Wise Words from Dad

My dad.  He's an extraordinary guy.  I could go on, and on, and on, and on about what makes him so extraordinary.  One day, I just may do that here.  This week is birthday week, and since I was actually born on Father's Day, my birthday and Father's Day always go hand in hand with me.  While moving, I found something pretty special from my dad.  I think it's great timing to share this with you.  (Although Father's Day in Australia is celebrated a different month in the year, we're not going to worry about that because my dad is still in the good ol' US of A.)

In 1999ish, I was in a career-searching, what am I going to do with my life, kinda mode.  My dad was a Vice-President of a distributor of building products.  He approached me about giving it a thought to interview with this company.  In his opinion, ultimately, I'd make a good salesperson.  Long story short, I sold building materials for almost 10 years becoming sort of a "roofing specialist".  Glamorous stuff, I know.  I met a lot of good people, learned a lot of great things, and made some decent money.  I'm still in sales, although now I work for a small family-owned, family-run business, and I sell shiny, sparkly, pretty little things.

Anyways........

When I started working for the same company as my dad, he'd handwritten a few pieces of advice that he learned along the way from being a salesperson, a manager, and an executive in the business.  I still have that handwritten note.  It's got some pretty valuable lessons that could be applied to many businesses and many aspects of life.

1. Be willing to perform any task assigned, with enthusiasm.
2. Regardless of how you feel, always be up & positive for the customer.
3. Treat everyone in the organization with respect - from packers, warehouse people, drivers to admin & sales.
4. Try to become knowledgeable about every product line.
5. Learn all aspects of computer system.
6. Be knowledgeable about all parts of our business.
7. Stay positive.
8. Do not be a clock watcher.
9. Follow up on inquiries - both for sales people and for customers.
10. Double check everything - orders and purchase orders.
11. Get to work a little early, and be willing to stay a little late.
12. Do not badmouth the company, especially to customers.
13. Make sure every customer feels important.
14. Be a team player - use the term we, not I

 

That dad of mine, he sure is a wise one.  I remember that he told me that he jotted this on a plane when he was going from one distribution center to another.  He admitted that sure, there's more to being a success in the business, but these were the things that quickly came to mind.  I will cherish this page always.

My dad posted this pic on facebook with the caption that read "Happy Birthday Sweet Girl. You were the best Father's Day gift ever! Love you! Dad"

 Happy Father's Day to my supportive, wise, generous, thoughtful, loving dad and to all the others that play a parental fatherly role in the lives of others.