Sales story: The secret for success in business is a satisfied customer

Once upon a time, in a small, sunny town nestled in the warm heart of Florida, there was a little drug store. It wasn’t a fancy place, but it had everything you might need. One lazy afternoon a little boy walked in. He had a bounce in his step and a sparkle in his eye, like someone who knew exactly what he was up to. The boy marched straight to a stack of soda cartons, grabbed one, and dragged it over to the telephone sitting next to the counter. With a grunt, he climbed right on top of it, stretching his small arms to reach the buttons. In front of him, he unfolded a crumpled piece of paper and smoothed it out. Written in big, bold letters were the words: “A satisfied customer is the key to success!” The store owner that was behind the cashier tilted his head, watching this curious scene unfold. The boy punched in seven numbers with careful little presses, and soon, the phone was ringing. The store owner leaned closer, eager to hear what this determined boy was up to. The boy spoke into the phone and said, “Lady, can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?” His voice was bright and full of hope. A woman’s voice came through from the other end, calm and steady. She replied, “I already have someone to cut my lawn.” 

The boy didn’t flinch. He stood a bit taller on his soda carton perch and said, “Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts your lawn now.” His offer was clever, like a fisherman dangling a shiny lure, trying to hook her interest with a bargain. But the woman wasn’t biting. She answered, “I’m very satisfied with the person who is presently cutting my lawn.” The boy scratched his chin, thinking fast. He wasn’t ready to give up. “Lady,” he said, “I’ll even sweep your curb and your sidewalk so that on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of Florida.” His words painted a picture of green grass and neat edges, a lawn so lovely it could make the neighbors jealous. Still, the woman stayed firm. She said, “No, thank you. I am already a satisfied customer, and there is no price you can offer me to make a change. Thank you and goodbye.” The store owner watched as the boy set the phone down, but what caught his eye was the wide, happy smile on the boy’s face. The boy even nodded to the phone and said, “Thank you, ma’am,” as if the woman could hear his manners through the line. The store owner couldn’t hold back anymore. He stepped out from behind the counter, his apron flapping, and said, “Son, I like your attitude. I like that positive spirit, and I would like to offer you a job.” The boy turned to him, still grinning, and said, “No thanks.” The store owner’s eyebrows shot up, surprised as could be. He scratched his head and added, “But you were really pleading for one just now, I heard you!” The boy shook his head and explained, “No, sir, I wasn’t. I was just checking my performance at the job I already have. You see, if you have a satisfied customer, no one can steal them away, no matter what they promise. And I know that because I’m the one who’s working for that lady I was talking to!”