WIN WIN

Early in the sales phase of my life I was taught to “make all the traffic will bear” when dealing with customers.  You see that on TV, you see it when dealing for an automobile; you see it every day in retail stores.  I was taught to make all I could in my business dealings, and of course the customers were doing the same; get it for the best deal possible.  It was once said that my Dad, Charlie Thomas, could sell you the shoes you walked in with and make you feel you got the best of him.  Of course like many sons, I wanted to be as much like my dad as I could.  As I changed from sales to sales and management I had an experience that changed my selling method and how I sold from then on. 

I had a customer come in and we were dealing on a piece of machinery.  Of course, like I was taught, I tried for the very best deal I could get, knowing that he was doing the same.  Eventually we couldn’t get together and negotiations stalled out.  Normally, that is where I would begin using special selling tools to convince him to accept my deal.  He said, "Pete, I know you need to make a profit but you must know that I need a reasonable price if I expect to stay in business and be able to do business with you down the road".  He said that his dad had taught him a simple way to do that.  Keep everything win-win.  You know, that really struck a chord with me.

He and I did just that on that particular day and we did so up until I sold out of the John Deere dealership in 2009.  In fact, starting that day, I looked at my deals with every customer in a different light.  I felt win-win was a pretty good philosophy, not only in business but life in general.  Now don’t get me wrong, I knew that whoever I was dealing with, either selling or buying, was going to try and get the best deal they could get, so I had to try and make the best deal for me as I could.  I also learned that a win-win deal was not always going to be possible.  Sometimes you just can’t have a win for both parties.  When that happens, you must walk away.  Perhaps even go to a different merchant, or reassess the situation and come back with a different angle.  Just as in business, one must do the same in ones personal life.  Sometimes things are just not going to work out like you have planned.

Anytime Win-Win will not work, especially in life changing situations, you must weigh every aspect, seriously consider all those involved and then give it the best effort that particular situation demands.  Buying and selling is important to all of us all on some level, but when it comes to life changing decisions, it is absolutely imperative that every effort is given to make sure you are making the best decision for all those concerned.  If walking away is the best that can be done and you have considered everything and everyone involved, walk away and continue your life . . . but always do so Win-Win.

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COMMENTS

If you cannot reach me by clicking on the "COMMENTS" link, please email me at cimarronkansas@yahoo.com with "Win Win" in the subject line.
From Leanne Lacy.  I am not concerned you will need to use my name, as I never say anything worth repeating.  lol.. Next, I like your win-win concept, especially in life changing situations.  I was also in sales, in some form or another, throughout my life.  I was quite successful, not because I had the very best price or the very best product, or that I was the most likeable.  My success stemmed from, trust.  I never promised anyone anything I could not do, and I always followed through with everything I promised.  In life, I try to do the same.  However, in life there are more emotions, more possible devastating risks and more variable, so it is harder to accomplish... but I always try my very best, as life is the most important success to attain.  Leanne Lacy.

Thanks Leanne.  Of course you are right about the devastating risks that life presents and like you say, life is the most important success of all to attain.  Pete.
 

From Becki Taylor.  I love the win-win....and the analogy of business and life. Having worked with and for my Daddy for more than 20 years I certainly can relate to what you wrote. Bob Taylor and Charlie Thomas were two peas in a pod in a number of ways.  I look forward to reading more and will be sharing with Ethel ( I know she will appreciate your eloquent writing ability).  And you know my friend, I have a few philosophies that I learned from Bob you might be interested in.  Becki Taylor.

Thanks Becki, send them to me and I will try include them.  Pete.