How My Dad Sold Me a Fan

In the UK, we've had abnormally hot temperatures this Summer. A couple weeks ago it was 40°C or 104°F.

Despite the fact I have no air conditioning in my house, I did not rush out to the store to buy a fan like half of the London population. That was until I spoke to my dad.

"How are you sleeping in this heat?" was the first thing he asked me when I met him for coffee.

Me: "Terribly. I typically exercise 4-5 times a week but haven't been doing it at all as I'm too tired in the morning."

Dad: "You should buy a fan. Will keep you cool while you're asleep."

Me: "Never been into fans. The heat doesn't last long here so it's not worth it."

Dad: "I imagine you're feeling tired at work too as you're not sleeping well and not doing your morning exercise routine?"

Me: "Ye, that's true."

Dad: "Get this fan your mum and I have. It doesn't make much noise but keeps you super cool. These heatwaves keep returning and you want to be able to sleep so you're fresh at work and can be on good form for your clients and staff."

Sold!

The lesson here is you should sell based on challenges not on features. My dad convinced me to buy a fan not by saying "this is the leading fan on the market. It has a faster speed than any other fan and won't break for 5 years."

Instead it was about my lack of sleep and the impact that would have on my work and mental health.

PS my dad does not sell fans officially but he certainly sold me on the idea!

Be like him.