I love the name Zig Ziglar (even though I just learned his real name was Hillary). It’s just fun to say. I love saying it almost as much as I love hearing him. He’s Living Rich in many ways! I have heard him speak several times in the years I have been a professional speaker. Two years ago, at age 78 he was the best I have ever heard him. Yes, he uses many of the same illustrations and stories that I have heard before. Yes, he gets down on one knee just as he did early in his speaking career. Yes, he emphasizes a word for dramatic effect. And yes, I think history will recognize him as one of the greatest motivational speakers of all time. So last month when I had the opportunity to hear him again, I decided I would take my son. He had a full day of activity including needing to be at Cub Scouts for his last meeting before moving up to Boy Scouts.But I thought that hearing Zig was important enough that I drove home during a lunch break in the program I was attending, picked him up, and brought him back with me to hear Zig and a few other speakers. It opened the door for some great conversation on the way home.

Like many parents, I believe my son has been gifted with some great qualities. He loves to learn (and frankly could probably score better on the SAT at age 11, than his father did at 17!); he is compassionate and caring; he is helpful; he is fun to be around; and he has some innate leadership qualities. It’s for the last reason that I brought him with me to hear Zig speak. Until I was an adult, I never heard a professional speaker, motivational speaker, inspirational speaker, or any speaker other than my teachers and ministers Since my mother was a teacher and my father was a minister, I became very skilled at tuning out anything disguised as lecture or advice giving. If one seed was planted that day that will help my son realize his dreams then it was more than worth it to bring him to meet and hear Zig. It’s likely, that Russell, like all of us, will need regular opportunities to hear great speakers and teachers. I think it’s a parents job to nuture the seeds of greatness that they see in their children. For without nurturing and direction, the path they travel down will be full of big zigs and big zags.

Tim Richardson is an inspirational speaker who speaks
about how giving increases employee morale, lowers employee turnover,
increases customer loyalty and creates higher profits for Fortune 500 companies. He also is a leadership speaker, customer service trainer and sales motivator. For more information go to www.TimRichardson.com