THE CUNNING SALESMAN AND RECLUSIVE CEO
Businessman and writer Mark Price shares his workplace fables – true stories from the business front line that can teach us lessons about career success
TThe Cunning Salesman of Pack It All had tried time and time again to make an appointment to see the CEO of Hideout, to promote what his company could do for his businesses.
Then, as luck would have it, the Cunning Salesman found himself next to the CEO of Hideout at a charity lunch. The Salesman explained what he did, and about his company, and the CEO listened politely. They then talked about their families, and the people they mutually knew.
Halfway through the lunch, the master of ceremonies announced there was to be a raffle to raise money for the local charity. There were some
fabulous prizes, a safari, a diamond ring, a weekend in Paris and bottles of champagne and whisky.
“I’ll buy some tickets but I can’t stay to the end,” said the CEO to the Salesman. “I have to pick up my daughter from school. But it’s a good cause.”
The CEO and Salesman bought tickets and continued the conversation.
Before the draw, the CEO stood up to leave. But the Cunning Salesman had been working on a plan.
“It’s been a pleasure to meet you. If you leave me your raffle tickets I’ll let you know if you win,” said the Salesman, thinking that this would give him the chance to meet with the CEO at his office and talk about Pack It All products.
Unfortunately, the CEO didn’t have a winning ticket. But that didn’t stop the Salesman. On Monday morning, he phoned the CEO with good news and his PA patched the call through.
“I’m delighted to say you won a bottle of champagne in the raffle. I’d be happy to drop it around to you this afternoon as I’m passing by,” said the Salesman.
“How wonderful, I never win in raffles. Yes, please, drop by and we can have a cup of tea together,” replied the delighted CEO.
On the way to the CEO’S office, the Salesman stopped to buy a nice bottle of champagne. Over tea, he presented the bottle and talked about Pack It All. He won a contract.
Moral of the tale: The quick-witted will find a way.
‘Why don’t you leave your raffle tickets with me?’