Black In Business

In business it is said, “Nothing happenings until a salesman sells something!” Today in Chicago we woke up to -2 degrees F and the wind chill is – 20 degrees F. Baby it is cold outside. It is a day when you want to stay in. For a salesman it could be a day of opportunity if the calls are made.
I started my business career at Xerox. My job was to do something called a cold call. This is when you walk into a business environment without an appointment with charm, confidence and panache, and instruct the receptionist to ask the boss if he and you could meet. We had to make 165 cold calls a week minimum. These were very difficult to do and many sales people hated them.
You would experience a ton of rejection, contempt, and oftentimes very rude people. The best salespeople found a way to make this effort fun. The best sales people did things others ran away from. When I heard the weather report I wondered about sales people and making cold calls. The term cold call had nothing to do with the weather. It was you making a call with out a appointment and often times your reception would be cold.
Sales managers all over the world tell their salesmen, after your last call, and when it is time to go home, make one more cold call. The point is going the extra mile.
I have never considered myself a great salesman but I can access greatness and have been successful in sales myself. So on a cold Chicago day I offer, a tip of my hat to salesmen trying to make something happen. I want to share with you the names of the best salesmen I have witness.
JOHN JOHNSON
Mr. Johnson was the founder of Ebony Magazine and went on to a life of wealth and fame. When Mr. Johnson visited a loan officer at a bank and inquired about a loan. The white loan officer replied, “ we do not give loans to niggers!” Today, a brother would have jumped crossed the desk and kicked butt. Mr. Johnson said, “do you know someone that will. He received a name, got a loan and the rest is history.

DON KING
The boxing promoter has made his fortune by promoting fights for the past 35 years plus. Mr. King was released from prison for murder and in the same year he had a guarantee of 10 million dollars. This money enabled him to sign champ George Forman and the “People’s Champ,” Muhammed Ali to the rumble in the jungle. Don is silky smooth and down to earth.

BARACK OBAMA
Do I need to say more? He has excited a nation and has earned to respect of both parties. His message of change may bring the biggest sale of all times.

I have met all 3 of these great salesman and 2 things stick out to me regarding what they have in common. All three are very gracious and down to earth, and all 3 have incredible confidence. As you make cold calls, these 2 traits will make your day go better. Keep Hope Alive. If you know of any great salesmen, please share their stories. What do you think of my 3?