This is a true story.
Johnny Carson was a famous host of a late-night TV program. He was the host of the show called “The Tonight Show”. He used to bring lot of famous people and interview them. You can see many of his programs in YouTube.
Once he interviewed a person who was named best salesman in the world. Here is how the conversation went.
JC: I understand you sold more than any other salesman this year at your firm. How about you sell me something?
SP: What do you want me to sell you?
JC: (Looks around and sees an ashtray) – Sell me this ashtray.
SP: Why would I sell you this ashtray?
JC: It is good looking. It is useful thing to have around. Lot of our guests use this.
SP: How much you think this ashtray is worth?
JC: I don’t know may be $199.
SP: Tell you what. You can have it for $50.
Nowadays, in some job interviews, stupid question like "sell me this pen/pencil" is asked. The candidate can reply similar to the above.
* There was no "salesperson" in those days. It was either a salesman or a saleswoman.
Undercutting prices is one way some startups try to 'disrupt' the market here. Not a great long-term Strategy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Rajesh. This is not a serious sales situation. This is an on the spot lite conversation.
DeleteNice post.
ReplyDeleteThe salesman is smart and has great presence of mind. He quoted a low price for the ash tray which is higher priced and the ash tray in any case was just a free item lying in the studio.
In NDA interview in India a few defense service aspirants were asked to jump from window in the interview room and the interview was being conducted in fifth floor. And smart candidates jumped from the window not outside but inside.
Such presence of mind is a great quality and makes winners.
Thanks for your comments Kirtivasan. Agree with you 100%.
DeleteLooks like one needs only presence of mind to sell:)
ReplyDeleteRenu
Thanks for your comments Renu. Yes, one need presence of mind to sell.
DeleteThe street smartness of the seller and the gullibility of the buyer are in direct proportion.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Anonymous. You absolutely correct.
DeleteThat was by KP
ReplyDeleteThank you Mr. KP.
DeleteThat is some thinking fast on his feet! And you are right about this coming in handy during job interviews
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Pooja. Yes, it will come in handy.
DeleteHeard of this show ...never saw . Honestly it's a stupid question but I think it is still doing rounds in interviews :) also hope u r well.
ReplyDeleteAm back to blog hopping after ages
Welcome back Afshan. Long time no see. Hope you and your family are doing well. Good to see you here.
DeleteSmart
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Dwiti.
Delete