1941 - 2010
Changes? Yes
I was born in 1941; Yes, that makes me 69 years old this year. My High School graduation class just held its 50th reunion; No, I didn’t go. I have seen a lot of changes in the world since leaving high school; I don’t remember too many before that.
The 60’s
Yes; I remember the 60’s; that’s when I launched a career in selling, business and managing people. Can you spot me in the photo above? I have learned a lot about those two subjects as well in the past 50 years. It seems like a lot has changed; some changes better than others.
CLICK HERE to see Conan Obrian getting a history lesson.
41 Chevy
When I came across a 1941 Chevrolet Sales Training and Motivational Movie for managers recently, I made numerous observations. At first I was offended by the use of the terms, “He, Him, Man” and “Men” when referring to salespeople. In all fairness, that’s just the way it was in 1941. Today, women represent the majority of most company sales teams. My only purpose in mentioning this is that I would like for you to overlook that outdated language as you watch this movie. There is a very strong message in here for TODAY’S sales manager. I hope you get it.
If you missed the link above, and you manage people, you must see this movie:
CLICK HERE and then share your comments about the message I refer to.
March 23rd, 2010 at 8:31 am
I found the 1941 training video to be spot on for 2010. The way they told the story was for lack of a better word- organic and genuine. Back in the day, people were more grounded generally speaking and serve as a good example for honesty integrity and caring - supporting those around us. It was especiallly cool when the salesman manager and customer were sitting together discussing the sale together in a relaxed and open way. That customer must have felt coddled and taken care of, not jammed and exploited. I didnt feel any tension in that room, did you? And the way that the concept of knowing your product and also your competitiors was communicated as good as it could possibly be. In my business, this is so essential. I dont only sell the sizzle without a firm confidence imparted in the quality and design and usefullness of my products.I own and operate my own business, but i work with a manufacturer locally and his supporting my efforts to sell products that he makes for me makes every difference. I dont feel so alone in the world after disscussing situations with him. In contrast, i represent another companies modular steel home products, and i am litterally alone in the world, they have zero patience and give me zero time. That does not work for me or them. I cant learn about their product, which is a good one, so i cant sell it against the competition very well. You need to give a hand up to others, helping others grow. Just taking is bad Karma. Put that into action like ron recommends, it does really work. Finally- i recommend anyone to try selling cars even for just one month. That is what i did for 4 yrs in my early 20’s. It is a challenging craft that will teach you a lot. Talk about an industry where you need to know your product and your competitions inside out, where you need to focus on your customers every intimate need, satisfying their desires with honesty and integrity, and where you need to get out there and make relationships with people It was an invaluable experience.
March 24th, 2010 at 8:47 am
The pace of that film was so fast I could hardly keep up. Kidding. But the message was great! Thanks for sharing.
March 27th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Selling cars door to door. Hard to imagine!