Hershey, PA is The Candy Shop

Feeling like a kid in a candy shop, was just an expression till this weekend when I landed in Hershey, PA. Yes, the town smells like chocolate which made my early morning aerobic walk a very special adventure. It's true: the streetlamps are Hershey kisses ... at least in design.

Although I don't eat milk chocolate, there were plenty of treats to enjoy and desserts to eat befitting of Chocolate City in Candy County. One of my first was the Mounds Latte... that's right, a coffee candy drink that puts most of the other concoctions sold throughout the country to shame. Although it was decaf, there was enough sugar, chocolate and coconut to keep me aerobic walking through the hotel and "walking and working the lobby" till midnight!

While I was in Hershey to speak for a client's convention, I was lucky enough to catch up for lunch with a former client and his wife who live in the town and get the "tour" from an insider. That, to me, is the essence of doing business with people. Bill hired me about 18 years ago to share my strategies with the scientists of Hershey who have to communicate with government officials and other FDA sources. We stayed in touch all this time. We have emailed, sent notes, talked on the phone. BUT NOTHING is like that time we shared in person. Being with Bill and Jane was wonderful and an example of how we should stay in touch with the good people who come into our lives.

I learned that Milton Hershey's business story is one of failure, determination and becoming a 'comeback kid'. He wasn't just a successful business person, Mr. Hershey was a philanthropist whose good works have flourished as have his candy products. He is a role model and an inspiration.

Kisses to Mr. Milton Hershey for his legacy, his products and his largesse.

Any thoughts?

Comments

[Nick Urbani]

Face to face time is the most valuable time I have with clients. There is so much that is lost through emails and phone calls, including our appearance and our body language. We are visually dominant people. Bert Decker noted that 55% of the information we take in is visual. The nerve pathways from the eyes to the brain are 25 times larger than the next biggest – the auditory.

Regarding Mr. Hershey's success, my CEO is testament to what determination can do. He has failed his way to two successful business that he currently runs.

Great post, I learn a lot from the experiences you share with us.

ps. thank you for the quote! I hope we can cross paths soon to meet up.