Death of a Salesman

What would you do if a doctor told you your time on Earth was short?

You would likely spend time with family, take part in all of those activities that make you happy, go through the five stages of grief, and get a few things off your chest, no doubt.

But, you would stop selling, right?

Right?

An acquaintance of ours passed away last week. I think I started hearing about how sick he was a year ago. And yet, it seems like every time I was out for a round of golf, there he was slowly chasing that little white ball. He never stopped.

When Allison and I bumped into his son on a dinner cruise in Boston, he told us his dad was still making it to the office and still prospecting for new business. When I heard he had died, that was the first thing I thought of.

What a salesman!

I didn’t know the man well enough to learn of his motivation. Perhaps optimism and the potential next sale kept him going just a little bit longer. All I know is he has my sincere admiration as a fellow salesperson. I can’t say I could have done the same.

They say “character” is what you do when no one is looking. If so, our friend showed himself to be a true sales professional.

May he rest in peace.

Bill Farquharson can be reached at 781-934-7036 or bill@salesvault.pro