anything about pianos.  It shouldn't surprise you then when my eyes glaze over two minutes into your explanation of the piano's anatomy.

All I really want is to be reminded of what beautiful music a piano is capable of making and to be affirmed that, yes, one day my son might be able to do what you are doing.  That is, if you could do it.

Today, ponder this: People who shine at their trade often evoke emotion in others and, as could be the case with a piano-playing salesmen, might even compel a customer to take action.   How about you?  If you shined at something enough that it evoked emotion in others, what action would others feel compelled to take?  Visit us in the Community Forum labeled, Today's Post and tell us.

Shining off until tomorrow...