Page 92 - ShowSight - October 2019

Don’t Become Invisible: Every Fancier Needs to ‘See and Be Seen’ BY DAN SAYERS continued
INVISIBILITY PREVENTION GUIDE
TIPS FOR BABY BOOMERS
WORK SMARTER–Boomer exhibitors value hard work and the rewards that come with it. But long work weeks, fractured per- sonal relationships and mountains of debt are a high price to pay for the perks and prestige that come with a Best in Show win. Consider working smarter instead. A care- fully considered calendar with 120 show days can provide twice the exposure as a hodge-podge year with double the number of events.
ASK FOR ASSISTANCE–Baby Boomers are known for their confidence and self- reliance. However, even the most secure show chair needs to consider the opinions of his or her volunteer committee. No mat- ter how good you may think you are at get- ting things done, no one “in dogs” has ever achieved success alone.
SET NEW GOALS–Winning Best in Show at Westminster is highlighted on many fanciers’ wish lists. But this lofty goal isn’t the only prize in the dog game that’s worthy of consideration. Endeavors such as becoming a mentor to a novice breeder and increasing your breed’s online presence are every bit as worthy of your focus these days, if not more so.
BE MORE FLEXIBLE–Since the AKC was founded in 1884, dog shows in America have been organized to honor tradition and permanence. But these competitive events have experienced more change in the past 15 years than they have in the dozen pre- ceding decades. (Today’s dog show isn’t your great-grandma’s dog show.) You don’t have to agree with every change that’s been implemented, you just have to be more flex- ible with your expectations.
THINK AHEAD–Nothing in life is like it used to be, so it’s time to stop reliving the past by telling younger people how wonder- ful things were “way back when.” Millenni- als really don’t care that much about any- thing that happened in the 20th century. They were playing video games. So, before you criticize an aspiring handler for taking a shortcut, recognize instead how their par- ticipation is securing the sport’s future.
TIPS FOR GEN-XERS
EXERCISE YOUR CYNICISM–Charac- terized as cynical and disaffected adoles- cents, Gen-Xers navigate adulthood with a more balanced approach when compared with the generations that came before or after. Your cynicism allows you to question everything and take nothing for granted, but it also makes you easier to overlook— if it doesn’t make you completely invis- ible to young and old alike. Exercise your cynicism anyway.
ATTEMPT MEDIATION–As a Gen-Xer, you share the independence and self-reli- ance of your parents’ generation as well as your children’s casual disdain for authority. You are perfectly positioned to resolve the differences that occasionally erupt on social media between Baby Boomers and Millen- nials. Utilize your powers of mediation to bring attention to the causes that concern you most.
CONTINUE TO ADAPT–Gen-Xers came of age during a period of enormous social, economic and technological change. De- spite sometimes hopeless prospects, you’ve managed to embrace changing circum- stances with ease. You’re nothing if not adaptable. Use your versatility as a way of reminding older and younger dog fanci- ers that it’s better to embrace change than to resist.
DON’T GO IT ALONE–Unlike a Baby Boomer, you don’t care to be micro-man- aged. You also don’t need to be entertained 24/7 like a Millennial. You know how to entertain yourself. But with all of your in- dependent resolve, it’s important to check- in with others from time to time. It’s easy to be forgotten when everyone sees you as capable and carefree.
JUST SAY ‘NO’–Sometimes it’s bet- ter to leave things unsaid or just say “no.” When you find yourself being pulled in so many directions that you can’t take care of your own affairs, it’s likely time for a little R&R. When you’re feeling especially over- whelmed by all the demands on your time, becoming invisible could be the best thing that you can do for yourself.
TIPS FOR MILLENNIALS
SLOW DOWN–Remember when you were really young and in such a hurry to grow up? Yeah, well, here you are and it’s probably not exactly what you were expect- ing. It never is. One thing that a Gen-Xer or Baby Boomer can tell you is that the older you get, the faster time flies. Remember to slow down once in a while to savor each win and evaluate every defeat.
FORGET ABOUT THE RIBBONS–Most Millennials participated in team sports or playgroups as a kid, so seeking input and affirmation from others can seem re- ally important. But not everyone receives a participation trophy just for showing up as an adult. To experience the satisfac- tion of genuine inclusivity, try volunteer- ing in a doggy activity that doesn’t involve collecting ribbons.
SHOW SOME GRATITUDE–If you’re a Millennial, chances are your parents or guardians pampered you a little—or a lot. Thanks to their continuously kind words of encouragement, you’ve been blessed with more than your fair share of self-confidence and ambition. So to honor their invest- ment, it might be good of you to show a little gratitude to the dog show volunteers who make it possible for you to fulfill your dreams.
LEARN MORE, GOOGLE LESS–As a Millennial you are, no doubt, tech savvy. But your technological brilliance isn’t a sub- stitute for actual experience. Smart phones are neither classroom nor whelping room, and they can’t make a person “smart” just because it provides (unedited) information in an instant. If you really want to know how to do something, try doing it.
SEEK A MENTOR, BECOME A MENTOR– If you crave feedback and guidance, you would do well to find a mentor to take you under his or her wing. You don’t have to ap- peal on social media where sincere requests for advice can get lost among the passive- aggressive posts and predictably candid win photos. Instead, seek out the kind of breeder, handler or judge who is willing and able to turn an invisible protégé (you) into a notable pro (also you).
90 • ShowSight Magazine, october 2019