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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Fabiano Cid
Magic mirror on the wall, am I not the best salesperson of all?
I recently returned from a trip to Barcelona to attend what was supposed to be The Greatest
Localization Show on Earth. I had arrived in town a few days earlier to visit some clients and
attend a meeting, which after a two-week delayed honeymoon through Portugal and Spain
put me back in the “professional” mood. By the time Localization World started, I had the
stamina, I had my mojo and… I had a new suit!
My first chance to meet conference attendees was the Opening Reception at Poble Espanyol.
After seeing the picture on the website and reading the description in my guidebook, I could
not help but think “TACKY!” But I was pleasantly surprised when, after being surrounded by
the trees of Montjuïc, I saw the “synthesis of Spanish architecture, arts and crafts,
conceived for the 1929 International Exhibition.” The place was simply amazing and right
after Donna Parish completed her welcome speech, the glasses of champagne started to
dance on air. The organizers certainly knew how to throw an industry party and it was time
to move that body and network!
The Good
The first night was rather promising and, perhaps because of the bubbles, perhaps because
it was an event for the exclusive purpose of networking, people were all very friendly to me.
I started to feel there was more to it and realized I had to leave my usual shyness at the
hotel room and just go for it. It was time to play the salesperson role and interact with as
many people as possible. Business opportunities were all up for grabs and nothing was as
exciting as the possibility of closing a deal or discussing a potential partnership.
When I arrived at the conference, I was quite impressed with the choice of venue and could
already feel that the fine mood from the previous night was there to stay. With my badge
around my neck, I went d