Many years ago, I worked as an outside salesperson selling to manufacturing, government and businesses. One rainy dreary day I was calling on a company that our company had fallen way short on expectations the customer needed and deserved. So, I humbly met with the Purchasing Manager to throw myself at his mercy and attempt to save the account. Well he wasn’t going to have it, after my apology speech and how I was going to make sure it never happened again he stood up took my business card and information I brought and tossed in trash can and told me to leave.
So, I head out the door and it’s one of those Pennsylvania winter days, gray, raining temperatures in the low forties, did I mention how happy I am now living in Florida? Anyway, I get to my car and the wool sports jacket I was wearing was wet and smelled like a dog, the car windows were steamed up and I just had my head handed to me on a platter. What a miserable day, maybe one of the worst days of my professional life.
As I am driving I am in one of the most serious pity parties for myself I have ever had. The company screwed up I didn’t, maybe I need a change, maybe I need to look for a better job, doesn’t matter this is just a terrible day! As I am driving down Main Street I get to a red light and stop, I look out the side window and there is a coffin being carried out the front door of a church followed by all the mourners. I thought I was having a bad day!
It’s probably been 30 years since that dreary rainy day but it taught me a life lesson, when you think you are having a bad day look around somebody is having a far worst day then you are! Next time a deal falls through or something in your career or personal life happens, hope you remember my story or have one of your own.
Dick Betts
National Speaker
National Director of Seminars
New Home Co-Broker Academy
717-860-3107
