I’ve written previously about the importance of being solutions focused and not problem focused.
This simple story is one that I’ve heard a few times now and it illustrates the above point really well.
Two shoe salesmen were sent to Africa to see if there was a market for their product.
The first salesman reported back, “This is a terrible business opportunity, no-one wears shoes.”
The second salesman reported back, “This is a fantastic business opportunity, no-one wears shoes.”
The only question that I have is, when confronted with a problem or challenge, which salesman are you?
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May 21, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Jonathan Brickman
Great story that I have read before but always worth a repost….would you mind if I reposted this on my blog? I will tie back to you. Jon
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May 21, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Darren Poke
Jon, that’s fine with me.
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May 21, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Jonathan Brickman
thanks.
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May 21, 2010 at 10:23 pm
What kind of saleperson are you? « Get Mental and Sell More!
[…] https://betterlifecoaching.wordpress.com/2010/05/21/shoe-salesmen-in-africa-a-story-about-optimism/ […]
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June 3, 2019 at 4:38 am
emily
Great story,i didn’t know about this story before.thanks for giving this kind of information, carry on this kind of good work
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