Lesson Sixty-Four: Take Me Out to the Ballgame

It's bedtime. In honor of the opening week of baseball season, I sing a gentle, lullaby version of "Take me out to the ballgame" to my son Toby.

On weekends I sport a Seattle Mariners baseball cap. I've kept it on all off-season as a small vigil to the coming season. The winter is long and lonely without the crack of the bat and daily update of statistics. (In baseball they measure everything. I've found it to be good marketing advice as well.)

Occasionally someone will strike up a conversation about my team. In fact, just the other day as I waited in line up a fellow customer asked, "What do you think of those Mariners?" pointing to my hat. I could see he was just making conversation to pass the time. But I couldn't help myself as I launched into an in-depth analysis. (They've upgraded in left field, and third base. They lost Sele but I don't think he was a gamer. I think Baldwin will surprise some people if he stays healthy. But what will be key is if Boone can repeat last year's numbers....)

When I finished speaking I got a blank stare and a vague, "Oh yeah, I don't really follow that closely."

Passion is singular.

Unless you are a true blue baseball fan, you don't want to talk to me about it. I will bore you with useless insight and far-from-expert opinion. My wife Jess will tell you, it is horrid. But I can't help it.

When you talk about your business, are you like me when I talk about baseball?

Do yawns abound? Do you answer questions that weren't asked? Does your knowledge get met with a blank stare and an awkward moment of disinterest?

It probably happens more often then you think. But don't feel bad.We all do it. Most often it happens when we sell. Have you ever given a prospect information he didn't ask for, and complicated his decision with choices he doesn't need?

I'll make you an offer. I will pledge to control my outburst of Mariner-trivia, and baseball enthusiasm, it you will control yours. Is it a deal?