Sales Joke of the Day (March 29) Meaning of Dreams.

Waking up on the eve of her birthday, the salesman's wife said to the salesman:  "I just had a dream that you gave me the most beautiful diamond necklace.  What do you think it means?"


"You'll know tomorrow," the salesman said with a smile.


The salesman's wife could hardly think of anything else all day.  She couldn't wait for the following morning to arrive.  As she sat up in bed on her birthday, the salesman handed her a beautifully wrapped small package.


She opened it excitedly to find a book entitled "The Meaning of Dreams."


The salesman woke up for the next three mornings on the couch.


The following year, the salesman asked his wife what she wanted for her birthday.


She responded: "Something to run around in would be nice."


So he bought her a tracksuit.


And woke up for the next three mornings on the couch.


Moral of the story.  True sales professionals know that with some customers it's best never to raise their expectations to an unreasonably high level, ever!   For once you make that extra effort that first time, after that it will be expected as the new norm.  Remember the price of mediocrity is far lower than the price of excellence.


"Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative."     -  Oscar Wilde

Sales Joke of the Day (January 1) (archives) New Year's Day.

A salesman and his girlfriend were spending a quiet New Year's Day at home, before heading out for some more festivities that evening.  In fact, Jenna, the salesman's fiance, was just waking up from a two hour nap.  "I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond engagement ring as a New Year's present. Jenna declared.  What do you think it means?"

'Aha, you'll know later tonight," answered the salesman, smiling broadly.

Later that evening, at the party, the salesman approached Jenna and handed her a small package.  Delighted and excited she tore open the package quickly.  There in her hands rested a book entitled: 'The Meaning of Dreams.'

Moral of the story.   True sales professionals know that in order to succeed long term, they must do a better job of managing the expectations of their prospects and customers.   Moving forward at a planned logical pace rather than making unreasonable promises and selling dreams permits you to move forward at a measured, profitable pace.   A pace that is much more preferred than a wild ride up and down on a roller coaster of emotions, resentment and ruined relationships.

"You can't base your life on other people's expectations."      -     Stevie Wonder