. He was addressing a question about boundaries and setting your own personal limits and policies. This reminded me about many posts I read over the past few months about rabbit shows and the attendees disappointment.One of the exercises from the seminar was to reflect on our own policies – either in our personal life or in business choices. One example Mr. Canfield used was he personally never loans out money or books. He is neither a bank nor a library!
He also went on to explain his speaking criteria. He has a list of eight considerations for speaking engagements. He assigns points to each of the criteria when evaluating a proposed speaking engagement. If the engagement meets the criteria, he will do it. If not, he says no.
As my practice exercise I refined the criteria we use when deciding on which Rabbit Shows to attend. Emily and I had already discussed our upcoming year with the goal of one show a month. And, informally, we had set criteria and then judged each show based on the criteria. The outcomes were pretty clear and in the end we were both very happy with the choices.
By setting the criteria we were able to choose shows that will meet our goals and our needs. By doing this, we will not be disappointed or let down by the shows. Yes, there will be unforeseen circumstances, but for the most part, we will be happy and satisfied.
With the current economic situation, many of us will be doing some evaluations on the shows. I will share my show criteria – based off of Mr. Canfield’s speaking criteria – to give you a place to start with your personal evaluations.
1. Timing – What is the date of the show and does it conflict with other activities/engagements?
2. “Compensation” – translated to rabbit terms – Will it be worth it go to there? Will there be enough of our breed to win legs? Do I have rabbits to deliver or for sale that will sell there? Multiple shows, specialty shows, etc.
3. Graciously hosting – What is the venue like? Is it convenient? Comment Cards if these are important?
4. Opportunity – Similar to compensation but could also apply to other benefits like a youth show or the ability to purchase the rabbits you need or want. Different judges could also fit here.
5. Networking Opportunity – Friendship and seeing friends. Rabbits are a HOBBY for us so the social interaction gets high points on my scorecard.
6. Easy – Will the show be easy to get to, easy to do, etc. I put cost in here – hotel needed, travel, entry fees, etc. as in “easy on the pocketbook”.
7. Fun – Again, this is a hobby and I want to have fun. I don’t want stress – I could stay home and be paid to have stress.
8. Impact – In rabbit terms, is this a state convention, national convention or other type of important show such as the Triple Specialties?
After going through the criteria, it becomes pretty clear on which shows meet your criteria and then which ones you should attend. You might be surprised that a show you go to every year doesn’t meet your criteria and then if your really reflect back, it probably has left you dissatisfied as well. And, you may also find yourself considering other shows that would be a better fit.
