Joe was fired a week before Christmas. He felt like he was sucker punched by The Grinch.
“I knew cuts were coming but I never thought I’d be one of them. I’ve been doing this for 20 years. I know my customers personally. I’ve been to their kids’ plays, graduations, weddings. We’re like family. Sure I wasn’t making my numbers but no one was, and yes, I’m a little older than some, but I look pretty good and if I say so myself, I have a great attitude.
Except for the day the boss told me to pack up my things. I’m the guy who taught him the business and he was letting me go. I was angry. I asked him why me and the only answer I got back was, “We waited as long as we could.”
This is a bad time to be looking. I can’t sleep at night or focus during the day. All I do is sit around and worry. What am I going to do? Who’s going to help me? This company is all I know.”
Joe, it’s time to make a plan and work your plan. First of all, what do you do well?
“I sell. I can sell anything to anybody.”
What makes you such a good salesman?
“I’m interested in what people say.”
How do you get them talking?
“I ask them to tell me about the good stuff in their lives, about what’s working for them. Then I ask them what’s missing; what do they need to make their lives better. That’s when I really start listening. And sure enough, when I listen long enough and hard enough I start hearing how my products and services can help them get what they need or get them where they need to be.
Timing is important. If I start selling too soon they feel like that’s my game; that I’m in it for me and not for them. If I wait too long they change the subject, and I lose my opportunity.
Now all that’s over. I lost my job. I have to do something else, I just don’t know what.
Not so fast, Joe. You gave me a great answer to what do you do well.
Here’s another question for you; where would you like to work?
“I’d like to work where people care about what people need, not just what they want. Technology is important; progress is always important, speed is important but if it’s all at the expense of quality, integrity, and the end user, it’s not sustainable.”
Joe, what’s the best way to find businesses where people count and relationships matter?
“I have lots of friends and acquaintances, folks I’ve known for years, who can help connect me to people with shared values and places where I can make a difference. And they’ll do it, too, I just have to ask.”
You’re right, Joe. You just have to ask and use your relationship-making, get folks talking skills and you’ll find your way to your next job.
“Think so?”
I know so.
