Four salesman - a Californian, a Texan, a Bostonian and a New
Yorker - were being interviewed for a prestigious sales job with a large
multi-national company. There was nothing to choose between them, each
was highly qualified, so the company president told them over dinner
at a luxurious hotel that he would be conducting the decisive test the
following morning. Each candidate would be asked the same question and
the one who came up with the best answer would get the job.
First in the following morning was the Californian.
"Here is your question," said the president. "What is the fastest thing in the world?"
Scarcely hesitating, the Californian replied: "A thought, because it takes no time at all. It happens right there in your mind, in an instant, and then it's gone again."
"That's a very good answer," replied the president.
Next in was the Texan. "What is the fastest thing in the world?" asked the president.
"A blink," replied the Texan instantaneously, "because you don't even think about a blink. It's a reflex."
"That's a fine answer," replied the president.
Next in was the Bostonian. "What's the fastest thing in the world?" asked the president.
The Bostonian thought for a second. "I'd say electricity, because you can flip a switch and immediately ten miles away a light will go on."
"That's an excellent answer," replied the president.
Finally it was the turn of the New Yorker. "What is the fastest thing in the world?" asked the president.
The New Yorker scratched his head and replied, "Diarrhea, because last night after dinner I was lying on the bed when I got these terrible stomach cramps and before I could think, blink or turn on the light....."
Moral of the story. True sales professionals know that in order to be successful at sales you need to always respond with the truth. Sometimes, the answer will be a "sheety" one; but if it is the truth, before your prospect can think, blink or turn on a light; they'll realize that you are honest and sincere. Customers know that sincerity builds trust, and instinctively people like working with people they know they can trust over the long haul.
OR, Sometimes you can give a real "sheety" answer in an interview and still get the job!
"Sincerity makes the very least person to be of more value than the most talented hypocrite." - Charles Spurgeon
First in the following morning was the Californian.
"Here is your question," said the president. "What is the fastest thing in the world?"
Scarcely hesitating, the Californian replied: "A thought, because it takes no time at all. It happens right there in your mind, in an instant, and then it's gone again."
"That's a very good answer," replied the president.
Next in was the Texan. "What is the fastest thing in the world?" asked the president.
"A blink," replied the Texan instantaneously, "because you don't even think about a blink. It's a reflex."
"That's a fine answer," replied the president.
Next in was the Bostonian. "What's the fastest thing in the world?" asked the president.
The Bostonian thought for a second. "I'd say electricity, because you can flip a switch and immediately ten miles away a light will go on."
"That's an excellent answer," replied the president.
Finally it was the turn of the New Yorker. "What is the fastest thing in the world?" asked the president.
The New Yorker scratched his head and replied, "Diarrhea, because last night after dinner I was lying on the bed when I got these terrible stomach cramps and before I could think, blink or turn on the light....."
Moral of the story. True sales professionals know that in order to be successful at sales you need to always respond with the truth. Sometimes, the answer will be a "sheety" one; but if it is the truth, before your prospect can think, blink or turn on a light; they'll realize that you are honest and sincere. Customers know that sincerity builds trust, and instinctively people like working with people they know they can trust over the long haul.
OR, Sometimes you can give a real "sheety" answer in an interview and still get the job!
"Sincerity makes the very least person to be of more value than the most talented hypocrite." - Charles Spurgeon
