“Getting there is half the fun; being there is all of it!”  Peter Sellers

In the bitter blast of early winter always comes time for some thoughtful reflecting on the philosophy of Nurturing Customer Relationships
I thought some words from one of the cinema’s masters might stimulate planning for nurturing campaigns for 2010 and in the decade of turbulence in the year(s) forecast to come in this SHIFT Age.

I believe the fundamentals of much of life are wrapped up in Peter Sellers’ classic, Being There, and ‘Chauncey Gardener’s gentle, memorable words and I thought his thoughts might bring a smile in this chilly/warm season. Jim

Memorable quotes from 30 years ago
Being There (1979) More at IMDbPro »

President "Bobby": Mr. Gardner, do you agree with Ben, or do you think that we can stimulate growth through temporary incentives? 
[Long pause] 
Chance the Gardener: As long as the roots are not severed, all is well. And all will be well in the garden. 
President "Bobby": In the garden. 
Chance the Gardener: Yes. In the garden, growth has it seasons. First comes spring and summer, but then we have fall and winter. And then we get spring and summer again. 
President "Bobby": Spring and summer? 
Chance the Gardener: Yes. 
President "Bobby": Then fall and winter? 
Chance the Gardener: Yes. 
Benjamin Rand: I think what our insightful young friend is saying is that we welcome the inevitable seasons of nature, but we're upset by the seasons of our economy. 
Chance the Gardener: Yes! There will be growth in the spring! 
Benjamin Rand: Hmm! 
Chance the Gardener: Hmm! 
President "Bobby": Hm. Well, Mr. Gardner, I must admit that is one of the most refreshing and optimistic statements I've heard in a very, very long time. 
[Benjamin Rand applauds] 
President "Bobby": I admire your good, solid sense. That's precisely what we lack on Capitol Hill. 

Ron Steiger: Mr. Gardner, uh, my editors and I have been wondering if you would consider writing a book for us, something about your um, political philosophy, what do you say? 
Chance the Gardener: I can't write. 
Ron Steiger: Heh, heh, of course not, who can nowadays? Listen, I have trouble writing a postcard to my children. Look uhh, we can give you a six figure advance, I'll provide you with the very best ghost-writer, proof-readers... 
Chance the Gardener: I can't read. 
Ron Steiger: Of course you can't! No one has the time! We, we glance at things, we watch television... 
Chance the Gardener: I like to watch TV. 
Ron Steiger: Oh, oh, oh sure you do. No one reads! 

[last lines] 
President "Bobby": Life is a state of mind. 

Morton Hull: Do you realize that more people will be watching you tonight, than all those who have seen theater plays in the last forty years? 
Chance the Gardener: Why? 

[Thomas and Johanna are watching Chance's interview on TV] 
Thomas Franklin: It's that gardener. 
Johanna, girl with Franklin: Yes, Chauncey Gardiner. 
Thomas Franklin: No, he's a real gardener. 
Johanna, girl with Franklin: He does talk like one. I think he's brilliant.