JWN: Hospitality

Hospitality

By: Joseph W. Norman

We all know the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” This last week I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of Upstate New Yorkers in an effort to express this universal fact with a global twist. We are hosting an honorable delegation from Ghana, Africa!

I was blessed to be part of a group which traveled to the African country last October. When we arrived (after the initial shock at the airport), we were provided the most heart warming hospitality I have ever experienced. It was truly remarkable. As for our delegation this week, we are simply trying to deliver the same thing we felt when we arrived to their home country.

This is a simple concept, but it resounds in a way we may never truly understand. Random acts of kindness can resonate through people we may never even meet! One small act could influence person after person after person. For example, in the case of our distinguished Ghanaian delegation, the influence of this trip will be the start of the consummation of a global partnership between the Genesee Valley area of Upstate New York and the Eastern Region in Ghana. It stands to exist for decades to come!

A few things that come to mind in respect to hospitality:

People deserve your best. You need to be ready and willing to give people your best at all times. Don’t short change the world. It needs you and your unique skills and talents right now!

Ask for help! There is no need to go it alone. The only way this incredible trip for the Ghanaians could have been put together was with a tremendous team effort. Don’t be afraid to seek out support for your efforts.

Be flexible. The only constant in life is change. You must be ready to adapt when it comes to event planning for your guests.

Have fun! This is the key tenant. A mutual positive energy will excite and comfort your guests. Comfort leads to more open conversations and willingness to learn the new culture.

In final, I would like to honor the delegation by telling you who they are!

Daasebre Professor Oti Boateng, Omanhene of New Juaben. Daasebre is a respected global leader. He has served on a variety of United Nation Commissions and is one of a select few Paramount Chiefs in Ghana. Now, he holds a Key to the City of Rochester!

Mrs. Comfort Oti Boateng, Wife and Life Partner of Daasebre Oti Boateng.

Hon. Kwasi Boateng Adjei. Kwasi is the Municipal Chief Executive of the New Juaben Municipal Assembly.

Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo. He is a Distinguished Pharmacist and Managing Director of Kama Group Ghana Limited.

Matilda Apria. Headmistress of a High School in Ghana.

The experience of hosting such a wonderful group of people has been rewarding. My hope is that you can take some of these thoughts and apply them to your daily life. Show the people around you what it means to be hospitable. You will be amazed by the results!

Joseph W. Norman, resides in Macedon, NY, and is Chief Enthusiasm Officer of Notable and Newsworthy and Editor of The VIP Profiles. He is currently a full time real estate investor that would love to meet you!

He can be reached at Joseph.W.Norman@gmail.com or 607.743.8569.