"Talk to everybody. One person could change your life, or you might even change theirs."
Being a young high school senior with very little career direction, I thought my future was to be an automobile mechanic. At that age I was 'car-crazy!' That all changed in one night!
I went to dinner at a friend's house and met her boyfriend who was in Barber School at the time. He said that barbers could make $100 a week and never get their hands dirty.
Bingo! Sounded like a career I would like!
After much serious contemplation -- the next morning -- I signed up for Barber School.
This was a better fit for me because I've always loved talking to people and I could actually get paid while doing it!
One of my regular customers, a salesman who always drove up in his big black Cadillac wearing an Armani Suit, suggested that I might want to consider Sales. He asked: "Why limit yourself? As a salesman your money making-opportunities are unlimited."
So, armed with a big smile, an enthusiastic tongue and my Dale Carnegie Diploma, I began my career in sales with Quaker Oats Company, selling grits and Cap'n Crunch.
I continued talking to everybody, and three-years later I began selling Ladies Apparel.
Talking to everybody pays off. Break the ice! By taking the initiative, you might just discover a kindred spirit, a new friend, a mentor or even a new career!
And that, my friends, is how I went from contemplating being a mechanic, to being a barber, selling grits and winding up in apparel sales for more than 54 years.
TALK TO EVERYBODY!
