Being remembered

Sometimes we do something good and are remembered but we never know about it. Here’s what happened:

When I returned from Beirut financially broke, I tried unsuccessfully to get a job. I was deemed over-qualified. Finally in desperation, I went to the car dealer where I had formerly purchased several Mercedes-Benz cars, asking for a job. The owner thought I was joking but I was serious. He said that with my experience I wouldn’t stay. I made a deal with him. I requested a demo car to drive and a monthly advance of $1,000. If for any reason I left and had not earned what was advanced to me, I would repay him. We shook hands on it and I got the job.

In my second month, I was the top salesman and he asked me to provide training to the other salesman and that included the sales manager. On the subject of closing the sale, I made the statement, “When you ask for the order, Shut up! (And I yelled the words, Shut up) The first person that talks, loses.”

Today, after all those years, I got a signature on my website from the former Mercedes Sales Manager. I copied his remark that follows:

“Mark Plummer:
Hi,Abe, Remember me from Diehl Motors way back in the early 70,s? Just came across your site and was surprised to see you. How you been? Still look good. Hope things are O.K.. Still remember your ( lay it out, sit back and shut up. Look them in the eye and first person to talk looses). Sold me a ton of cars over the past 35 years. Thanks again, Mark.”

Unfortunately, he did not leave an address where I can reach him. But he did make my day.

Good remembrance and story, Abe. Now could you write the book on how to deal with the dealers?

Jim Woods
www.ultrasw.com/jwoods

Jim,
to deal with the dealer is similar. Staying quite and allowing the other person to talk/commit themselves works. Being silent places you in control.
That lesson was demonstrated in Saudi Arabia where lots of western salesmen were there to sell their products and cash in on some of their wealth. The Saudi would remain silent. The salesman would become nervous and reduce his price. The Saudi still remained quite. And the salesman not wanting to return home without a sale, would reduce his price even more. The Saudi got a great deal. Actually, the Saudi wanted the product and would have paid the original asking price, but the salesman didn't understand the mentality and didn't have the patience required to deal in that part of the world.

Silence and patience are great weapons.

That's part of the reason silence is golden! It is quite a tribute to you that he not only remebered you, but also looked you up. Could you google him? That just might make his day!

Great post Abe, and how great to be remembered!

Good for you, Abe. And I love the idea of writing a how-to about buying cars. As a single woman, I could use it!

Good story, Abe. Shows your effort was appreciated.

Abe, that was a great story. It just goes to show that you never know when you leave an impression with someone. Good For you.

Vickie

I's cool that he remembered you. I hope he gets in touch again and leaves an addy.

Thanks to alll of you. I tried to find him but no luck so far. There are a number of people with that name but none appear to be him.

Again, late with a comment.

Abe, I love the way you told that story. I am so glad you had the opportunity to be so blessed with that remembrance. It not only made your day. You, in turn, made everyone else's by posting it.

Thank you for sharing it with us!