As a student at N.C. State University many years ago, I embarked on a summer adventure that whisked me away to the picturesque and historic town of New Bern, North Carolina.
My mission was to sell Bibles door-to-door. Little did I know, this venture would lead me down a path of unexpected lessons and memorable encounters, rather than commercial triumph.
From the very first knock, it became clear that my skills as a salesman left much to be desired. Day after day, doors closed in my face, and my dreams of successful sales evaporated under the sweltering sun. My dear mother, ever supportive, had to send me money to cover the $10 a week rent for my room.
Despite my abysmal sales record, I found joy in the charm and history that enveloped New Bern. Though I failed to sell many Bibles, I succeeded in making genuine connections with the people behind those doors. Some residents, intrigued by my earnest pitch, would invite me in for a chat.
On more than one occasion, I found myself at their dinner tables, savoring hearty meals and warm hospitality. These moments of kindness were the true rewards of my endeavor, offering me a deeper understanding of community and generosity.
My summer of sales folly wasn’t in vain, for it imparted several invaluable lessons:
- Persistence Doesn’t Always Guarantee Success: No matter how hard you try, sometimes the outcome isn’t what you hoped for. Persistence is important, but it’s not the only factor in success.
- Rejection is Not Personal: Being turned down repeatedly can feel personal, but it’s often more about the circumstances or the product than about you as an individual.
- Learning from Each Experience: Every failure is an opportunity to learn.
- Building Resilience: Facing repeated failure builds resilience. It teaches you how to recover quickly and keep moving forward despite setbacks.
- Maintaining Positivity and Motivation: Keeping a positive attitude and staying motivated in the face of failure is essential.
- Importance of Self-Reflection: Regularly reflecting on your methods, attitude, and strategies helps in identifying areas for improvement and personal growth.
- Success is Multifaceted: Selling a product isn’t the only measure of success. Building relationships, gaining experience, and developing communication skills are also valuable outcomes.
Essays, Art and Plays by Dan 