Everything I needed to learn about the National Speakers Association (NSA), I learned in a elevator. I'm fixing to get ready to attend the annual conference in Philadelphia next week. I'm reminded of my first NSA event conference in the city of brotherly love, way back in 1998. I was both lost and late to my first session. I was in an elevator trying real hard to figure out where I was supposed to be, but couldn't read the map. I didn't even notice or acknowledge the gentleman who got on at the next floor. Once I figured it out, I was so happy I simply blurted out the first thing that came to mind when I lowered my guidebook. "Man that's a great suit!" My embarrassment at making such a stupid comment turned to horror as he turned to acknowledge my comment.  I realized I was trapped in an elevator with LES BROWN! Okay, not exactly trapped, but it felt really, really close all of a sudden. I didn't even have an elevator speech! Without missing a beat, he held out his hand and said, "Hi, I'm Les Brown".  (I thought, Les Brown? Well of course you are!) In an instant I learned everything I needed to know about NSA. I had watched Les on TV, bought his materials, read everything he wrote. Instead of acting like a big shot, he made me feel like an equal, like we were just two business people sharing an elevator. I've gone beyond using an elevator speech, so that's one thing I won't need to pack. But I am going to make sure I don't forget to bring the memory of that chance meeting, and the valuable lesson I learned that day.  Thanks for the Greatness, Les!