The Southwestern Company Internship Difference Blog
Over dinner at a recent family gathering, my grandfather looked at me and said, “I still can’t believe anyone bought those books from you. If you or any of your friends had shown up on our doorstep, we’d have called the police for sure.” Thanks a lot, Papa.
I ran my own business with Southwestern Company for three summers (2003-2005), and did manage to sell a few books while I was at it. I found it humorous that all these years later, my grandfather still held onto the tarnished reputation of door-to-door salespeople - despite the fact that his beloved granddaughter was one of them!
The simple fact is this: he probably would have let a Southwestern Company student dealer in had one shown up on his doorstep. I say that because Southwestern students are well-instructed and adequately trained prior to their departure onto the bookfield. These students are taught to always act professionally. This means: being respectful and courteous at all times, abiding by all county and city laws, acquiring all necessary permits, and adhering to community rules or standards. Southwestern students are instructed to be pleasantly persistent, not pushy; and assumptive, not forceful.
I am certain that there are many people with the same mindset as my grandfather. That is, until they come across a humble, polite, and sincere young person associated with Southwestern Company. My guess is that this mindset changes when a person has such a positive experience with a door-to-door salesperson. I made many, many friends during my time selling books – and I can say without a doubt that these people were glad I came by.
Unfortunately, there are several organizations which do not properly train their sales forces, and it’s these ‘bad apples’ that tarnish the bunch. But, if Southwestern continues to instill the same morals and instructions that they have been for the past 150+ years, I would only assume that the tide will slowly begin to turn, and door-to-door sellers will be greeted with open minds and open hearts.
If my grandfather opened the door to see a cheerful, friendly, and articulate young man or woman, I would bet that he’d stick around to hear the pitch.
That sounds JUST like my father. His argument was that he does not talk to telemarketers so he would never ever open the DOOR to someone if he wouldn’t even pick up the PHONE! It is unfortunate that “door to door” has a bad rep sometimes because of a negative experience had in the past with other organizations. The good news is that we are hopefully (slowly, but surely) changing that!
That’s right Lucy – one positive experience at a time. When you are doing the right thing, people still tell their friends and neighbors. The true standard of “doing the right thing” is what you are doing hen you know no one is looking. Keep up the good work!