Greetings.  Driving back from a speech in Myrtle Beach I passed an amazingly curious sign.  At least it was amazingly curious to me, though I can only assume that most people fail to give it a second thought.  The sign read "ILM International Airport, Next Exit" indicating that I was only a mile from the exit for Wilmington (North Carolina) International Airport.  Upon returning to my office that evening I discovered that this relatively small and apparently well-run regional airport, with seemingly global ambitions, offered nonstop service to the following five destinations: Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, Philadelphia and Orlando/Sanford.  

Now I realize that most Americans aren't particularly knowledgeable about world geography.  Though I'm reasonably certain that readers of this blog will know that Atlanta is in the state and not the country of Georgia.  But still, isn't it a bit strange that it is possible to be an international airport without having a single flight directly to another country?  Sure we can change planes in all of these other cities and hop on an international flight, but it's not like we're the gateway to a world of foreign capitals.  In fact, we're not even the gateway to a American city west of the western corner of North Carolina.  Which kind of  makes us "international" by association.  Though it certainly beats being guilty by association.

Of course, I'm pulling your leg a bit just to get you thinking about two important ideas.  The first is that geography matters and we can–if we are honest and clever–use it to our advantage.  After all, we live in an ever-shrinking world and the people who understand its dynamics and opportunities best–not to mention where every place actually is–are at a distinct advantage.  Second, that big aspirations are often essential to getting on any map.  And the folks at ILM have chosen to be bold instead of choosing to be nowhere.  After all, who in their right mind wants to travel to and from nowhere.

Next time you're trying to do a better job of putting your company or organization on the map, think about your new friends in Wilmington, North Carolina, and what it takes to think big!  Then imagine how easy it actually is to be a "global" organization.  And for a bit more fun, you might even try to imagine what it would take to be an "intergalactic" organization.  

Being on the map matters.  Being at the center of the map is really powerful.  What are you and your company or organization doing to make the map of your industry revolve around you?

Cheers!