Many years ago, early 2000’s, I was in the market for a high definition TV.   I went to a big box store to look at the product. When I entered the electronics section, there were about three sales folks standing around chatting with each other. None of them asked if they could help me.

After looking at several options, an older gentleman appeared and asked if he could be of assistance. Nicely dressed, probably in early to mid ’70’s age wise, and walked with a limp. He was knowledgeable, friendly, guided me toward what best fit my needs and budget, and had an all around terrific attitude and demeanor. All this happened while the other three sales people continued chatting among themselves. I ended up buying two Televisions from him that day and two more a few weeks later.

Now, none of this sounds unusual—except—-the gentleman was a stroke survivor. His limp, his speech, his difficulty using his left side, and his somewhat distorted facial features didn’t deter him  from being a helpful and knowledgeable salesperson. You could tell he enjoyed his job and enjoyed contributing to society.

My point is this. This man had an obvious physical challenge and he was somewhat hard to understand when he spoke. But, his determination and enthusiasm far outweighed his challenges.

Folks, that’s what sales is all about. Overcome your personal limitations and work hard to be successful. He didn’t work because he had to. He worked because he enjoyed it. (yes. we had a lengthy conversation) At the age of 75, he was running circles around the other sales associates. Amazingly, every time I visited that store, he was the only person I recognized. All the other sales associates were long gone.

Pete Hautem, National Sales Consultant
BillboardPlanet, LLC
1200 Mendelssohn Ave. N. Suite 211, Minneapolis, Mn. 55247
423-834-0876 (Cell Phone).

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