Power to the Bold

Power to the Bold
By Don Terrill (c)2005

There are two types of people working in Nascar racing, the bold and those who were recommended by the bold.

Being the bold:

• Call the team owner at the shop - You'd be surprised how many decision makers you can get on the phone if you ask. Just be persistent.
  
• Call the owner at home - Just showing up at their home is probably over the top, but a phone call may just show you're a go-getter.
  
• Introduce yourself at trade shows - The Performance Racing Industry trade show is a great place to meet and mingle. I've seen careers launch at this yearly event.
  
• Show up at the shop - Not getting an appointment? Forget it, just show up. If you're not getting an appointment anyway, what do you have to lose?
  
• Ask someone to introduce you - This is a biggie and will get you further than any other method.
  
• Don't be shy - You can be shy and still get a job in Nascar, but it's not easy. You'll need someone to go to bat for you (see below).
  
• Don't worry about offending - Besides, the easily offended are no fun to work for anyway. Actually, you rarely see the easily offended in positions of power. A lesson here?
  

Getting recommended by the bold:

• Meet the bold - You may know them more commonly as the jerks. Say what you will, but these people will open a lot more doors than the timid.
  
• Work with the bold - To what extent you can, try to get on the same team or in the same shop with a rising star.
  
• Befriend the bold - You may think they're jerks, but I think they're the most interesting people on the planet - you never know where they'll end up.
  
• Impress the bold - You may meet, work with or become friends with the bold; but if you can't impress them, they're not going to open any doors for you.