I’d like to introduce you to Mike. Mike is a man who is deeply satisfied in his vocation. Yet, he is in a job that most people consider distasteful. In fact you could say, most would call it a job that no one would aspire to, and even fewer, respect.
But Mike believes that he is using his gifts and talents to make a difference and help others.
Did you guess what his profession is? I doubt it! Mike is a used car salesman. And I met him at a business function last night for my husband’s company.
How can that be?!! That a used car salesman impressed me so much that I absolutely have to tell you about him?!
Trust me! This is good….
Mike has two undergraduate degrees and a masters in Psychology. When he was deciding on a career, he determined that whatever he did – he would have to make a difference. Mamma was proud! He wanted his influence on the world to mean something. After college he worked for a month in a car dealership and sold the average amount of cars that salesmen sell, made a pretty good paycheck, but he didn’t really like it. Go figure!
So, he moved on to something else. After a short stint at another job, Mike reevaluated his opportunities at the dealership. He said he realized a couple of things.
“I looked back on that month of selling cars and realized that I had made a pretty decent paycheck. I was able to interact with people and help match them with a car they wanted, liked, or needed. And I realized that if I were to go back and put 100% in, I could really make a good living and make a difference. In considering the possibility of going back to selling cars, it was important to be all in and be the best. Nothing less would suffice.”
And so, Mike made up his mind and became a used car salesman. In his interview, he asked the manager what the highest monthly sales any one salesman had ever achieved. “Twenty-Seven,” replied the manager.
“Then I’ll sell 30!” was Mike’s reply. On the last day of the month Mike had sold 27 cars and just before closing within the last few hours of the night – he closed 3 more deals. He hit his goal!!
Although his perseverance and persistence were impressive, what impressed me most about Mike was his philosophy. He truly believes he is helping people. Refusing to take advantage of anyone, Mike tells his customers right off the bat that he isn’t there to sell them a car. He asks them what their needs are, what their interests are, why they are there. In response to the customer, Mike then helps to meet their needs, their interests and their budget. If he can’t help them, he tells them straight up. If he can, he becomes their friend as they recognize Mike is genuinely interested in helping them personally.
Intrigued by this man who had turned a career that most deem dishonorable, into a meaningful calling, I continued asking Mike questions.
As Mike shared, I thought of you! I wished you could hear him share his philosophies and strategies because we can all learn from them and apply them to our careers, our goals, our missions.
Here they are in a nutshell:
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Do what you do because you love it and believe you’re helping people.
Use your gifts and talents to touch others. You can make a difference if you realize that in every job (even one like a used car salesman), and in every interaction you have the ability to touch other’s deeply for their benefit.
2. Give it your all
“Don’t just show up,” as Mike put it, “Show up and give your best.” At the end of giving your best effort is a feeling of deep satisfaction.
3. Push past discouragement and those who try to trip you up
There will always be hurdles. When Mike declared that he would sell 30 cars his first month, the naysayers were popping out of the woodwork. Sometimes self doubt is our greatest enemy. Whatever mask it wears, push discouragement aside and show it what you’re made of.
4. Listen to people’s hearts – evaluate their needs and be honest about your ability to help them
This should be number 1 on my list. When we reach beyond ourselves to genuinely help others – life is in its proper order. Even when things don’t go our way, a life lived with proper priorities is satisfying and rich.
5. Encourage others along the way coming up behind you.
Mike made sure to share his wisdom with others. As a top salesman, he trains other salesmen in the same principles he has applied. And though I think he should be hosting Ted Talks, he is impacting those around him. As we reach out to encourage others with the experience we’ve gained, we can spur others along to surpass us in their quest to make a difference. It inspires a snowball effect!
What impressed me most about Mike was his passion. He had raised the bar on what most people consider a mediocre job; and he was proud of his job. He had turned customers into friends and spurred others on to make a positive impact as well.
As we said goodbye, I realized that I had just met one of the hidden treasures in the world – a man who may not get the kudos others receive – but one who makes the world a better place by pursuing his passion – making a difference in those around him.
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If you’re a blogger and you’d like to linkup your articles this week please click on the blue button below. Be sure to visit at least two other bloggers and say hello! Let’s use this party to build friendships and encourage one another! Have an amazing week friends!
Jamie@TheMomGene says
“Be honest about your ability to help them” is probably the hardest one for me. I tend to try to do MORE than I could or should when really what I need to do is admit that I can’t fix the problem or fill the need.
Char says
I tend to want to help solve everyone’s problems more than I can too!
Yvonne Chase says
I thought he was a sanitation worker until I read further. What’s wrong with being a used car salesman? I had no idea that came with a bad name. Kudos to Mike. He reminds me of a friend who people say could be doing more because of her education and credentials but she’s found what she loves to do and gives it all she’s got daily. Like Mike, at the end of the day, she is fulfilled.
Char says
Exactly! I think used car salesmen are thought of as “not the most honest or honorable” people. But we can use our gifts and passions where ever we are!
Michele Morin says
Thanks for sharing Mike’s story. It helped me to be really clear that calling looks different for everyone.
Char says
So true Michele. And it’s great to know that God calls people to do jobs I’d never want to do!
Debbie Putman says
Great tips learned in unexpected places leave a lasting impression. Thanks for sharing this story.
Char says
Very unexpected…and a blessing for me Debbie. Thanks for reading and stopping in each week.
Carri says
What an inspirational man! I really appreciated the insights he shared about personal integrity.
Char says
Me too!! Thanks for stopping by Carrie.
Jas @ All that's Jas says
More people should be like Mike. Thanks for the great party and have a fabulous day.
Char says
Hi Jas,
I agree wholeheartedly! Mike’s attitude was refreshing! Thanks for stopping by!
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for the opportunity to share my links Char. Have a blessed week!
Char says
You too Marilyn!
Gayl says
Love this story and the five points you made!
Blessings to you!
Char says
Thanks Gayl, have a great week!
Robin says
If everyone would have the same philosophy when dealing with others. I love these tips! Doesn’t it always come down to doing what’s best for the other person and checking our own motives and intentions? Thank you for sharing Char – great post!
Char says
Right!? Yep – genuinely caring for others is the bottom line.
Lisa notes says
Thank you for introducing us to Mike! I love when God sends “ordinary” people into our lives, only to uncover them as extraordinary. Mike sounds like one of those people for sure.
Jerralea says
Char, thanks for sharing Mike’s story! I love hearing about ordinary people who embrace their calling. Car salesman are needed as much as anyone else! After all, we all want wheels, right? We need someone to help us through the process.
Plus, it is so refreshing to hear of someone who enjoys their work!
Char says
You’re right – we need wheels! And it’s so refreshing to know that sometimes people we least expect are the most impactful!
Donna Reidland says
What a delightful post! My husband was in sales before going into the ministry and he had the same kind of philosophy. Friends who still work at the company say his records have never been broken. People bought from him because they trusted him. He really cared about them and they could tell. Many times he’d come home having sat and prayed with someone and shared God’s truth about their situation with or without a sale. He loved it and felt like God was giving him the choice of whether to stay in sales or go into ministry and would bless either one. In the end, we felt ministry was the right choice, but it was a sweet time for him.
Patrick Weseman says
A very nice post. I have always told my kids that making a difference in people’s lives is more important than money.