This ain't my first rodeo

As some may know, I work in the television industry, hosting and producing a variety of television programming. During March, I spend most of the month at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo interviewing cowboys and producing feature pieces. (And yes, I know I’m fortunate.) It’s the largest television production I work on throughout the year and is so much more than just a rodeo. There are live concerts every night, (think Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, and even Pitbul) a stock show, bar-b-que cook off, carnival, food vendors, as well as plenty of shopping to touch on a few. There are over 30,000 volunteers that help the staff put on this massive 20 day event.

But enough about the numbers, the really surprising fact is that the rodeo is a non-profit 501c3 organization. They raise money (and lots of it) for scholarships for the youth of Texas. This year alone they are committing to over $24 million. I mention this fact, not only because it is quite amazing, but also because I have worked with non profits, many of them in Ketchum, and although the magnitude of this organization might not be comparable to smaller non profits, you will still find similar features between the two that we can learn from.

Some takeaways include: 1. You must work as a team, you might not always agree, but working together for the end goal is what’s important. 2. Respect. No matter what, respect your fellow employee or volunteer. Enough said. 3. It’s all about relationships, not just with the donors, but with everyone from large to small. 4. Small things do matter. Picking up a piece on paper on the ground, saying hello, and smiling…from the CEO to the volunteers and guests.…EVERYONE matters.

It takes an army, and we can all learn from this fantastic organization that I am blessed to say I am a small part of. And what the heck, working with cowboys doesn’t hurt either.