This weekend while doing my normal Saturday morning yard chores an older model white van pulled up. I didn’t recognize the van but the sliding door opened and out hopped a young man who could have been no more than 5 or 6 years old.
My first thoughts were he must be selling cookies or chocolate bars for his Little League team but he had nothing in hand. I was pretty sure he wasn’t from the neighborhood since it is common knowledge among the kids on the block that if the “old man” comes to the door when you ring our doorbell you won’t sell a thing. I’m almost positive the kids wait until I leave then ring the doorbell knowing my wife is a much easier sell. But I digress.
The young boy walked right up to me and introduced himself as Braden (which happens to be our oldest grandson’s name). Braden said he noticed that the numbers on our driveway had faded and asked if I would be interested in having them re-painted.
This is where my normal response of “no not today” or “we don’t need any” usually kicks in but this time was different. Young Braden had done his homework. He caught me outside and as he mentioned the faded numbers he was pointing to the driveway. There was no doubt that the numbers were nearly unreadable so I couldn’t deny the need.
I was quite surprised when “how much” popped out of my mouth.
I fully expected Braden to call his mom or dad from the van to discuss pricing but the young man had the pricing down cold. Without hesitation, Braden explained he had several options. For $15 I could get the standard white background with black lettering. But if I wanted to add a Double T or State of Texas picture that would be $20. Braden had a $25 offer but I had quit listening at that point and was admiring his polished sales pitch.
Those that know me will not be surprised that I purchased the $15 option.
Young Braden, like a pro, signaled to his parents to get out of the van and get to work. He told them the option I had selected and began overseeing their work. Once they began working he came back over to where I was standing and started telling me that when he grows up he wants to be a Driveway Sign Painter and a Car Salesman.
I have no doubt that if Braden continues to hone his sales skills and with his natural abilities he will do great at whatever he decides to sell.
I even thought about giving him a business card and telling him to come see me in a few years. He was that good!
I only wish his parents were half as good at painting as Braden was at selling.
If you were expecting the continuation of the “Signs if you are a Rabbit” post, I should have it ready this week. I was finishing up a draft of the post when I received a really good real life example of being the Rabbit from a reader. It is a much better example that I had so I will be rewriting the post this week.
And heck, a great sales pitch is better than a silly old rabbit any time.
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