Ever have one of those moments of inspiration when you suddenly need to make a giant version of an ordinary object?

This time, it was an oversized magician’s hat—on a two-day deadline for a Plano Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Sure, I could have just used a hat I recently purchased… but where’s the fun in that?

I’ve never made a hat before—but clearly, that felt like a minor detail.

So, I went all in.

What followed was a whirlwind of crafting, problem-solving, and just enough “this might actually work” optimism to keep going. I’m happy to report that not only did the hat come together—it exceeded expectations (and held its shape, which felt like a bonus win).

But here’s the real magic…

This wasn’t just about making a hat. It was about putting into practice a lesson from Dale Carnegie:
Principle 20 — Dramatize your ideas.

Because sometimes, the best way to make an idea stick… is to make it unforgettable.

And nothing says “unforgettable” quite like a giant magician’s hat making the rounds at chamber events.

Stay tuned—you never know where it might appear next.

And if you’re curious how a Dale Carnegie Training course can improve your work or personal life, I’d be happy to share more about my experience.

And if you’d like to hear my 30-second-ish pitch for Abracadabra Lawn Pest & Weed Control… well, I’ve got a hat for that too.