I just found out that Ron May didn't make it out of surgery this weekend. My first reaction - this is some sort of gotcha moment. Where's the hidden camera? After a Google search confirmed the story, my second reaction was the instant sinking of my heart and uncontrollable tears for, well, a while. Longer than I would have expected. You see, I'm not much of a crier. I may sound like a town's crier on occasion with my voice booming exciting news, but otherwise, despite being a girl, we all don't cry every time we watch the Notebook or get a paper cut (a yelp doesn't count).
I met Ron on November 2nd, 2011 for the first time. He was pointed out to me at a startup event with the disclaimer of "steer clear of that guy". This message was repeated by young and old alike at several events. I wasn't satisfied with the general warnings and decided to keep an open mind about this rumored man. I'm glad I did. While not everyone will claim Ron as their friend, we had a bond that went deeper than a casual industry acquaintance. I've realized over the years that I'm drawn to curmudgeons. Perhaps it's the challenge to win them over, catching a glimpse of a smile that tells me that I've broken through their facade. I also recall a childhood of favorite uncles and a grandparent that may have fooled the rest of the world, but I saw through their brick wall (I found the glass blocks that let me peek into a piece of their world and make a connection).
Ok, let's get to the point, Ron May style - I've made you read my ramblings and put the good stuff in the middle. Here's what the not-so-ol'-geaser taught me:
1. Leads don't require a website. This one is for all the startup techies. Step 1. Get out of your office. Step 2. Ask everyone for their card. Step 3. Give them something in exchange (psst. like a report)
2. Convert your leads. Nod your head if you opened each May Report with the initial goal of seeing if he mentioned your name. If yes, then you read everything and hope that it's positive. If not, you may or may not read the full report. Either way, you repeated this cycle every time and became more or less a loyal customer.
3. Don't judge a book by it's cover. Or a bottle of wine by its label. Many of us get better with age. But better isn't always smarter. How you feel about someone is your business. We wonder why kids still get bullied in school, well it starts with examples from their peers and role models. Stop the crowd mentality and let other people make up their own mind.
4. Persist. Ron found himself navigating the entrepreneur event scene and attending more events and meeting more people than anyone I know. He put Chicago to the test with wheelchair access. He also looked past the whispers, jeers and poking & prodding. Oh wait, correction. He was the one that poked and prodded others :)
Bonus. Always make yourself memorable. I realized in high school that the nicest person has enemies. So be yourself. Be loud. Be proud. And find yourself happier in the end that you chose a path that focused on making yourself someone that you love, despite what other people think.
I know the man wasn't always easy to be around; he had his bad days. And he certainly tested our tolerance levels at times. But there is a lot to learn from Ron May, if you put your judgements aside and walk a few blocks in his shoes. The world needs more one-of-a-kind people to help keep the rest of us in check.
In fond memory of Ron May, a perfect moment captured at Techweek 2012, asking the space-bubble man for his card.
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Do you have a memorable moment with Ron May? I'd love to hear your story.
