My guess is that I’ve signed as many or more posters than any other pro mtn biker in history. A big claim, but it is my ritual to sit down with a stack of posters after every trials show and sign free posters. Having performed more than 2000 shows, and signed anywhere from 10 to 100 posters a show, well, it’s a lot of posters! Based on my experience, he are some tips to prepare you for the next time a fan comes up to you requesting your John Hancock! If that’s not likely to happen, hope this post at least amuses you 
San Francisco Bike Expo 2011
- Mutualize the interaction, human to human, with eye contact and touch (high five or handshake). Don’t ‘check-out’ and go on autopilot, it’s not fun for you or the fan!
- Personalize it by asking for and writing their name on the poster. Make sure you ask for spelling, and if you ask if the spelling is correct afterward, know that they may say yes even thought it’s wrong, so pay attention to their subtle clues (pause in answer, pitch in voice, body language). If you make a mistake, start with a fresh poster.
- If you forget their name before writing it down (very common when presence wains), just ask them to spell it and hope you’re not busted with a response such as “B”, “o”, “b”.
- Know when to ask “what’s you’re name” or “who can I make it out to” based on whether it is a fan or an Uncle getting a poster for his nephews; this is done by sensing the level of excitement, nervousness, and facial expression.
- If the line up isn’t too long, add a quick message that applies to the age of recipient; my favorite go-to’s are “Ride ON!”, “Have fun”, or “Practice, Patience, Persistence…”. What might yours be? (I need new ideas!!!)
- Use a refillable marker to save waste, and write their name small and your signature big and bold. Strive to make both the actual signature and the execution of it an artistic expression.
- Don’t sign expensive kids clothing because you might have to answer to their parents later.
- When signing jerseys or shirts, stretch them tight, with the front and back separated so it doesn’t bleed through, and then sign with the edge of your pen so it doesn’t catch the material.
- Use a refillable water bottle to drink water from to set a good sustainability example.
- Know that the last few people you’re rushing to sign a poster for may be those that your conscious attention with may be a big deal to them even if it’s not for you. Encourage this by asking them a question and engaging.
Have you recived a poster from me before? Did I live up to these suggestions? Ride ON!
San Francisco Bike Expo 2011
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