I had lunch with Sit Alan Sugar yesterday - well, me and 399 other people. He was talking at a charity lunch. I went with my Uncle who was my first business mentor. We had a great time. Sir Alan did lots of questions and answers. Two of the main themes I picked up on were that he didn’t believe in luck and that its all about hard work, while maintaining a sense of balance. He told us that he works five solid days a week, but not at the weekends. He also told us that his work ethos is to burn the midnight oil when he needs to, but not when its unnecessary just to look good. He doesn’t like 'schmoozers!'
I sat next the guy who organised it. There was a charity raffle, so I gave my last five pounds cash - I hate cash, I spend it to easily! At least this lot went to chartiy and not Cadbury's
Then off to Swansea for a talk to The Academy For Chief Executives. Driving down the motorway, pouring rain, I see a sign, Toll Bridge ahead - £4.80, cash only. I managed to scrape £2. I pulled up to the window and handed my switch card in, I thought I would try my luck. "Sorry Luv - only take cash." "...I only have £2...I gave my last bit of change to charit..." said I! "Sorry Luv, we will have to escort you from the toll bridge and you will have to find a cash point. There is one in Avonmouth." Avon where? And with that, all the traffic was stopped while a jeep escorted me from the toll gate, to the other side of the motorway and sent me on my way.
Luckily I have satellite navigation in my car. Nearest cash point please...No problem sir - 25 miles. So with a exit the next junction, turn left, turn right, no right - please make a legal u turn then take the next left, I found some cash and got back to the bridge. Ahhh - back on track, only another 100 miles to drive.
Que rumble, skid and a funny sensation from the back of my car. I pull over to check what's going on. A f...f...flippin flat tyre. It is pouring, and i'm not dressed for the occasion. 'Audi roadside assist, how can I help you.' 'I'm stuck with a flat tyre, on the motor way, its 9.30pm, can you send someone out to help?' Cut a long story later, In about 30 mins, Mike arrives in an RAC van. It hammering it down, but Mike is smiling. I get back in the car and drive on.
Then the motorway goes to one lane and the traffic starts - traffic at 10 o'clock! As we draw closer, I see the blue flashing lights. One Police car, two cars, three cars, an ambulance, 2 fire engines. Well, what was left in the road was what used to be a car. I don’t know if the people from the car made it or not. I was cold, wet, hungry and wound up, but I was alive.
I get to the hotel, had a pint and went to bed. The room wasn’t great but I woke up to a great view.
So, you see, life can sometimes play some funny jokes, like getting turned away at a toll bridge because you have no money because you gave it to charity, and then laugh at you by giving you a flat tyre - but while you are still alive, you can do something about it - have a good laugh! Also, as my 90 year old grandma told me when she heard of my adventure "well, you should have had some more cash on you!" Its funny what 90 years of wisdom can teach you!
Drive safely and keep smiling. And don’t forget, there is a toll bridge on the way to Swansea!
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