Salesman story time.
The Lorax. Copyright: Universal Pictures 2012

Salesman story time.

Cute story.

When I started my first business, it took three years to make my first sale.

3 years!

To say I was the worst salesman on Earth would be an understatement. I was so bad I doubt I even registered on any type of scale. To start with I am a natural introvert with a slight lisp and the fact that I lack the ability to kowtow to anyone’s aspersions of grandeur; I was pretty much a non-starter.

I burned through all my savings which I had planned to use as start-up capital for 6 months. I fell behind on my mortgage and had to sell my prized motorcycle. It was actually so bad that my wife divorced me.

So why did I stick with the business?

There were a number of factors.

1.      I knew my industry. Having spent years honing my skill with some of the best minds in technology, I felt that I could develop a brilliant product capable of outperforming more established companies.

2.      I believed in my ability and in myself. The idea was something I had been working on for many years before I put it into practice. Back then, social media wasn’t a thing so I was not simply attempting to replicate the successes of other people who were making the news.

3.      The realisation that I would probably not be promoted to such a role before retirement, filled me with dread. I refuse to live a life which ends with me asking, “what if I had tried”.

Three years is a long time to make a sale. So if I knew then what I know now, what would I have done differently?

Networking: Get out there and meet people. Raise your profile and make some noise.

Visibility is key.

Social media is the gift which keeps on giving, as long as it is used for more than simply consumption. Do something AND show it. This is the one time you should stick your head above the parapet.

Delegation: Trying to do everything yourself won’t always pay off. I did everything from planning, R&D, business development, sales negotiation, product development, delivery, marketing, accounting, repairs and making coffee. Now I delegate more widely and have much more time to focus on what I am good at. And I no longer drink coffee.

Interact: You might think this is covered in networking, but it is more than that. Especially during these post-pandemic times where networking and exhibitions are much-less common than they used to be. Email and voice-notes are all well and good, but a phone-call makes a big difference. Stepping out of my comfort zone and interacting with people gave others the opportunity to do the same with me. And the more I did that, the faster the business grew.

So that’s it.

Simple really.

Three years is 36 months or 156 weeks. That is a long time. Imagine what you can do with all that time on your hands. 

With enough skill and effort you can make one sale.

...

I really miss that motorcycle.

Clark Ray

Facilitator | Coach. Change Management. Organisational and Personal Effectiveness.

1 年

I know I'm a bit late to this party, Chib, but it's such a good story I couldn't resist commenting. First of all, selling the motorcycle - what the hell?? And you don't drink coffee any more. What else has there?? I'm so glad you made it though those three years, mate. It gives me hope... but I'll never sell the bike.

Eli Markovetski

We assist companies to go global, find relevant business partners & manage new global business opportunities.

2 年

Hi?Chib, It's very interesting! I will be happy to connect.

Zan Nadeem

The Maths Tutor | You can book a lesson with me on my website | I will help your child/student get better at maths

3 年

Great article, thanks for sharing :)

Ngozi Omolaiye

Communications and Marketing Consultant| Entrepreneur| Author | Passionate about leadership

3 年

This is inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

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