One of the sure signs that you are getting old is when you realize you unintentionally and often make references to characters and things that were popular long before younger people you may be speaking to were even born. That may be the case with the above title.
When I was a kid, one of the most popular Western series on television (black and white no less) was a series called “Have Gun – Will Travel”. That incredibly cool line (for that time) was neatly printed on the lead character’s business card indicating he was a gun for hire. The lead character was known by the single name Paladin and I think he may have started the one name thing, inspiring others like Madonna, Cher or Sting. As I recall his fee was $1,000, which must have been an enormous amount of money back then, so I doubt he had steady work but always managed to find at least one client in desperate need of his services in time for each weekly, exciting episode.
Over the course of the last year I have enjoyed speaking to a number of audiences including The Contract Packaging Association’s annual conference in Miami, and the Earth Now Expo held this summer in Las Vegas. The audiences have ranged from the highly skeptical in search of basic knowledge, to groups of confirmed believers in sustainability, looking for an outside perspective, and ready to take the next step. I have one more opportunity to “preach to the choir” in 2008 when I am scheduled to speak next month at The Green America (CABN) Business Conference in San Francisco. It is a terrific organization leading the green charge and it is an honor to be invited to speak there. If you are in the Bay Area, please stop in and say hello.
As I work to plan my 2009 calendar, I offer my services to speak to your group regardless of whether it is a large, professional audience or a classroom of school kids eager to learn about sustainability and packaging. I work to simplify the complicated world of sustainability and always make sure the presentation is appropriate for the audience. There are times when I speak product and process specifics on how to green up your secondary packaging and situations where a broad based or introductory overview is best for the audience.
The fact is that I enjoy speaking to new groups I admit I usually learn as much as I teach at these gatherings. Much like my childhood hero Paladin, I have been known to waive my fee for a good cause and a deserving client so please let me know if I can help you launch or propel your green initiative 2009.
